Ethnoveterinary Important Plants in Kulathupuzha Reserve Forest Area, Kerala

India is rich in ethnic diversity and traditional knowledge that has resulted in a considerable body of ethno botanical research, of which one study has revealed a deep understanding of medicinal plants supported by high consensus. Ethanobotany means the studies of plants used by primitive people living in rural and forest areas. Rural people of the study area have strong relations with the surrounding environment. Traditionally this treasure of knowledge has been passed on orally from generation to generation without any written document and is still retained by various indigenous groups around the world. Kulathupuzha, part of the southernmost reserve forests of the State, falling in the SOI sheet No. 58 H/1. Kulathupuzha reserve covers an area under 1000 km2. Its forest constitutes predominantly of tropical wet and semi evergreens and moist deciduous types mainly of teak, eucalyptus and acacia. It is one of the tribal settlements in Thenmala Forest division. Kani is the common tribe residing this area. An ethno medical survey was undertaken to collect information from traditional healers on the use of plants in animal. The indigenous Knowledge of local traditional healers and the native plants used for medicinal purpose were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips. The tribal community has contributed greatly to the health of cattle by using plants and plant products. Due to the richest biodiversity in Kulathupuzha there are nearly 45 plants were noticed as ethnoveterian importance and is used to cure various diseases in animals. The documented medicinal plants were mostly used to cure skin disease, in wounds, indigestion etc. The study showed that many people in the studied parts of Poonch district still continue to depends on medicinal plants at least for the treatment of there cattles. Plants have been used in traditional medicine for several thousand years. Documenting the indigenous knowledge through studies in important for the conservation and utilization of biological resources. Ethnobotany is not new to India because of its rich ethnic diversity.