Abstract:
The present study focuses on the assessment of biodiversity and documentation of ethno-medicinal plants in the Durgi Section under the Macherla Range of Nallamala Forest, Andhra Pradesh. The Nallamala forests are ecologically rich and culturally significant, harboring diverse flora and supporting local tribal communities who rely on forest resources for health care and livelihood. Systematic field surveys were carried out between April-June,2025 using quadrat sampling for biodiversity assessment and semi-structured interviews for ethnobotanical study. A total of 30 plant species belonging to 6 families were recorded, identified as having ethno-medicinal value. These plants are traditionally used for treating ailments such as fever, skin infections, respiratory disorders, digestive problems, and bone fractures. Leaves and roots were the most commonly used plant parts, followed by bark and seeds. The findings highlight the importance of conserving both biological diversity and traditional knowledge systems, which are under threat due to overexploitation and habitat loss. The study emphasizes the need for community-based conservation, sustainable harvesting practices, and further pharmacological validation of the documented species.