Sign In
Learn bits
Ecology & Environment
Mahesh

01/02/23 08:20 AM IST

Senna spectabilis

In News
  • The Nodal Centre for Biological Invasions (NCBI) at the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) has come out with a management plan to eradicate Senna spectabilis, the exotic invasive plant that is posing a severe threat to the State’s wildlife habitat.
About Senna Spectabilis
  • Senna spectabilis isa deciduous tree native to tropical areas of America
  • The thick foliage of the tree arrests the growth of other indigenous tree and grass species. Thus, it causes food shortagesfor the wildlife population, especially herbivores
  • IUCN: Least Concern
  • Invasion of Senna spectabilis is most severe in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and nearby forests
About Plan
  • The invasive species has to be removed using a threefold approach for large trees, large saplings, and small saplings:
  • Firstly, the large trees need to be debarked from breast height downwards (1.3 m above ground level), including the collar part of the tree.
  • Secondly, once the trees start to dry up, their soil seed bank will become active and a large number of plantlets will sprout. The larger saplings can be uprooted using specially designed weed pullers.
  • The third is the removal of small plantlets which need to be removed mechanically.
Invasive Species
  • An invasive species is an organism that causes ecological or economic harm in a new environment where it is not native.
  • They are capable of causing extinctions of native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity, competing with native organisms for limited resources, and altering habitats.
  • They can be introduced to an area by ship ballast water, accidental release, and most often, by people.
Source- The Hindu

More Related Current Affairs View All

15 Nov

Government issues guidelines to curb misleading ads by coaching centres

'The central Government issued new guidelines aimed at curbing misleading advertisements by coaching institutes, specifically prohibiting false promises such as "100 per cent selec

Read More

15 Nov

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas

'Every year on November 15th, Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated to honor the contributions of these communities, especially in India’s freedom struggle.' 5th November

Read More

15 Nov

Supreme Court’s order on mandatory accessibility standards

'A bench of the Supreme Court last week ordered the Union government to frame mandatory rules for ensuring the accessibility of public places and services to persons with disabilit

Read More

India’s First Ai-Driven Magazine Generator

Generate Your Custom Current Affairs Magazine using our AI in just 3 steps