Mikania Micrantha: A Growing Threat to Bhadra Tiger Reserve

Understanding Mikania Micrantha: The Mile-a-Minute Weed

• Mikania micrantha, commonly known as "mile-a-minute" weed, is a fast-growing invasive plant species.
• Native to Central and South America, it has spread to various tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Characteristics:

• Perennial, herbaceous climber that can grow up to 25 meters in length.
• Heart-shaped leaves and clusters of small, white flowers.
• Produces large numbers of easily dispersed seeds.
• Secretes allelopathic chemicals that inhibit growth of surrounding plants.
• Introduced to India during World War II for camouflaging airfields.
• Thrives in disturbed areas, secondary rainforests, riverbanks, and open ground.
• Prefers tropical climates with ample sunlight and fertile, well-drained soils.
• Some reported medicinal uses in Assam, Mizoram, and Bangladesh for treating insect bites, cuts, and stomach-aches.

Mikania Micrantha's Threat to Bhadra Tiger Reserve

• The weed is spreading rapidly in the Bhadra Tiger Reserve, threatening its biodiversity.

Invasion methods:

• Kills other plants by blocking light and smothering them.
• Climbs up other plants to reach the canopy for better sunlight.
• Produces thousands of lightweight, wind-dispersed seeds.
• Reproduces vegetatively through its roots, enabling rapid and widespread invasion.
• Thrives in areas with high fertility, moisture, and humidity, which are abundant in the reserve.
• Poses a serious threat to several plantation crops and forest areas across India.
• Its allelopathic potential inhibits seed germination and seedling growth of other plants.

Bhadra Tiger Reserve: A Biodiversity Hotspot Under Threat

• Located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, spanning Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts.
• Declared the 25th Project Tiger Reserve of India in 1998.

Unique features:

• Nestled within several hill ranges, including Mullayanagiri, Hebbegiri, Gangegiri, and Bababudangiri.
• Well-drained by the Bhadra River and its tributaries.
• Home to Hebbe Falls in the eastern part.

Flora:

• Diverse vegetation types: Southern moist mixed deciduous forests, Southern dry mixed deciduous forests, and Sholas.
• Notable species include Teak, Rosewood, Mathi, Honne, and Nandi.

Fauna:

• Home to about 40 species of large mammals, many endangered.
• Key species: Tigers, Leopards, Leopard cats, Dholes, Indian Civets.
• Ungulates like Gaur, Sambar, and Barking Deer are common.
• Significant elephant population, designated as an Elephant Reserve.