Southern Africans have used native plants for hundreds of years to treat a slew of different illnesses in a wide variety of animals. Researchers at Kansas State University are just beginning to document the 506 herbal remedies that have been used in 18 different areas of Southern Africa. While gathering details for their database, it was found that most of the remedies used roots, leaves, bark, or even the entire plant. This can be deleterious to the proliferation of the species, and continued use would not be embraced by a conservation ecologist.

However, the 506 remedies have proved useful in treating 81 different symptoms ranging from parasites to diarrhea. Some plants can even treat a multitude of symptoms, such as the Kiaat tree, which has been shown to treat malaria, ringworm, and blackwater fever.

The people of the tribes and villages that are not able to afford treatments available in the Western world must rely on these plants to cure their animals. Because their native plants may be their only available treatment, conservation may not be a high priority. Unfortunately, this may lead to problems in the long run, such as endangering the many species of plants, and therefore endangering the lives of the animals.

Discussion Question: How might the researchers be able to use their database to promote conservation without adversely affecting the health of the animals?

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330123245.htm
Journal Article: Science Direct