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Floral biodiversity: a question of survival in the Indian Thar Desert

Author

Listed:
  • T. I. Khan

    (University of Salford)

  • S. Frost

    (University of Salford)

Abstract

The Thar Desert of North-west India has sprung into prominence recently because of nuclear testing in 1998. It occupies about 3 million km2 of diverse habitat. Each of the various habitats and landforms in the desert supports distinctive plants. 682 plant species have been identified including 107 grasses. Plants are removed for fuel, fodder, fencing and other farming, domestic and commercial purposes. There are about 200 species of plants with recognised medicinal uses in the desert. The medicinal usefulness of others is yet to be established. Commiphora wightii, Withania somnifera and Urginia indica have high glycoside content and are valued for gums and used in ayurvedic medicines for enhancing mental retention and memory enhancement. Such plants are being indiscriminately exploited for fuelwood.

Suggested Citation

  • T. I. Khan & S. Frost, 2001. "Floral biodiversity: a question of survival in the Indian Thar Desert," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 21(3), pages 231-236, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envsyd:v:21:y:2001:i:3:d:10.1023_a:1017991606974
    DOI: 10.1023/A:1017991606974
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    Cited by:

    1. T.I. Khan & Anil K. Dular & Deepika M. Solomon, 2003. "Biodiversity Conservation in the Thar Desert; with Emphasis on Endemic and Medicinal Plants," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 23(2), pages 137-144, June.

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