Invasive Lantana Chokes India's Ecosystems

Originating from South America, Lantana camara was introduced to India by colonizers in the early 1800s for ornamental purposes. This hardy, adaptable shrub quickly escaped cultivation, spreading rapidly through farms, pastures, and protected areas like the Bandipur sanctuary and the Himalayas. It releases soil-inhibiting chemicals that suffocate native vegetation, leading to food scarcity for herbivores as native animals cannot consume the toxic lantana. This ecological disruption has been linked to increased instances of wildlife, such as tigers and elephants, venturing into human settlements.

Globally recognized as a major invasive species, Lantana camara is found in over 60 countries. In India alone, it covers an estimated 150,000 sq km of forest land. The plant's resilience is remarkable; it is fire-tolerant, lacks natural predators, and can regenerate from roots and stem fragments. Efforts by NGOs like Shola Trust since 2007 to manage its spread continue to face challenges.

Legal frameworks are slowly evolving, with a 2022 amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 defining and granting powers to regulate invasive alien species. However, the central government has yet to list specific species or enact corresponding regulations, leaving lantana largely unaddressed. This lack of definitive action allows the invasive shrub to persist, even appearing in plant nurseries and online gardening lists.