Question

According to a recent wildlife report, the biggest threat to the tiger's survival in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) was found to be a small, beautiful flower, \textit{Lantana camara, a tropical American shrub, that invaded 40% of India's tiger range. Tamil Nadu department's Lantana weed eradication drive helped to restore the dying MTR thereby also reducing human-wildlife conflicts. MTR is home to 25 species of grasses and legumes.
Explain how did the removal of Lantana help in restoring the dying Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
Why is the invasion of Lantana camara a cause of concern in MTR?

Hint:

Invasive species like Lantana camara disrupt native ecosystems. Their removal helps restore biodiversity and balance in protected reserves.

Answer 1

(a) Restoration through Lantana removal:

• Removal of Lantana camara allowed native grasses and legumes to regenerate.
• These native plants are crucial for maintaining the herbivore population, which is the primary prey base for tigers.
• Increased herbivore availability in turn supports a stable and growing tiger population.
• It also helped in reducing human-wildlife conflict, as animals were no longer forced to migrate outside the reserve in search of food.

(b) Concerns due to Lantana camara invasion:

• Lantana camara is an invasive alien species that displaces native flora.
• It forms dense thickets, reducing biodiversity and food sources for herbivores.
• Its spread degrades the natural habitat, leading to ecosystem imbalance.
• The loss of native vegetation and prey drives tigers to venture into human settlements, increasing conflict and threat to their survival.