Appraisal of ethno-ecological incentives to promote conservation of Salvadora oleoides Decne: The case for creating a resource area Original Research Article

The ethno-botanical and ecological values of Salvadora oleoides, a species occurring in endangered tropical thorn forest of Punjab, are evaluated to provide a rationale for the conservation of its remaining remnant in an arid tract. Past details were collected from the literature and additional information is based on interviews enumerating its cultural and ethno-botanical importance. Preliminary observations were made to identify its pattern of interaction with its environment at a site suggested for its in situ conservation. It seems that S. oleoides does not carry an obvious ‘price-tag’ but it is important in stabilization of the fragile arid tract and provides fodder and shelter to the wildlife and livestock, and fruit, medication and recreation to the inhabitants of the surrounding areas.