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.

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