Ethnobotanical and conservation assessment on medicinal plants at Zegie Peninsula and neighboring islands of Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background : Ethiopia is part of the East Afromontane biodiversity hotspot and harbors rich ethnobotanical knowledge closely linked to high plant diversity. In the Zegie Peninsula and the monastic islands of Lake Tana, medicinal plants remain central to primary healthcare and local livelihoods. However, increasing anthropogenic pressure threatens both medicinal plant resources and associated indigenous knowledge systems. This study documents medicinal plant diversity as well as their use patterns, and assesses threats to plant resources and knowledge transmission in the bioculturally unique and important ecosystem network at the Lake Tana region. Methods : Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and guided field walks. Informant consensus factor (ICF) was calculated to assess agreement on plant use among disease categories. Fidelity level (FL) was used to identify culturally important specialist species. Statistical tests were applied to examine relationships between ethnobotanical knowledge and socio-demographic variables. Results : A total of 81 medicinal plant species belonging to 70 genera and 47 families were recorded. Shrubs and trees dominated the medicinal flora, indicating strong reliance on perennial species with year-round availability. High ICF values were recorded for common colds, wounds, and skin infections, reflecting strong consensus on effective remedies. FL analysis identified key specialist species, including Citrus aurantiifolia for respiratory ailments, Ocimum lamiifolium for acute febrile illness, Ximenia americana for wound treatment, and Withania somnifera for prioritized conditions. Generalist species such as Croton macrostachyus , Carissa spinarum , and Calpurnia aurea were used across multiple disease categories. Ethnobotanical knowledge showed significant positive associations with age, occupation, and informant type, while gender differences were minimal. Major threats included fuelwood collection, selective logging, agricultural expansion, settlement growth, and destructive harvesting. Conclusion : Medicinal plant use in the Lake Tana region reflects strong cultural reliance but increasing ecological vulnerability. Integrated, community-based conservation and intergenerational knowledge transmission strategies are urgently needed to sustain medicinal plant diversity and indigenous healthcare systems.