Taxonomic Identification and Documentation of Medicinal Plants in Yankari National Park, Bauchi State, North East Nigeria

Yankari National Park in Bauchi State, North East Nigeria, represents one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the country, yet the medicinal plants within this region remain inadequately documented. This study undertakes a systematic taxonomic identification and documentation of plants with reported medicinal uses within the park and adjacent fringe communities. Field surveys were conducted across four seasons between 2022 and 2023, with plant samples collected and deposited at the Herbarium of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. Indigenous knowledge was sourced through semi-structured interviews with Fulani herders, Jarawa community healers, and local hunters familiar with the park's flora. A total of 47 plant species distributed across 29 families were recorded. Combretaceae, Fabaceae, and Euphorbiaceae were the most represented families. Bark and root decoctions were most frequently cited for gastrointestinal disorders, wound management, and febrile conditions. Voucher specimens were prepared and assigned accession numbers following standard herbarium protocols. The use-value index identified Parkia biglobosa, Vitellaria paradoxa, and Daniellia oliveri as priority species warranting further pharmacological investigation. This study establishes a critical baseline for biodiversity conservation and supports the integration of validated traditional knowledge into modern pharmacognostic research frameworks. Findings call for stronger collaboration between conservation agencies and academic pharmacognosy departments. Keywords: taxonomy, medicinal plants, Yankari, Bauchi, biodiversity