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Alwar district is situated in north east part of Rajasthan and Aravali hill pass in this district. This region is rich in phytodiversity especially in medicinal plants. A floristic survey of ethnomedicinal plants occurring in sacred groves of Thanaganji, Behrore,NarayanpurAlwar road, Kathumar and Pandupole areas of Alwar district of Rajasthan was conducted. The information of medicinal value of plants are based on the exhaustive interview with village headmen, priest and others. During survey 54 species and 48 genera were enumerated from these sacred groves. Some selected plants species are used extensively by local people. Sacred groves are forest patches conserved by the local people interwined with their social-cultural and religious practices. These forest patches are example of traditional bio-diversity conservation methods since anceint time. The objective of this research paper was to collect data of sacred groves at Alwar district. Trees in sacred groves serve a variety of ecosystem functions including biodiversity conservation, removal of atmospheric pollutants,oxygen gas, preventing of soil erosion and ground water recharge. During survey of this areas such as Thanaganji, Behrore, Kathumar, Alwar road naranpur and pandupole was enumerated 37 sacred species and 34 genera. Some areas of these sacred groves are taboo but some are not.

The present study was conducted in several miniature sacred groves to document floristic diversity and conservation status and to highlight botanical significance.

Phytodiversity is thus indeed commonly used to describe the number, variety and variability in plants (Vyas and Sharma, 2014). And the community of plant plays a pivotal role in sustainable management by maintaining biodiversity and conserving the environment (Farooquee and Saxena, 1996). Medicinal plants play a vital role in providing health care to human being. The demand for medicinal plants is increasing in both developing and developed counties. Indigenous traditional medicine has played a vital role in the discovery of novel products from plants as chemotherapeutic agent (Katewa 2009).Earlier sacred groves were indicator of the phenomenon of ethno-environmental management. Our ancestors were fully aware that the natural resources that sustained them must be conserved for the sustenance of future generations. But, at present, fast growth of infrastructural facilities and on-farming activities is the prime cause of deteriorating quality and status of the groves (Sambandan and Dhatchanamoorthy, 2012)

The field survey approach of study of ethnobotany plays a vital role because of the direct contact that can be established with the authentic information on the uses of plants both wild and cultivated. These plants are used for purpose of food, fodder, medicine, drugs, agricultural implements, hunting, narcotic, gums, dyes and food etc.

Sacred groves are a group of trees or a patch of vegetation protected by local people through religious and cultural practices evolved to minimize destruction (Pareek & Trivedi, 2011). Sacred groves are known different name to different areas specially in Rajasthan such as Orans, Kenkris and Jogmaya. Most of the people of Alwar district are following their ancestral religion and conserving the sacred groves as a part of their tradition and cultural. In recent years, people needs and greed have resulted in a weakening of religious beliefs, and these virgin tracts patches are on the way to extinction. There is an urgent need for extensive research studies on plant diversity and conservation.  However, there have been several studies carried out by various researchers on this subject, highlighting significant role and potential of the sacred groves (Kandariet al., 2014; Ray and Ramachandra 2010; Singh et al.,1998).But till date no detailed work is reported on sacred groves of Alwar region of Rajasthan. Therefore, the present study presents a study on phytodiversity in and around the sacred groves of Alwar districts of Rajasthan,

Methodology

The study area is  Alwar district that is located on eastern part of Rajasthan. Alwar district is situated 27’20 N-76’23 E and 27’34 N-76’38 E latitude. Aravalli hill lies from north to south region. This area, topological has prominent natural feature rich varied and crowded. Sariska national park is located in Alwar district. It is a not only second national park but also a Tiger reserve centre. This area is covered by mainly scrub-thorn arid forest, dry deciduous forest, rocks and grass. The dominant tree in the forest are dhok, salar, gol, ber, arjun, gular, and shrubs are such as kair, aduska and jharber etc.

The methods of collecting information about the plants was based on personal interview with backward people of various ages of the region from sacred groves. The data collecting was compared and cross linked with already available data to ascertain its validity and integrity. Ethnobotanical data was collected along various lies in different manners by enquire, observation and interview.

The methodology used for collecting the ethnobotanical information was put into following categories

(1)Direct methods – this included the field survey among areas of Alwar district

(2)Indirect methods-it included collection of information from Result, museums and herbarium etc.  
Data collected of sacred groves and ethnomedicinal plants from some area of Alwar district such as Thanganzi, Behrore, Narayanpur road alwar, Pandupole  and Kathumar. In this area 48 sacred groves were studiedThanagangi 25, Behrore 4, Narayanpur road 7, Pandupole 2, and Kathumar10.

S.N.	Area Name	No. of Sacred Groves
1	Thanaganzi	25
2	Behrore	04
3	Narayanpur road alwar	7
4	Pandupole	2
5	Kathumar	10

Significance of sacred grove

Sacred groves play an important role in environmental conservation and maintain balance in nature. The conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem is of utmost importance for survival of the human race itself and same is ensured by the sacred groves. Most Sacred groves are closer to agricultural fields and are home to various birds and insects responsible for cross-pollination. The snakes and reptiles living in Sacred groves keep a check on rats. The birds living in Sacred groves control the insects which are harmful for crops. The birds get pesticide free food from sacred groves.
The wild cattle can get enough food in such groves and will not necessitate them to enter agricultural fields. Transpiration from a large number of plant species in Sacred groves creates a cool and breezy microclimate in the area. Improve ground water level.
Sacred groves act as natural shelter belts and prevent soil erosion. Sacred groves in urban areas help in controlling air pollution.
Sacred groves are home to medicinal plants which are used in the local medicine system for primary healthcare for both humans and cattle. Sacred groves also offer genetic stock of wild relatives of cultivars which may help agricultural scientists in crop improvement strategies. Sacred groves are the places of ritual and social gathering which gives rise to a healthy social life. As all locals gather there for religious festivals. It creates an environment of peaceful co-existence and promotes a sense of brotherhood among locals. Sacred groves also provide space for grazing of livestock and fuel wood collection. Collection of minor produce like fruits of Zizyphusnummularia, Capparis decidua, Salvadoraoleoides and also branches of Boswellia serrata are used to construct mandap for marriage ceremonies.

Area and legal status of many sacred groves are not clearly defined. This results in conflicts among sacred grove managers.Encroachments by slow and gradual shifting of boundaries by adjacent land owners. Over exploitation of resources by excess fuel wood collection. Overgrazing in these protected areas.Change in value system has led to degradation of sacred groves as people no longer protect them. Dumping ground of plastic waste, especially post marriage functions. Invasive species, Soil mining, Unscientific afforestation /tree plantations are some of major threats to the sacred groves.

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