Why in News ?
A special drive to uproot the invasive Lantana bushes in the famous Sajjangarh wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan’s Udaipur district has helped in ecological restoration of grasslands and saved biodiversity.
- Lantana bushes, which had taken over almost 50% of the sanctuary.
About Mission
- Lantana camara, a thicket forming shrub, has covered vast tracts of land in the sanctuary, stopping the natural light and nutrition for flora and fauna.
- The month and a half long campaign was accompanied by the plantation of native species on the cleared patches of land.
- How this affect the Flora and Fauna ?
- The toxic substance in its foliage and ripe berries affected the animals, while its expansion stopped the natural growth of grass and other shrubs.
- With the herbivores not getting sufficient forage, the prey base for carnivorous animals was declining, leading to ecological disturbances in the food chain.
- Drive involved collective efforts of voluntary physical work by the forest officials, police personnel, wildlife lovers, representatives of voluntary groups and local villagers.
About Invasive Lantana Bushes
- Lantana camara is a species of flowering plant within the verbena family native to the American tropics.
- The plant species out-compete native species that leading to a reduction in biodiversity and can greatly reduce the productivity of farmland.
- Survive in a wide range of climatic conditions, including drought, different soil types, heat, humidity and salt.
- Lantana was first introduced in 1807 had spread to wildlife reserves, river banks and the Project Tiger areas where it had obliterated native grass and reduced biodiversity.
- In some regions, the plant has made inroads into pastures and shrunk the cattle grazing areas, affecting the livelihood of villagers.
- Natural grass has started growing in the Sajjangarh sanctuary and the spotted deer and other herbivores can be seen foraging on the vegetation.
Sajjangarh wildlife sanctuary
Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Udaipur District of Rajasthan in the southern Aravalli Hills. The area was made a wildlife sanctuary in 1987.
Source : The Hindu
Prelims : About Lantana
GS III : Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Current Affairs Compilation : 28 September 2020