Preparation for Field Work

Since the work for ethnobotany has to be done by professional ethnobotanists, taxonomists, anthropologists etc. but it is not always easy to have such combination of professionals. Thus the following are the process for ethnobotany study for the non- specialists and specialists:

 Study of background materials o Before going for actual study the researchers should familiarize with the flora of that area through Flora books, herbarium and other related materials. o Ethnobotany reports of adjoining area or regions should be consulted o Should know basic knowledge about the different races of tribals in the area. o Knowing climate and temperature will be useful for camp and clothing preparation.  Selection of site o The site should be carefully selected o Communication and accessibility should be known to select the area but usually the discovery of ethnobotanical rarities happen in the remote and inaccessible area.  Field requirements (For Collecting Data) o Note Book, pencil and pen . Smaller size materials which could get in our pockets will be more convenient in the field. o Tape recorder with cassettes and batteries (Now we can have audio recorder) . This is for authenticity and saving time o Camera with films, flashgun, closeup lens, yellow and UV filter: . For taking pictures of plants, uses and the life of the people to show relationship with the plants . Also to supplement herbarium with pictures. o Local interpreter . To have local interpreters or staff of some departments or medicine will be useful for the study.  For collection of specimens o Field books and threads or tags . Field books for recording the observation while collecting the specimens. Color of specimen and its changes later could be noted in the books. . Below is the sample field book of Botanical Survey of India, Howrah.

BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA. HOWRAH (All India Coordinated Research Project on Ethnobotany) ETHNOBOTANY OF ------COLL NO------DATE------FAMILY------BOTANICAL NAME------VERNACULAR NAMES------LOCALITY & HABITAT------INFORMANT------USES------OTHER NOTES------COLLECTOR------PHOTO DATA------. o Secateur, knife, khurpi, axe, dagger: . These are needed to cut the specimen. In some cases people even use trained monkeys, ropes, short-guns for collecting specimens. o Pocket lens: . Used for identification of plants by looking at invisible characteristics of plants. o Binoculars . For observing distant vegetation and plants for site selection and other purposes. o Altimeters, measuring tapes . Altimeter for recording site altitude and measuring tapes for measuring the quantitative aspects of the plants etc. o Polythene bags of different size . Smaller size of 25 x 45 cm for individual specimen and these smaller could be put in the bigger bags like gunny bags o Haversack: . For keeping the above collected specimens. o Field shoes: . Along with field dress we should have proper field shoes- strong but comfortable in forest and wet areas. o Vasculum: . It is a kind of box made of thin aluminum for storing the specimen fresh for a longer period. However it is not used frequently. o First aid and medicines . It will be useful if you take like surgical cotton, antiseptic scream and other first aid items-common salt, dettol, blade, potassium permanganate, alum, ammonia solution, tannin crystals etc. For snake bite, make little cross cut with blade and let it bleed for sometimes and dress with potassium permanganate as the first aid on the spot. If there is any irritation wash with tannin crystals or ammonium solution. Rubbing with Rumex hastatus also believed to relive from such irritation. Leeches could be removed with common salt. o Maps . Having detailed maps (preferably topo sheets) of the site is necessary. Graph papers also useful in the field

 For Processing of Specimens at Camp o Preservatives . Ethyl alcohol, mercuric chloride or Lauryl penta-chlorophenate or formalin. . Blotters or drying sheets 58 x 43-45 cm . News papers . Plant press  For Camping, Bedding, Food and Binding o Folding tent, folding camp cot generally not required o Jacket, wind sheeter, mosquito net, rain coat, gum shoes umbrella, sleeping bags etc based on the site situation and season. o Identity cards or permits if the site is in restricted or protected areas. o Mess items and others - stove, kerosene, food stuffs, utensils, soaps, matchbox, petromax, lantern, candles, bags, shoulder bags, rucksacs, trunks, tarpaulins, ropes, torch with extra batteries, tiffin box, water carrier,lock with keys. o First aid box with necessary medicines and items. The above list of items are necessary for camping but should be taken based on need basis, otherwise it will give you problem of transportation. The above list is a checklist so that we do not forget important items.

 Arrangement of Journey and stay o One should be familiar with routes, communication facilities, mode of transport o Tour programme need to plan properly, o For reservation or for information has be sent in advance to relevant officers or personnel  Camp arrangement o Field equipment o Food and water o Medical contacts o Local people for guide and help o Transportation o Contact local officers and other relevant personnel for the visit. o Best time of field visit is 6 or 7 am to 2 pm o Camp watchman  General hints and precaution o Try to follow their life (eg. avoid or do not wash frequently in front of them) o Interview should be done with much care and tacs o Tribal people are usually simple but could get angry or show such expression with simple reasons. o When they offer us anything we should gladly accept them. o Avoid going alone in the forest, always take one or two local people as guide or friend o Make sure you are protected from snakes, maneaters etc if such animals exist in the area. o Do not displease the local people, informants, guides, staff etc by any means, as these will create bad impression and the future visitors will have difficult time. o We have to tell them the truth of study (ethnobotany), and by any means the local people should not have suspicion or doubt over your visit and work. o Care should be taken about the group’s health. o While returning from the camp, all dues and rents have to be cleared; the specimens and things are counted and well packed. May be we can have get-together and offer some inexpensive gifts like matchboxes and ear beads which could create better acceptance for the future visitors.