Attitudes of local people toward Allium ursinum L. conservation

Abstract

Bear garlic (Allium ursinum L.) is an edible and medicinal plant, widely used in Serbia, and it has been collected by local people for consumption and sale. Bear garlic is not an endangered plant in Serbia, but it is included in the Rulebook on the proclamation and protection of strictly protected and protected wild species of plants, animals and fungi, as an economically significant species that could be endangered by an uncontrolled exploitation or destruction of habitats. The aim of this study was to investigate attitude of villagers (potential producers) towards wild bear garlic conservation and potential production on their farms. The survey was conducted in the villages surrounding mountains Kosmaj, Avala and Suvobor, total 127 persons from 52 households were interviewed from May to September 2021. The majority of people interviewed (85.0%) use bear garlic only for consumption in their households. If the collection of bear garlic becomes restricted in their area according to the Decree on putting under control the use and trade of wild flora and fauna, 73.2% respondents would stop collecting, mainly because of high fines. However, 67.3% of households are ready to grow bear garlic if planting material and appropriate production technology are provided. Even 45.7% respondents do not care if bear garlic becomes an endangered species and 27.5% respondents do not trust official institutions dealing with the protection of biodiversity. Conducted research showed that technology for production of bear garlic should be established in order to reduce its gathering from natural habitats.