Latest news with #Lantanacamara
Hans India
13 hours ago
- General
- Hans India
On International Tiger day, TN's Mudumalai Tiger Reserve records 28 pc rise in feline population
Marking a significant achievement on International Tiger Day (July 29), the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) has reported a 28 per cent rise in its big cat population for 2024–25. The number of tigers has increased from 129 in 2023–24 to 165, delighting wildlife conservationists and forest officials alike. The impressive growth is attributed to a combination of dedicated anti-poaching efforts, effective habitat restoration, and the large-scale removal of invasive plant species. MTR, which spans 688.59 hectares, comprises 321 hectares of core zone and 367.59 hectares of buffer zone. Within its core area, the presence of nearly 85 swamps plays a vital role in supporting wildlife by providing essential water sources. Forest Department officials highlighted that the unchecked increase in density of Lantana camara, an invasive woody shrub that poses a serious threat to these swamp ecosystems. "If not removed, Lantana would have overtaken the swamps and destroyed key habitats," an official said. Acting on a directive from the Madras High Court, forest teams - with active participation from indigenous communities - undertook a large-scale clearance of Lantana camara across 725 hectares in four core forest ranges during 2024–25. The cleared biomass was repurposed into eco-friendly briquettes by tribals from the Kattu Naicker, Kurumba, Malasar, and Paniya communities, with six tonnes produced so far, providing both conservation gain and livelihoods. A senior MTR official noted that the removal of Lantana allowed sunlight to reach the forest floor, encouraging the natural regrowth of native grass species. This, in turn, has boosted prey density, a key factor in the rise of tiger numbers. "Anti-poaching activities and habitat improvement go hand-in-hand. Increasing prey base directly supports predator populations," the official said. MTR currently operates 36 Anti-Poaching Camps (APCs), with plans underway to establish another in collaboration with tribal communities. The reserve also supports other key species, including leopards, dholes, hyenas, and vultures - the latter playing a crucial role in scavenging and maintaining ecosystem health. The tiger population surge at Mudumalai is being hailed as a model for conservation across the country. On this International Tiger Day, the reserve stands as a testament to the impact of sustained, community-driven conservation efforts.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Unabated Lantana camara invasion in Himachal needs swifter, more rigorous response
Lantana camara, an invasive alien species introduced decades ago as an ornamental plant, now infests approximately 3,25,282 hectares of forests in Himachal Pradesh, posing a threat to the State's native biodiversity. Even though the Forest Department has achieved significant progress by clearing 51,114.35 hectares of Lantana camara since 2009-10, ecologists are calling for faster, more rigorous action to curb the spread of the noxious weed. Lantana, a pantropical weed species, is native to the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Central and South America. In India, it was first introduced in the early 18th century, and since then, it has invaded almost all the tropical areas across the country, including Himachal Pradesh. According to the State Forest Department, a survey was carried out in 2010-11 and 2015-16 to asses the extent and level of invasion, which showed forest areas of around 2,35,491.93 hectares as being significantly infested with lantana, and varying intensity of infestation in seven territorial circles, namely, Dharamshala, Nahan, Hamirpur, Chamba, Bilaspur, Mandi, and Shimla. However, according to the India State of Forest Report 2023, the extent of Lantana camara infestation inside the recorded forest area in Himachal Pradesh is estimated to be around 3,252.82 sq. km. or 3,25,282 hectares. Kuldip Dogra, a noted taxonomist, acknowledged the progress made by the Forest Department in clearing lantana, which 'offers hope' in tackling the menace, but emphasised the need for an integrated, transdisciplinary, time-bound approach by involving stakeholders and members of civil society to create livelihood opportunities in the process of eradicating Lantana camara. 'There's no doubt that the area under alien invasive plant species, such as lantana, is on the rise, which is threatening the rich, native species diversity. To control the spread of lantana, it's important that stakeholders are involved — be it locals, industrialists, civil society organisations, etc. — and a mechanism evolved to enhance their livelihood options,' Mr. Dogra, Scientist at the Botanical Survey of India, High Altitude Western Himalayan Regional Centre in Solan district, told The Hindu. 'Lantana's management can be achieved by using its biomass for socioeconomic purposes — its timber for making furniture and also as fuelwood, etc. Its biomass can be used to produce organic compost and vermicompost, which will be better for organic farming and an alternative to inorganic manures available in the market,' he added. 'However, the cultivation of alien invasive plant species in home gardens, for landscaping, or for other economic purposes, and around the National and State Highways should be strictly avoided to prevent their further spread and establishment. Pharmaceutical companies should be encouraged to collect these species from the wild to extract potent alkaloids to be used for different industry purposes. Its management should be focused strongly on prevention, early detection and eradication strategies. Most importantly, the eradication programme should be carried out within stricter timelines by involving all the stakeholders, and increasing momentum to achieve optimal outcomes,' he added. The State Forest Department's policy document for managing Lantana camara points out that this noxious, exotic weed aggressively proliferates and forms a dense mesh of bushes. This happens excessively at the edges of forests having sparse canopies. Lantana camara is known to produce allelochemicals that restrict the growth of other species under its canopy. Hence, it replaces native flora, resulting in homogeneous vegetation, significantly contributing to decline in biodiversity. 'We have eradicated lantana in 51,114.35 hectares so far since 2009-10. The removal of lantana is being done through the 'cut root stock' method, and to ensure that lantana doesn't invade again, we are planting native species as well. We are making headway. On average, every year, we are expecting to eradicate lantana on 1,000 hectares of forest,' Girish Hosur, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Himachal Pradesh, said. 'The immediate focus should be to contain the speed of spread of lantana. It has been observed that it has been infesting from lower areas towards higher regions, which is worrying. The 'cut root stock' method is good, but the eradication should be tackled at the higher elevation first, so that the infestation could be restricted to the lower areas only, and then gradually rehabilitate all the areas with native species,' G.S. Goraya, researcher on floral diversity and former Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Himachal Pradesh, said.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Bengaluru concern: Human-wildlife conflicts soar 183%; elephants, big cats spark fear near villages, farms
BENGALURU : Karnataka has recorded a staggering 183% rise in human-wildlife conflict (HWC) incidents over the past five years, raising serious concerns for both govt and forest department. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now From a few hundred reported cases in 2019 to several thousand by the end of 2024, the escalation involves several species, especially in southern Western Ghats. A recent study titled 'Geospatial Identification of Human-Wildlife Conflict Hotspots in the Southern Western Ghats', published in 'Indian Society of Remote Sensing' journal, examined over 34,000 HWC incidents across Karnataka from 2019 to 2023. The research, conducted by experts from premier institutes in Karnataka and Telangana, identified conflict clusters and hotspots, providing valuable insights for future management strategies. The study shows the govt disbursed about Rs 27 crore in compensation to victims during this period. While 17 animal species were involved in conflict cases, nearly 98% were attributed to elephants, tigers, and leopards. Other incidents also involved wild boars, gaurs, spotted deer, peacocks, and sloth bears. Contrary to the belief that animals invade human areas mainly in summer seeking food and water, the study found that the highest number of incidents — 30.9% — occurred during the monsoon months of July to Sept, followed closely by Oct to Dec (29.4%). GM Pavithra, one of the researchers, said: 'The trend is largely due to high density of invasive species such as 'Lantana camara' and 'Senna spectabilis', which not only obstructs animals' movement but also deprives them of food. Monoculture plantations in the past have also contributed in a significant way.' Destroyed crops accounted for 97.8% of damage caused by elephants, with gaurs responsible for 1.4%. Almost all conflicts occurred in agricultural lands, plantations, or orchards. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The study highlighted proximity as a key factor, noting, 'Over 5,000 incidents were reported close to human settlements, ranging from 100m to 500m. While elephant-related conflicts were common at all distances, carnivores (tigers, leopards) were seen within 100m of human settlements.' Infrastructure development also exacerbates the problem. 'Roads disrupt wildlife movement patterns, exacerbating crop depredation due to increased accessibility of cultivated food sources along the corridors,' the report stated. It further noted that conflicts with elephants were more frequent at higher elevations (750 to 1,000m), whereas carnivore-related incidents occurred mostly at lower elevations (500 to 750m) near forest edges.
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Invasive species removed in Gudalur as part of World Environment Day celebrations
As part of World Environment Day celebrations, the Gudalur forest division conducted a clean-up of invasive plants from outside reserve forests on Thursday. In a press release, the Gudalur forest division said the theme for World Environment Day this year was 'Putting an end to plastic pollution' and 'No invasive Nilgiris.' The Forest Department said the initiative will be the first of many undertaken this year to eradicate plastic waste from forests and adjoining areas and to also minimise the spread of invasive species such as Lantana camara. In Masinagudi forest division in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, World Environment Day was celebrated by distributing tree saplings and seedlings, planting of trees and creating awareness among the public about the need to keep the tiger reserve free of plastic and waste. Passing tourists were stopped at the reserve by forest staff and were involved in the initiative to improve awareness among the public.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Forest authorities sound alarm as unexpected species spreads at alarming rate: 'Immediate intervention is crucial'
The Indian state of Haryana is facing a silent takeover. Experts are sounding the alarm as invasive plant species, especially one called Lantana camara, have spread uncontrollably through the region, pushing out native plants and threatening the health of the entire ecosystem. According to a report from the Times of India, 12% of the state's forest land has been overtaken by invasive species, with Lantana camara being one of the biggest challenges. This tropical American shrub, originally imported by the British, is now crowding out native vegetation across local forests. Experts warn that "immediate intervention is crucial," as the invasive spread is choking native plant growth, altering soil chemistry, increasing fire risks, and disrupting the ecosystem. If left unchecked, the damage could become irreversible. Invasive species like Lantana aren't just bad for the environment — they are a major headache for nearby communities. These plants are incredibly difficult to remove, regrow quickly, and suffocate native plant life that local wildlife and people depend on. Managing these invaders is labor-intensive and expensive. Poorly managed landscapes also increase fire hazards and human-wildlife encounters. For example, the Times of India has previously reported how Lantana camara infested tiger habitats. Not only did this threaten the tigers' survival, it increased chances they might wander outside the habitat to find space and resources — which is dangerous for people. Native plants help keep ecosystems in balance. They support pollinators, regulate water cycles, prevent soil erosion, and support food chains. As these species are overtaken, biodiversity and pollinators struggle — putting crops and food security at risk. Scientists are exploring innovative techniques to control invasive species such as targeted genetic technology and restoring biodiversity. In previous instances of Lantana camara invasion in India, ecologists developed a new method to get rid of them. The "cut rootstock method" introduces a hormonal imbalance to the plant, and once they're removed, conservationists can reintroduce native plants. Not only is the method effective, the remaining dried wood can be used as firewood. Homeowners can also make a difference by rewilding their yards and choosing native plants or eco-friendly landscaping. Swapping traditional turf for buffalo grass, clover lawns, or xeriscaping not only saves water and money, but also supports pollinators and reduces maintenance. In Haryana, experts are urging the government to prioritize removal initiatives to deal with invasive species. Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "Also, implementing strict monitoring and introducing educational campaigns can raise awareness about these ecological challenges," Professor Anjal Prakash said to the Times. "Such comprehensive policy measures are essential to preserve ecological balance and ensure long-term health of forest ecosystems." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
