Context: An invasive species named Senna spectabilis is said to have taken over 800 to 1,200 hectares of the buffer zones of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu.

Key Issue

• In recent years, bright yellow flowers of Senna spectabilis have become more prominent in the Tiger Reserve. 

• As per conservationists, the invasive plant will have adverse effects on local biodiversity as it crowds out native species and limits food availability for wildlife.

• Senna spectabilis and Lantana camara are among five major invasive weeds that have taken over the Nilgiri forests and are affecting the local biodiversity.

• Eucalyptus and pine are also considered exotic and invasive but do not spread as fast as the other species and are considered easier to manage.

• According to the Forest Department officials, policy-level discussions are taking place on the prospects of Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Limited (TNPL) using the wood from Senna spectabilis for paper-making and efforts are underway by the Forest Department to devise a 10-year-plan to systematically remove Lantana camara.

What is Senna spectabilis?

• Senna spectabilis was introduced in India as an ornamental species and for use as firewood from South and Central America.

• The plant has become an invasive alien species in parts of Africa, India and other countries.

• The thick foliage of the tree arrests the growth of other indigenous tree and grass species. Hence, it causes food shortages for the wildlife population, especially herbivores.

• It also adversely affects the germination and growth of native species.

What is Mudumalai Tiger Reserve?

• Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu state spread over 321 sq. km at the tri-junction of three states, viz, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

• It forms part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, the first Biosphere Reserve in India, declared in 1986. 

• It has a common boundary with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) on the West, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) on the North, the Nilgiris North Division on the South and East and Gudalur Forest Division on the South West.

• The reserve has tall grasses, commonly referred to as “Elephant Grass”, Bamboo of the giant variety, and valuable timber species like Teak, Rosewood etc.

• This reserve has a wide variety of more than 260 species of birds. Around 80% of bird species found in India are recorded in Mudumalai.