Abstract

Ethnobotany bridges traditional knowledge and scientific research by documenting plant uses in human and animal healthcare. The present study investigates ethnoveterinary plant uses among the rural communities of Nawalgarh, district Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, India. Although ethnobotanical documentation exists for human medicinal use in Rajasthan, systematic studies focused on ethnoveterinary practices in Nawalgarh are limited.1-3 This research identifies plant species used by livestock keepers to treat common ailments in cattle, goats, sheep, horses, and camels; categorizes ailments; assesses frequency of use and perceived efficacy; and discusses conservation implications. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and field observations among 120 informants (herders, farmers, traditional healers) between 2023–2025. A total of 54 plant species from 28 families were documented with detailed usage patterns. Results reveal continued reliance on traditional veterinary remedies, often driven by accessibility, cost, and cultural belief. The study underscores the need to integrate ethnoveterinary knowledge into sustainable animal health strategies and promote conservation of medicinal flora.

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