The Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Udaipur, a district in Rajasthan, recently undertook a special initiative to rid the sanctuary of the invasive Lantana bushes. This action not only involved uprooting the harmful scrub but also included the replanting of indigenous species on the cleared plots of land. The project played a significant role in the ecological restoration of the grasslands and the conservation of biodiversity in the area.
Understanding Lantana
Lantana camara is a small perennial shrub that forms extensive, thick, and impenetrable thickets making it detrimental to the surrounding ecosystem. This plant, native to Central and South America, was introduced to tropical regions as an ornamental plant and was first introduced in India in 1807. However, due to its rapid spread and persistence, it has become an agricultural nuisance and a threat to biodiversity.
The Impact of Lantana
Lantana’s dense growth patterns mean they rapidly cover large tracts of land – inhibiting natural light and nutrition from reaching other flora and fauna. Furthermore, the toxic substance present in its leaves and ripe berries poses a threat to animals. Herbivores lacking sufficient forage, in turn, reduce the prey base for carnivorous animals, leading to disturbances in the food chain. This invasive plant has also extended its reach to other wildlife reserves, river banks, and Project Tiger areas. In certain regions, the infestation has invaded pastures and reduced cattle grazing land causing significant impacts on villagers’ livelihoods.
About Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Udaipur, Rajasthan, the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Sajjangarh Palace or Monsoon Palace, built in 1884. The palace was named after Maharana Sajjan Singh, a ruler of the Mewar dynasty. The sanctuary spans an area of 5.19 square kilometers and is home to various fauna, including chitals, panthers, hares, blue bulls (Nilgais), jackals, wild boars, hyenas, and sambhar. The sanctuary’s flora is equally diverse, boasting more than 279 plant species. It is notably home to the long-billed vulture, or Indian vulture (Gyps indicus), which is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and Appendix II of CITES, and under Schedule I of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.
Understanding Invasive Species
An invasive species, such as the Lantana, is an organism that is not native to a particular region but causes harm when introduced. These species can cause the extinction of native plants and animals, reduce biodiversity, compete with indigenous organisms for limited resources, and alter habitats. Invasive species are often introduced to new areas through ship ballast water, accidental release, and more commonly, human actions.
With initiatives like the one carried out in the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, authorities aim to control the spread of such invasive species, helping restore and conserve the biodiversity of these crucial ecosystems.
