Religious norm and traditional practices -A step toward conservation of biodiversity by Bhotia tribe of Johar valley, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, (India)

The indigenous people of Kumaun region of Uttarakhand, (India) have always played a significant role in conserving the biodiversity. Traditional and cultural forms of biodiversity conservation practices still exist among these societies, such as sacred groves, sacred species and sacred landscapes. The indigenous people have developed their norms and rules through myths and folklores which prove that they are aware of significance of forest and biodiversity in their life. This folklores prevent the destruction of sacred and important flora. The present study reveals the role of Johari Shauka (Bhotia indigenous group) residing in Johar valley (Munsiyari) Pithoragarh district of Kumaun in conservation of the biodiversity in and around localities of their natural habitat.