Setting conservation priorities for mimosoides of medicinal importance in Northern part of Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Katsina State is experiencing rapid desertification, primarily caused by factors like habitat destruction from human-made disasters such  as military operations against insurgents, conversion of land for housing due to population growth, and extensive logging for fuel and  construction purposes. These factors are significantly endangering the diversity of medicinal plants in the region. In this study, an  attempt was made to document the ethnobotanical knowledge, cultural importance and vulnerability index of some highly utilized  Mimosaceae species of Katsina with a view of proposing conservation priorities. Semi-structured questionnaire method was employed to  obtain information on the cultural utilization of the species from purposively identified respondents. Results revealed that 12 Mimosoid  species are utilized for seven (7) cultural purposes (medicine, fuel, technology, fencing, ornamental, ink production and tanning). Cultural  Importance Index revealed that the species are mostly used for medicinal purpose and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC)  revealed that Vachellia nilotica is the most widely used species for that purpose. Leaves appeared to be the most frequently used plant's organ and medications were mostly prepared as decoction while oral was the most common route of administration. Vachellia sieberiana  had the highest Vulnerability Index followed by Vachellia nilotica, Vachellia seyel and Senegalia hockii. Conservation efforts  toward protecting these species from becoming lost are strongly recommended.