Home / Environment / Delhi Sanctuary's Green Threat: Invasive Trees Take Over
Delhi Sanctuary's Green Threat: Invasive Trees Take Over
14 May
Summary
- Invasive Prosopis Juliflora dominates 63.48% of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Over 20,000 rhesus macaques relocated, straining sanctuary resources and budget.
- Encroachment and stray cattle pose significant ecological threats to the habitat.
Delhi's Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is under severe ecological pressure from invasive species, with Prosopis Juliflora dominating 63.48% of its area. A management plan highlights this alien tree, along with Lantana Camara, as major threats to the sanctuary's recovery. Invasive species, encroachment, and habitat degradation are key issues.
The sanctuary faces challenges from nearly 20,000 relocated rhesus macaques, leading to an unsustainable artificial feeding program costing Rs 1 crore annually. This practice disrupts natural behavior and increases conflict with human populations. Habitat enrichment and sterilization are recommended.
Further stresses include encroachment from Bhatti village and nearby unauthorized colonies, habitat fragmentation, and the presence of stray cattle. These cattle compete with native wildlife for resources and water, exacerbating ecological risks. Waste dumping and poor sanitation also contribute to the sanctuary's degradation.
