Ecological, Ethnobotanical and Socio Economic Significance of Monotheca buxifolia (Falc.) A. DC. in Northern Mountainous Ecosystems: Status, Threats and Conservation Perspectives

Abstract

Monotheca buxifolia (Falc.) A. DC., an evergreen species of the family Sapotaceae, is a keystone wild fruit tree in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Locally known as “Gurgura” or “Gwargura”. In the current review, a total of 83 references were identified from scientific databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar), Regional databases and institutional repositories (Pakistan Forest Institute and FAO reports) and local case studies. The results of this review indicate that the species holds immense ecological, ethno medicinal and socio-economic value for rural and tribal mountain communities and provides multiple ecosystem services: edible fruits rich in phenolic compounds and antioxidants, household fuelwood, livestock fodder and materials for traditional medicine. Ecologically, it contributes to soil stabilization, carbon sequestration and biodiversity maintenance in fragile mountain ecosystems. However, its populations are increasingly threatened by overgrazing, unsustainable harvesting, fuelwood extraction, land-use change and climate variability, resulting in poor regeneration and habitat fragmentation. This review comprehensively synthesizes published knowledge and ethnobotanical records on the taxonomy, distribution, ecology, population dynamics, traditional and pharmacological uses and conservation challenges of the studied plant, with a particular focus on District Bajaur, Pakistan. Literature from international and local databases, supplemented by extension reports and ethnobotanical surveys was critically analyzed. We highlight research gaps including seed biology, propagation protocols, phytochemical characterization, genetic diversity assessment and value-chain analysis. We recommend an integrated conservation strategy combining in-situ protection, assisted regeneration, nursery development, sustainable harvest rules and livelihood incentives such as value-added fruit products. This holistic approach will ensure both species persistence and community well-being in mountainous ecosystems of district Bajaur.