Wild food resource utilization in tribal communities of south Gujarat

The southern part of Gujarat is rich in terms of forest resources and home for many ethnic communities. Present study was conducted to document the collective knowledge of wild edibles possessed by selected ethnic communities of south Gujarat. Information on use of wild edibles were collected mainly from Dhodia, Kukna, Varli, Gamit and Naika communities South Gujarat. The 40 wild food plant species of 21 families are commonly consumed by these communities. Study helped to document the various wild food sources like tree based food, tuber, leafy vegetables, fruits, bulb, pods, seeds, nuts, mushroom and young shoots. The Varli, Kukna and Gamit communities have adequate knowledge of wild plants and making maximum utilization. The generated baseline data through present study will be helpful for prioritization of conservation through sustainable use and management of the resources. Community based conservation efforts will be more effective way for resource management and maintaining the ethnic food culture of the communities in long run.