The Indian Himalayan Region is known for its diverse medicinal plants, which are used to treat various diseases/ailments. However, studies are lacking on medicinal plants specific to the catchments or watershed regions. This study investigates the diversity of medicinal plants in the Baagi and Munjhag Catchments in Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya. The study recorded 580 species with medicinal properties, categorized into 124 families and 375 genera. The most frequently used plant part was leaf (150 spp.), followed by roots (113 spp.), whole plant (87 spp.), seeds (52 spp.), flowers (49 spp.), fruits (43 spp.), and shoots/stem (31 spp.), respectively. Of the total species, 137 species were used for gastrointestinal disorders, 134 for dermatological issues, 128 for musculoskeletal and pain conditions, 91 for respiratory ailments, and 63 for fever. Total 236 species were native to the Himalayan Region, 6 species endemics to the Himalayan region, 90 species near endemic to the Indian Himalayan Region, and 576 species were threatened. The rapid decline in the populations of many species may be attributed to overexploitation and habitat degradation. Frequent monitoring of the species using standard ecological methods has been suggested

Baagi & Munjhag Catchments; Diversity, Medicinal Plants, Indigenous Uses, Native, Threatened, Conservation

The Indian Himalayas are known for their medicinal plant richness. The present study in the Baagi and Munjhag Catchments, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, showcases a remarkable diversity of medicinal plants, with 580 species documented, highlighting the region's rich ethnobotanical heritage. The local communities, especially the elderly, tribal groups, and women, rely heavily on these plants for traditional healthcare, valuing them for their accessibility and cost-effectiveness compared to modern medicine. However, the over-exploitation of these resources, coupled with habitat degradation and climate change, poses significant threats to their sustainability. The presence of numerous threatened and endemic species underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts. Effective policies must be implemented to promote sustainable practices, including the cultivation of medicinal plants and community awareness initiatives. Collaboration among various stakeholders is essential to ensure the preservation of these valuable resources, which are crucial not only for maintaining traditional medicinal practices but also for enhancing rural livelihoods and biodiversity conservation

Anjana Sharma, S.S. Samant and Lalit Mohan Tewari (2025). Diversity, Indigenous Uses and Conservation Status of Medicinal Plants in Bagi and Munjhag Catchments of District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, North Western Indian Himalaya, India. Biological Forum, 17(6): 64-86