Symbiosis with forest: Traditional ecological knowledge of Arasbaran forest dwellers in using the trees

Indigenous knowledge is an accumulated knowledge, skills and techniques of a specific communities derived from the direct involvement with the given environment. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of local communities on the use of forest trees in Arasbaran forests. The study areas were villages of Kalasour, Kharil, Khoinarud, and Balan located in Kaleybar city and Vayghan village located in Khoda-afrin city. The study was conducted by using ethnography methods and data was collected using semi-structured and un-structured interviews and participatory observation techniques. The results showed that the local knowledge in relation to the use of various parts of the forest trees was categorized in five types including fuel, fodder, medicinal, instruments, and construction materials. This knowledge used for making agricultural, animal husbandry and household instruments facilitated the villagers’ subsistence. The local people use 20 woody species for all categories and 8 woody species for medicinal uses. Rosaceae family and oak species have the highest uses in the communities. The knowledge available for mentioned practices are rich and diverse which is due to the availability of alternative sources for some applications and also the level of easy access to the different kinds of trees for different uses.