Invasive Tree Dominates Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Threatening Ecosystem
At Delhi’s lone wildlife sanctuary, invasive tree covers 63.48% of landscape
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in Delhi is facing significant ecological challenges due to the invasive tree Prosopis Juliflora, which covers 63.48% of the area. A management plan highlights the need for phased removal of invasive species and restoration of native flora to protect the sanctuary's biodiversity.
- 01Prosopis Juliflora covers 63.48% of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, posing a major ecological threat.
- 02The management plan recommends phased removal of invasive species and restoration of native plants.
- 03Rhesus Macaques, with a population of nearly 20,000, are straining the sanctuary's resources.
- 04Urban encroachment and stray cattle are contributing to habitat degradation.
- 05The plan emphasizes the need for better animal management and ecological monitoring.
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The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in Delhi is grappling with the dominance of the invasive tree species Prosopis Juliflora, which covers 63.48% of the sanctuary's landscape, according to a management plan prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India. This invasive species not only disrupts native ecosystems but also poses significant ecological risks, including groundwater depletion and habitat alteration. The plan identifies multiple threats, including encroachment, habitat degradation, and pollution, and suggests a phased reduction of invasive species along with the restoration of native flora. Additionally, the sanctuary is under pressure from a large population of Rhesus Macaques, which has led to unsustainable artificial feeding practices costing nearly ₹1 crore annually. The management plan calls for humane population control measures and better management of human-wildlife interactions. Urban encroachment, particularly from nearby settlements, further exacerbates the sanctuary's challenges, leading to habitat fragmentation and increased human-wildlife conflicts. Addressing these issues is crucial for the ecological recovery of Asola Bhatti.
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The dominance of invasive species and urban encroachment threatens the biodiversity and ecological balance of Asola Bhatti, impacting wildlife and local communities.
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