Senna spectabilis

Source: The Hindu

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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

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