Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Environment
Why in News?
- Study Location - Raimona National Park (422 sq. km), Bodoland Territorial Region, Assam.
- Institution - Bodoland University (Led by research scholars Bishal Basumatary and Mr. Choudhury).
Core Finding
- Invasive alien plant species are traditionally regarded as ecological threats that outcompete native flora and disrupt local ecosystems.
- It reveals that certain invasive species play a vital ecological role by serving as major nectar sources and larval host plants for diverse butterfly populations.
Key Findings & Statistics
- Species Biodiversity Documented - The study recorded 220 butterfly species, 56 species of larval host plants, and 41 species of nectar plants within the national park.
- Seasonal Nectar Availability - Invasive species produce abundant nectar during lean periods when native wildflowers are scarce, sustaining butterfly survival year-round.
- Dual Ecological Function- In addition to nectar provision, several invasive plants act as larval host plants, offering food for developing caterpillars.
Key Invasive Species & Their Ecological Roles
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Invasive Plant
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Seasonal Peak
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Butterflies Supported
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Primary Features & Mechanisms
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Lantana camara
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April – October
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>30 species
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Multi-colored flower clusters change shade as they age, providing visual cues for foraging. Offers continuous nectar in dense, rounded floret clusters.
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Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed)
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December – February
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24 species
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Dense floret clusters provide accessible nectar during critical winter months when native flowers are scarce.
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Ziziphus mauritiana (Indian Jujube)
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Lean Seasons
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Multiple species
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Functions as a supplementary nectar provider across protected forest landscapes.
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- Additional Host Plants - Species such as Ricinus communis, Senna alata, Portulaca oleracea, Mikania micrantha, Ageratum conyzoides, and Tridax procumbens were also found to support butterfly reproduction and growth.
Policy & Conservation Implications
- Shift from Total Eradication to Nuanced Management - Aggressive, unmanaged removal of invasive species can lead to sudden nectar shortages for native pollinators.
- Controlled Patch Reservation - Researchers recommend that forest managers maintain small, carefully managed patches of species like Lantana camara and Chromolaena odorata to bridge floral gaps without letting them overrun natural habitats.
- Inclusion in Forest Management - This represents one of the first reports from India urging forest departments to factor in the positive pollinator contributions of invasive species during habitat restoration planning.
Reference
The Hindu | Key nectar sources for butterflies
