Documenting potential ethnoveterinary knowledge from the indigenous communities of Cold Desert of Ladakh: A trans-Himalayan region of India

Background: The study was conducted in the cold-arid region of Ladakh to evaluate important ethnoveterinary medical plants used by indigenous inhabitants and understand traditional methods herbal preparation locally treat livestock ailments. Methods: Ethnobotanical survey carried out 15 villages region. A total 105 informants (83 men 22 women) between ages 40-90 years were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires survey. data analyzed use-value (UV) informant consensus factor (ICF). Results: 25 plant species genera 14 families enlisted, which are various ailments inhabitants. Fabaceae Asteraceae most represented with highest number (5 each), followed Lamiaceae (3 species) Apiaceae (2 species). Based on taxonomic characteristics, 92% herbs, whole (51%) commonly parts. medicinal based higher Thymus linearis (UV=0.48), Cicer microphyllum (UV=0.31), Corydalis govaniana (UV=0.24). recorded for respiratory, viral, health-related disorders (ICF=1). Conclusion: Livestock plays a significant role enhancing socio-economic status local Documentation this knowledge provides more substantial chance educate younger generations help perseveration future innovative research these plants. Necessary initiatives should be taken at government public levels cultivate preserve endangered species. Keywords: Medicinal plants, Traditional knowledge, diseases, Indigenous communities,