Invasive Lantana Camara Threatens Delhi’s Ecological Balance

Lantana camara, commonly known as common lantana, has become a major environmental problem in Delhi and the surrounding areas. This invasive shrub, which wasn’t found in places like Mangar Bani just ten years ago, has spread quickly, taking over green spaces and threatening the local plant life.

Invasive Nature of Lantana

Originally introduced as a decorative plant, Lantana camara has now become one of the most dominant shrubs in Delhi’s forests. It grows so quickly that it easily outcompetes native plants. Lantana thrives especially in untouched areas, where it forms thick clusters that prevent native plants from growing.

Flora Disruption

The spread of Lantana camara is harmful to native species like Jungli kharonda and Heens, which struggle to get the resources they need to survive. The problem worsens because birds eat the lantana’s berries and spread its seeds, helping the shrub take over more areas and making it even harder for local plants to survive.

Current Distribution

Studies show that Lantana camara covers a vast area in India, with serious infestations in national parks and diverse ecosystems. In the Aravalli mountain range, for example, more than 70% of the area is affected by lantana. This has serious consequences for herbivores (plant-eating animals) that depend on native grasses, raising concerns about biodiversity and the balance of the ecosystem.

Commercial Availability

Despite its harmful effects, Lantana camara is still widely sold in nurseries across Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region). Its bright, colorful flowers make it popular, but this also means it can spread more easily as people plant it in new areas, unintentionally helping it invade more spaces.

Management Strategies

To effectively control Lantana camara, it’s important to remove it by the roots because simply cutting it down allows it to grow back quickly. Several biodiversity parks are working hard to manage its spread by regularly checking for lantana and taking immediate action when they find it. The unchecked spread of Lantana camara is a serious ecological challenge for the plants of Delhi. To restore balance and protect native species, it’s crucial to continue researching and implementing proactive management strategies against this invasive plant.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2024

Category: Environment Current Affairs