Ethnobotanical knowledge, cultural significance and conservation challenges in the Wejig-Mahgo-Waren dry Afromontane forest, northern Ethiopia

Background The Wejig-Mahgo-Waren Massif Forest represents a vital remnant of dry Afromontane biodiversity in Tigray, Ethiopia, where only 0.2% of the original forest cover remains. Previous Ethiopian ethnobotanical studies have documented useful plant species and assessed cultural significance, but have rarely examined why highly valued species may also face substantial conservation pressure. The present study investigates the relationship between cultural significance and conservation status in Wejig-Mahgo-Waren and examines the implications for customary institutions and conservation outcomes. Methods A total of 339 informants participated, comprising 309 household respondents selected through systematic random sampling from 2,236 households and 30 key informants purposively selected for their specialized knowledge. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, and five focus group discussions. Quantitative analyses included preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, the Cultural Significance Index (CSI), the Jaccard Similarity Index, negative binomial regression, and Kendall’s W. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using three coding categories: regulatory institutions, taboos and moral prohibitions, and knowledge transmission and change. Results The study documented 79 plant species belonging to 70 genera and 47 families. Medicinal uses predominated (66%), followed by livestock forage (35%) and honeybee forage (34%). Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata (CSI = 25.0) and Podocarpus falcatus (CSI = 19.0) recorded the highest cultural significance scores. The same species ranked first and third, respectively, among the most threatened plants, while Erica arborea , the most preferred honeybee forage species, ranked second. This mismatch demonstrated a decoupling between cultural significance and conservation status, challenging the assumption that high cultural value necessarily promotes effective species protection. Jaccard similarity with 12 Ethiopian comparator studies was low (11.76–29.41%), and nine documented species were absent from the comparator records. Plant knowledge varied significantly by gender, age, and informant type. Qualitative findings indicated that customary institutions, including Hizaeti, kessasi/wardia guards, and taboos associated with Olea , regulate specific activities rather than species populations. Their authority was contested by salaried government guards, while knowledge transmission remained gendered and practice-specific. Data collected during 2017–2018 provide a pre-conflict baseline; post-2020 impacts were not directly assessed. Conclusions The Wejig-Mahgo-Waren Massif supports substantial plant diversity and diverse local livelihood practices. The observed decoupling between cultural significance and conservation status indicates that cultural value alone is insufficient to ensure species protection. Effective conservation requires context-sensitive support for Hizaeti and functioning customary authority, regulation of harvesting practices alongside protection of standing trees, and recognition of gender-specific roles in knowledge transmission. The findings highlight the importance of integrating customary institutions, livelihood practices, and species-level conservation measures into biocultural conservation strategies. Clinical trial number Not applicable.