APPRAISAL OF ETHNO-ECOLOGICAL INCENTIVES TO PROMOTE CONSERVATION OF SALVADORA OLEOIDES DECNE - THE CASE FOR CREATING A RESOURCE AREA

The ethno-botanical and ecological values of Salvadora oleoides, a spe cies occurring in endangered tropical thorn forest of Punjab, are eval uated to provide a rationale for the conservation of its remaining rem nant in an arid tract. Past details were collected from the literature and additional information is based on interviews enumerating its cul tural and ethno-botanical importance. Preliminary observations were ma de to identify its pattern of interaction with its environment at a si te suggested for its in situ conservation. It seems that S. oleoides d oes not carry an obvious 'price-tag' but it is important in stabilizat ion of the fragile arid tract and provides fodder and shelter to the w ildlife and livestock, and fruit, medication and recreation to the inh abitants of the surrounding areas.