Current Affairs-Topics

Mikania Micrantha: A Growing Threat to Bhadra Tiger Reserve

Mikania Micrantha, also known as "mile-a-minute" weed, is a rapidly growing invasive plant species native to Central and South America. It is a perennial herbaceous climber that can grow up to 25 meters in length, producing large numbers of easily dispersed seeds and suppressing allelopathic chemicals that inhibit plant growth.

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.

More Related Articles

Climate Change in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

The Himalayan Cryosphere is a vital component of the global climate system. Snow persistence refers to how long snow stays on the ground before melting, which is crucial for maintaining steady river

IMD Heatwave Alert for Delhi

Delhi is bracing itself for an intense heatwave this weekend as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for April 25 and 26, 2025. The national capital is likely to

Blackbuck Population and Grassland Ecosystems

India's blackbuck population, once on the brink of extinction, has been a focal point of conservation efforts in recent years. As the world celebrates efforts toward wildlife protection, the bla

A Water Revolution Uplifting 200 Families

By ascending from the lowest council position to the highest, he serves as a testament to the tenacity of India's democratic system. Water is life in rural areas of India, where agriculture rema

North India Heatwave 2025: Early Warning Signs

It’s only April, and the North India heatwave 2025 has already gripped the region with extreme temperatures. From Delhi to Rajasthan, the rising mercury is pushing people indoors and putting

Naini Lake Water Levels Hit Record Low

We recorded a concerning drop in water levels, measuring just 4.7 feet—marking a five-year low. This alarming situation has raised serious concerns about water scarcity and environmental sus

Deadly Earthquake in Myanmar & Bangkok

On March 28, 2025, a powerful Myanmar earthquake of 7.7 magnitude struck central Myanmar, with tremors felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand. The epicenter was situated near Mandalay, the second-larges

Increase in Zika Virus Cases in Maharashtra

The Zika virus has become a significant public health concern in Pune district, Maharashtra. In 2024, Pune accounted for 125 of the 151 confirmed Zika cases reported across India. This sur

Geo-Tagging Helps Preserve Kashmir’s Iconic Chinar Trees

Kashmir’s iconic chinar trees, celebrated for their cultural and ecological importance, are facing growing threats from urbanization and infrastructure expansion. To address this, th

Indore and Udaipur Added to Global Wetland Cities Network

Indore and Udaipur have made history as the first cities from India to receive accreditation as Wetland Cities under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This recognition marks a significant

Toppers

anil kumar
Akshay kuamr
geeta kumari
shubham