At Delhi's lone wildlife sanctuary, one invasive tree covers 63.48% of landscape, Pg4

Key Highlights:

• Prosopis juliflora, an invasive tree species, covers 63.48% of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Delhi.
• A 10-year management plan by the Wildlife Institute of India identifies invasive species as major threats.
• The plan recommends phased reduction of invasive species and assisted regeneration of native flora.
• Nearly 20,000 Rhesus Macaques have been relocated to Asola Bhatti, straining the sanctuary's resources.
• Encroachment from Bhatti village and unauthorized colonies further stress the sanctuary.

Detailed Insights:

• Prosopis juliflora, introduced during colonial afforestation, outcompetes native flora and alters habitat structure.
• The management plan suggests planting soil-binding and nitrogen-fixing species for ecological restoration.
• The influx of Rhesus Macaques has led to artificial feeding at 18 points, costing approximately Rs 1 crore annually.
• Administrative gaps in animal management include unscientific release of rescued animals and inadequate infrastructure.
• Other challenges include waste dumping, greywater inflow, illegal grazing, and poor inter-agency coordination.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Invasive Species: Non-native species that spread rapidly and cause environmental harm.
• Habitat Degradation: The decline in the quality of a natural environment.
• Ecological Restoration: The process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded.