Loss of Diversity of Some Medicinal Plants in Achanakmar Sanctuary, Chhattisgarh, India

Achanakmar Sanctuary (557.55 km2 of forest area) was surveyed to study the loss of diversity of medicinal plants. Before a decade back this area was known as germplasm but after getting the knowledge, importance and economic value of a particular species of a medicine much exploitation has been done. Due to severe exploitation as study envisages the number of species found endangered from above four study sites. The species are Rauwolfia serpentina, Gloriosa superva, Dioscorea floribunda, and Zeranium species. So far heavy demand and supply is concerned the area should be fully protected and conserved through in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategy for remaining species of medicinal plants.