Pune: Ecologically sensitive zone, the Western Ghats is fighting against the growth of the non-native species that are threatening its ecological balance. These exotic species are affecting the flora and fauna of the ghats leading to conflict between native species, human beings and animals/birds.
Head of the Department of Biodiversity at Abasaheb Garware College Ankur Patwardhan said, “Exotic species affect the environment. The exotic species have been naturalised in our environment but they are not weeds. The fruits of such species are eaten by birds and thus, the pollination occurs. This has lead to vast canvas of this species growing in the Western Ghats.”
“Species like Lantana, grow extensively that leads to destruction. likewise, the Eupatorium, a species from sunflower family, grows fast in red soil. It requires complete open ground and the pests do not attack it. This type of species can be seen on various tekdis (hilltops) in Pune, Sindhudurg mountains,” said Patwardhan.
“Lantana, which grows in black soil, has a sparse canopy. This has threatened the habitat. As herbivores animals are deprived of their food, it also affects the survival of carnivores as weed is not the food for mammals.”
“Similarly, the increasing boundaries of farming are encroaching the forest lands that lead to attacks from the animals like bison or wild boars who have started destroying the farms,” he said adding that the shifting pattern of cultivation has also encroached the forest habitat. In the same way, in Tadoba, a species called Hypis is affecting the grazing land. This has lead to no canopy or less canopy exposing the food chain of various other species.
“Eucalyptus has also become a menace and there is widespread discontent among the locals. Although, the eradication of these alien species may not be possible in a short span of time, if persistent measures are taken the landscape may turn into its original vegetation,” he said.
Ecologists feel that intensive planting of the indigenous floral species needs to be taken up after removing the alien species and this needs to done scientifically and in a phased manner to conserve, protect and preserve the original biodiversity of the area.
What are ‘alien’ species?
Every area or forest has trees and plants that are native to that place and grow there in harmony. Alien trees and plants are the ones that brought from other forests or areas, have characteristics different from the native ones and end up causing damage to the ecological balance of the forest.
