# Ethnoveterinary Practices Related to Captive Elephants in Sauraha, Chitwan, Nepal

## TL;DR

This study documents traditional use of medicinal plants by Nepali mahouts to treat captive elephant ailments, highlighting the importance of preserving this ethnoveterinary knowledge.

## Contribution

The study provides a detailed inventory of 42 plant species used in ethnoveterinary practices for captive elephants in Sauraha, Nepal.

## Key findings

- The Fabaceae and Poaceae families were most commonly used for treating elephant ailments.
- Paste formulation was the most common preparation method, with oral administration being the primary route.
- Azadirachta indica (Neem) was the most frequently cited plant for treating elephant diseases.

## Abstract

The use of medicinal plants for treating animal diseases is a longstanding and widespread practice in Nepal, providing farmers with an accessible and cost‐effective option. This study aimed to document traditional knowledge regarding medicinal plants used to treat ailments in captive elephants in Sauraha, Chitwan. A total of 56 mahouts, responsible for the care of privately and government‐owned captive elephants, were interviewed through face‐to‐face interactions. The study identified 42 plant species from 26 families used to treat 27 ailments in captive elephants. Among these, the Fabaceae family was the most dominant, followed by the Poaceae family. The most commonly used plant parts were leaves, bark, and seeds. Medicinal herbs were predominantly prepared in paste formulations (21 plant species), while raw formulations were used for 15 species. The oral route of administration was the most popular method of application. The highest citation frequencies were recorded for Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Brassica campestris L., and Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague. These findings highlight the high level of knowledge among mahouts regarding elephant ailments and their treatment using herbal plants. Given the risk of its loss, this traditional knowledgemust be throughly documented. These findings could provide meaningful insights for treating diseases in other animal species, contributing significantly to the field of ethnoveterinary medicine.

The study documented 42 plant species from 26 families used for treating 27 ailments of captive elephants in Sauraha, Nepal.

Leaves were the most frequently used plant part, and the most common preparation method was paste formulation, followed by raw, juice, powder, roast, and decoction forms.

Oral route of administration was the most prevalent, followed by dermal and ocular routes.

Azadirachta indica (Neem) had the highest citation frequency, followed by Brassica campestris and Trachyspermum ammi.