Description

Source: The Hindu
Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.
Context
- Kerala tackles the invasive Senna Spectabilis in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary through removal and paper production in order to restore the ecological balance and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Background
- Senna Spectabilis was introduced in between 1970s and 1980s in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to promote social forestry. Now it covers around 35% of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, inhibiting the growth of native species.
Impact
- It decreases the availability of host plants for butterflies and food for other herbivores.
- It decreases the availability of non-timer forest produce.
Current Management Efforts
- Methods like gridling, kerosene application, debarking are being applied under the Rebuild Kerala Programme.
- Collaborative efforts with Kerala Paper Products Limited to cut down Senna and convert it into paper pulp.
- Similar efforts are also made in Bandipore and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves.

Challenges
- Regulatory norms such as cutting of trees are prohibited in protected areas.
- Senna Spectabilis is a hardwood making it difficult for eradication.
- It is labour intensive due to its extensive root system.
- Uprooting large trees may lead to soil erosion.
Senna Spectabilis
Native
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America
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Habitat
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Grows in Tropical and Subtropical forests
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Conservation status
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Consider as an invasive species in various countries such as Australia, Cuba, India and Uganda
As per IUCN Red List it is categorised as ‘Least Concern’
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Some of the other invasive species in India
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Lantana
Parthenium
Siam weed
Mexican devil (Ageratina adenophora)
Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora)
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Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location
- It is located in Kerala and part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and the Western Ghats.
- Protected Areas Network
- It shares boundaries with Nagarahole and Bandipore Tiger Reserves (Karnataka) and Madumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu).
- Tribal Communities:
- Kuruma, Paniya, Kattunaicka, Urali, Kurichiar and Adiyar.
Sources:
The Hindu
PRACTICE QUESTION
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Senna Spectabilis:
1. Senna Spectabilis is native to tropical America.
2.Recently Kerala government has initiated a programme to protect these plants from extinction.
3.It is crucial for the local ecosystem as it is commonly consumed by the herbivores.
Which of the above statements is/are NOT correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: b)
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