The Forest Department, in collaboration with the Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation, is undertaking a pilot project aimed at removing the invasive cover crop Mucuna bracteata from rubber plantations and forest areas in the district. This initiative is critical to preserving the region’s biodiversity and ensuring the health of local ecosystems.
Introduction of Mucuna Bracteata
Mucuna bracteata, a leguminous vine, was initially introduced to rubber plantations in Kanniyakumari as a natural weed protectant and nitrogen regulator. Valued for its drought tolerance, it was seen as beneficial for maintaining the health of rubber trees. However, the crop has since spread beyond its intended area and become a significant environmental threat.
Spread and Impact of Mucuna Bracteata
The proliferation of Mucuna bracteata in Kanniyakumari has extended to parts of the Western Ghats, including regions such as Kaliyal, Kadayalumoodu, Aarukani, Kodayar, and Kulasekaram. The creeper has begun to overpower and cover the rubber trees, which were once its intended beneficiaries. In addition to rubber plantations, it has spread to native trees, stunting their growth and causing harm to the ecosystem.
Collaborative Effort for Removal
Recognizing the serious threat posed by this invasive species, the Forest Department, along with the Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation, has launched efforts to clear Mucuna bracteata from the Kilamalai area in Kodayar. Local communities are also involved in the project, helping to restore the natural habitat.
Vinodh Sadhasivan from the Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation emphasized that the creeper has overtaken large tracts of the Kodayar region, affecting the growth of native trees. The area is close to the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, a critical tiger habitat, making the preservation of local biodiversity even more urgent.
Threat to Biodiversity
Sadhasivan highlighted that while invasive plants like Lantana and Parthenium are well-known, Mucuna bracteata is slowly causing extensive damage to one of the most thriving ecosystems in India. The removal of this species is essential for maintaining the natural vegetation and the biodiversity of the region.
Long-Term Project with Native Plant Restoration
The removal of Mucuna bracteata is a multi-year project. As part of the restoration process, saplings of bamboo and other native trees are being planted in the cleared areas to restore the natural ecosystem. The District Forest Officer, E. Prashanth, noted that the creeper is particularly widespread in the rainforest of Kanniyakumari, where abandoned rubber plantations serve as its primary habitat.
Challenges in Eradication
One of the major challenges in clearing Mucuna bracteata is the lack of a known method to completely eradicate its growth. The pilot project is focusing on physical removal methods, rather than chemical ones, to avoid harming the habitat of local wildlife.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What was the initial purpose of introducing Mucuna bracteata to rubber plantations?
- A) To increase rubber yield
- B) To act as a weed protectant and nitrogen regulator
- C) To improve soil fertility
- D) To create a habitat for wildlife
- Answer: B) To act as a weed protectant and nitrogen regulator
- Which area has been primarily affected by the spread of Mucuna bracteata?
- A) The Western Ghats
- B) The Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
- C) The rainforest of Kanniyakumari
- D) The Kodayar region
- Answer: C) The rainforest of Kanniyakumari
- What is one of the challenges in eradicating Mucuna bracteata?
- A) Lack of financial resources
- B) Absence of a known method to completely eradicate its growth
- C) Resistance from local communities
- D) Lack of awareness about the issue
- Answer: B) Absence of a known method to completely eradicate its growth
- What species is being planted in the cleared areas as part of the restoration process?
- A) Mucuna bracteata
- B) Bamboo and other native trees
- C) Parthenium and Lantana
- D) Rubber trees
- Answer: B) Bamboo and other native trees
- Why is the removal of Mucuna bracteata particularly important in the Kodayar region?
- A) It is near a critical tiger habitat
- B) It affects the growth of rubber trees
- C) It is a major tourist destination
- D) It is a commercial hub for the rubber industry
- Answer: A) It is near a critical tiger habitat