Invasive weed threatens elephant habitats in T.N.

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Last Updated25/07/2023

An aquatic weed, Ludwigia Peruviana, is threatening elephant habitats and foraging areas in Valparai, Tamil Nadu
It is reviving the risk of human-elephant conflicts in the region.

Popularly called primrose willow, Ludwigia Peruviana is an aquatic plant
It is a native of Central and South America.
It grows faster in wetlands than other harmful weeds.
The pre-monsoon temperature and monsoon rains help this weed grow faster.
It was probably introduced as an ornamental plant for its tiny yellow flowers
It is now challenging the existence of local vegetation in various swampy areas around the world.
It has shaken the balance of these perennial foraging grounds, limiting the growth of grass and native plants that are palatable to elephants and other animals including gaur.

Ludwigia is among the 22 priority invasive plants in Tamil Nadu
However, the State’s drive to remove exotic species from its forests is now largely focused on Lantana Camara, Senna Spectabilis and Acacia Mearnsii (wattle).

Unlike other invasive plants, Ludwigia poses a unique challenge as it grows in swamps and there is little scope to use machinery which may further destroy the ecosystem.
Even if it is pulled out manually, the soft plant easily breaks and will spread again from the root or broken stems that fall in the swamp.