Study of Medicinal Plants of the Chitral Gol National Park (CGNP) with Special Emphasis on Future Conservation and Sustainability

Medicinal plants play an important role in the healthcare system, livelihood, and economy hence it is used by large number of people in every corner of the world. Most of the local inhabitants are unaware of the sustainability of these plants and handling them carelessly during plucking process that lead to permanent damages to these precious natural source of healthcare. In this regard, national parks play a crucial role in the conservation of such plants. This chapter aims to evaluate medicinal plants and assess their conservation status in the Chitral Gol National Park (CGNP). Conservation status was assessed by applying Rabinowitz’s rarity classes. Total 37 medicinal plants were reported that belong to 24 families and 35 genera. The result of conservation status revealed that 8 species were abundantly present in the park. Two species (Astragalus chitralensis and Trachydium roylei) were rare, while (Juniperous excelsa and Prunus dulcis) were declared as vulnerable in the region. Remaining 22 species were endangered inside the park. It was concluded that a variety of medicinal plants are present inside the park, but they are not conserved. Their population is not well-flourished due to anthropogenic and changing environmental factors. It is recommended to establish cultivation sites in the park where important medicinal plants are growing. Local people must be trained to create Mini Parks of medicinally and commercially important plants in their own land to minimize the pressure on the park’s flora.