Plant Diversity and Useful Ecosystem Services of the Cholistan Desert, Pakistan

Abstract

Aims. The studies were undertaken to analyse useful ecosystem services of the Cholistan Desert, one of the largest deserts in Pakistan, and the impacts of anthropogenic activities on them, and to prioritize such services based on people’s perspectives. Methods. The Cholistan Desert also referred to as Rohi in the local dialect, is located in the southern part of Punjab Province in eastern Pakistan. Key informants and the local inhabitants were interviewed to obtain the basic data. Five different sites were selected for determining desert rangeland ecosystem services. A total of 150 questionnaires were circulated for recording the data on desert ecosystem services. Results. There is overexploitation of the flora/vegetation and wildlife useful resources in the Cholistan desert ecosystem, while its land resources are vulnerable due to the scarcity of water. This study recorded 141 plants distributed across 105 genera and 43 families, which are being used by the desert inhabitants to fulfill their various needs. It turned out that agro-pastoral plays a vital role in the growth of the local economy, and it accounts for more than half of the total agricultural income and shares 10.6% of the national gross domestic product of Pakistan. The most popular domesticated animal is the goat. In addition, locals breed donkeys, sheep, and camels. The local communities are utilizing wild plant resources to meet their food requirements. 21 species that are used as fruit, of which 16 are wild fruits. Thirty species were consumed as a vegetable, and for cooking food. The Cholistan locals are well-versed in the use of natural flora as the primary source of medicines. They have identified 87 plant species as having medicinal properties, which were used to cure 69 different illnesses and diseases. Conclusions. An analysis of plant diversity and useful ecosystem services in the Cholistan Desert demonstrates that nearly 150 species are utilized as fruits, vegetables, and food preparation, as well as a common source of medicine for treating various ailments and somatic diseases. In the Cholistan Desert, the harsh climate of high temperatures and intense drought hinders agricultural productivity. To mitigate the negative impacts of these problems, it is ISSN: 2707-3114 Journal of Native and Alien Plant Studies 21, 2025 necessary to screen and evaluate genetic resources of indigenous plants, as well as native and also alien drought- and salt-tolerant crops that can grow under conditions of lower water demand.