Introduction

The term “Ethno-botany” was coined by J. W. Harshberger in 1895 to indicate plants used by the indigenous population. “Ethno” refers to a study of people and “botany” to the study of the plants. It represents relationship between plant and human in all phases, the effect of plant on environment and in turn on human society [13].From the time immemorial plants have been playing a major role in the development of human civilisation and culture [37].Sacred groves are ancient landscape that occur in many parts of India, particularly where the indigenous communities live viz.

Western Ghats, Central India, Eastern India, Northeast India, etc. It is also found not only in India but also reported from many countries extending from Asia, Africa, Europe and America. It has been reported that the present occurrence of sacred groves is mostly limited in Africa and Asia [80]. The groves provide climax vegetation and demonstrate diversity in species of trees and other various life forms. Sacred groves also provide environmental and socio-economic benefits to the local communities [54]. Sacred sites and sacred forests all across the globe have been conserved for spiritual, cultural, economic and aesthetic purposes [35]. Human involvement in natural systems have resulted in huge changes in vegetation composition and distribution patterns [9]. The necessity of natural resources sustainability for human survival has given way to traditional laws and practices.

This system obviously would help in conserving the surrounding natural resources [4].All efforts have been made towards the sustainable development by implementing conservation of species and nations which aims a appeal for moral concern and with the conformity of aspects including pattern, structure of resource management [31].

In India, a good number of studies have been conducted on sacred groves in regards to ethno-botanical plants. Based on published literatures, effort has been made to maintain & manage the collected records and information in consolidated form towards reviewing the vegetation details of sacred groves. The main idea of this article is (a) to analyse the biodiversity aspects as well as the vegetation details in five zones of India and to be (2) to find out the different aspects of threats which will help for planning a protocol for the conservation of the plants.