Antanosy odyssey II: Application of the use and knowledge of non-domesticated medicinal plants on conservation among the people of Madagascar

This research provides a comprehensive picture of the Malagasy, specifically the Antanosy's, current relationship to non-domesticated medicinal plants. Through this investigation I hope to understand local dependence on these plant resources as a means for determining the potential need for their conservation.; First, I examine the use of the marketplace system in distribution of non-domesticated medicinal plant materials and knowledge by Malagasy vendors in Antananarivo. I also examine the role of market vendors in sustaining use of medicinal plant remedies. Second, I investigate the role of traditional medicine and healing among the Antanosy as a means of understanding their use of natural resources. Finally, I hypothesize that the Antanosy will demonstrate less reliance on traditional medicine, faith, and healers than on western medicine.; Research methods included market surveys, interviews with specialists and non-specialists, and observation of healing rituals. A market study analysis was conducted with vendors and their clients. I obtained data for one season (summer) that represented medicinal plant requirements during that time period. Data collection methods allowed me to analyze the findings of medicinal plant use by a rural community across two years. Descriptive and multi-variate statistics were used to portray relationships in the data across gender, age and residential proximity to the forest and knowledge of medicinal plants. Finally, observation and in-depth interviews with traditional healers were used to identify the importance of healers and traditional medicine in a rural Antanosy community.; The findings showed that exotic plants are widely used for medical treatment. If this usage increases it may decrease the pressure on native, non-domesticated, medicinal plants. Since shamans are the source for determining which exotics should be used for medical treatment, they are crucial in understanding harvest pressure put on medicinal plants. They are also a link to understanding the potential need for medicinal plant conservation.; In addition, I see evidence of incorporating some advantages of modern life (e.g. accepting western medicine, using national markets), as well as integration of traditional and modern beliefs in ways that support the continuing value of traditional culture in a changing world.