The present study was conducted among the Kani tribal settlement area in Puravimalakadavu of Amboori village, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala to document, study and quantify their traditional knowledge on the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of various animal ailments. Information was collected using different modes of interviews and survey questionnaires from local people, Pashuvaidhyars (local healers) and veterinary healers. Plants used for ethnoveterinary practices were recorded systematically. From the study a total of 34 ailments were analyzed through routine interviews from 30 informants. More data is obtained from people between the age group 50 -70. A total of 110 plants, representing 55 families and 1 representation from pteridophyte were reported to have medicinal values extensively being used by Kani tribes for treating animal diseases. Fabaceae was the mostly reported family, with 11 species and 11 genera. Leaf was the part used mostly to prepare medicines in the form of paste. The most widely used media in the preparation and administration of medicines was found to be water. Topical application was more preferred in the mode of administration. The study, opened vast vista of knowledge the Kani tribes are having, about their ethnoveterinary practices and about the highly diverse precious plants in an unexplored area of Kerala.

Kani tribe, ethnoveterinary survey, informants, traditional medicine, Western Ghats

The traditional knowledge of Kani tribal community is diminishing because of social, cultural and economic changes. Conservation and protection of traditional knowledge is mandatory for the future generations. The indigenous plant species are becoming endangered nowadays. Documentation of this knowledge is important and valuable for upcoming generations, communities and pharmacological studies. The main peculiarity of medicinal plants is that they have no side effects and are cost effective. It reduces microbial resistance and lowers the antibiotic residues in dairy and poultry products. In modern medicine, livestock animal diseases are cured using antibiotics which causes the accumulation of chemical residues in livestock products, which are highly toxic to humans. India is one of the world's largest milk producers. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics and other veterinary medicine in dairy animals lead to high veterinary drug residues in the various animal products which can ultimately lead to lethal diseases. This calls out for the immense scope of ethnoveterinary medication in our country, showing how important is the field of ethnoveterinary practices. This study also threw light on the vast knowledge of Kani tribes about their ethnoveterinary practices which can be adopted and popularized by the entire world. It has also opened new vistas about the wide range of precious plants in an unexplored area of Puravimalakadavu (Amboori), Kerala, which can be used for ethnoveterinary medications. The immense floral diversity of this area needs to be protected and conserved for the upcoming generations. The findings highlighted a holistic approach to animal healthcare that integrates traditional wisdom with modern veterinary practices. Promoting the conservation of medicinal species and supporting community led knowledge transmission will not only improve animal health in rural areas but also safeguard the aspect of precious cultural heritage. The present research work indicates the need for conservation of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge owned by Kani tribes of this area. This study can also contribute much to the field of ethnomedicine which is an emerging branch in modern medicine. From the aging demographic of knowledge holders, it has been found very urgent to record, preserve, and validate these practices through pharmacological and ethnobotanical research. In conclusion, the study not only preserves the cultural heritage of the Kani community but also opens new horizons for sustainable animal healthcare, biodiversity conservation, and the development of eco-friendly veterinary alternatives with global relevance.

Gayathri B.P., Gayatri G.P., Pooja L.N., Manoj Kumar A., Shyam Kumar S., Hyzil J.B., Smitha C.K. and Asha Ramachandran (2025). A Survey of Ethnoveterinary Practices and Herbal Remedies Used by the Kani Tribes of Puravimalakadavu (Amboori), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Biological Forum, 17(9): 27-38.