Forwarding pl. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: sathya mukkara <[email protected]> Date: 10 June 2011 11:14 Subject: Re: Ecology biased against non-native species?
Ecology biased against non-native species? Case study-Lantana camara in Tamilnadu,India With emergence of conservation of biodiversity as a major priority, conservationists require a broader knowledge about the distribution, abundance and ecological service provided by Lantana camara . Conservation emphasis is now shifting from the traditional species approach to wider issue by biodiversity conservation. We have to work with a clear strategy rather than just saying that weeds have to be uprooted and spend money on it. It is emphasized in the article 12 and 13 of the convention on biological diversity to not only promote research on the hidden potentials of Lantana camara but also to change popular perceptions based on sound scientific research too. There are a number of reports in support of Lantana camara utilization which provides shelter and vital winter food for many native birds. A number of endangered bird species utilize Lantana camara thickets when their natural habitat is unavailable. The Babblers inhabiting the river valleys and swamps at Mount Kenya depend on small thickets of Lantana camara for shelter and nest sites. It is a known fact that the invasive plants now perform important ecological functions. For example, fleshy-fruited invasive plants provide food that supports indigenous frugivore populations. Sathyanarayana and Ramesh (2007) reported that the intake of Lantana fruits by Grey jungle fowl, Gallus sonneratii at Gudalur, Theni Forest division, Western ghats ,Tamilnadu. They have also observed the sambar deer, barking deer, mouse deer, sloth bear, wild boar, black napped hare and insects were also using Lantana camara for food or shelter or nesting or escape cover or roost. Bhat (2002) has reported that it is far from truth that Lantana camara is not eaten by native fauna. He further stated, apart from its ability to grow and house many fauna and flora, it is put to a lot of social uses. Further, Lantana camara is a major nectar source for many species of butterflies and moths. Some unpublished work has apparently suggested that several populations of Western ghat species now rely on Lantana camara and a crash will be imminent if there is no uncontrolled removal of this weed. The link between maintenance of Lantana camara thickets and biodiversity conservation has at least been suggested (Dann, 2003). Lantana camara is proposed to be providing habitat essential to the promotion, or at least maintenance, of regional biodiversity. To evaluate the effect of introduced species on species richness, however, is to encounter a puzzling phenomenon. Both ecological theory and observation confirm that “invasions may actually increase total species richness” (Parker et al., 1999). It is emphasized that ecosystem level consequences of Lantana camara invasion particularly on the biodiversity of native flora are little understood and studies are needed to fulfill this knowledge gap. There are, however, no recent data regarding the exact number and incidence of these introduced invasive species in India. . The effects of introduced species are so poorly understood and the record of predicting which ones will cause problems is so bad that one can question how much credence to place in a risk assessment (Schmitz and Simberloff , 1997 ) . There is so much contingency involved among organisms that we regard as invasive, that their study has to be essentially a case by analysis. Njoroge et al.(1998) reported that in many regions, Lantana camara has become a dominant component of natural and agricultural ecosystems. He also stated that Lantana camara may provide Shelter and vital winter food for many native birds. It is very important to note that a number of endangered bird species utilize Lantana camara when their natural habitats becomes unavailable. In Australia, the vulnerable black –breasted buttonquail, Turnix melanogaster, feeds and roosts in Lantana camara thickets. In central Kenya, where natural riverine thickets nave been almost completely cleared, the endangered Hinde’s Babbler, Turdoides hindei, has become dependent on Lantana thickets, and unless sufficient suitable natural habitat can be restored the survival of this species depends on the retention of Lantana infestations. In the view of the aforesaid facts , I [Dr. M.C. SATHYANARAYANA] have suggested to one of my M.Sc. Wildlife Biology students Mr.Thirumalainathan to undertake a short term research work on the utilization of Lantana camara by different groups of animals at Gudalur Range , Theni Forest Division, Western Ghats , Tamilnadu The studies carried out at Gudalur Range , Theni Forest Division , Western Ghats , Tamilnadu , revealed that different species of Insects , Arachnids , Reptiles , Birds and Mammals utilized Lantana camara for various activities . It is interesting to note that totally 59 species of Insects (55) and Arachnids (4) utilized Lantana camara . During the present study Insects and Arachnids made 8826 visits (Butterflies 7643 visits and Spiders 53 visits) in 948 man hours spent. Other species such as ants, bees, flies, grasshopper, beetle, bug, bumble bee and moth also utilized Lantana camara . The results showed that Insects and Arachnids spent 24.25 hours / 948 Man hours spent. Of these butterflies spent 21.12 hours / 948 man hours spent. This shows that Lantana camara plays a role in providing ecological services to insects which in turn increases not only the diversity of animals but also plant species. It was also noticed during the present study four species of Reptiles , viz., Southern green Lizard ( Calotes calotes ) , Garden Lizard ( Calotes versicolor ) , Rat Snake ( Ptyas mucosus ) and Green vine Snake ( Ahaetulla nasuta ) utilized Lantana camara for shelter , escape cover and as a substrate for basking . The reptiles spent most of their time basking (2.21 hrs) upon Lantana camara . This is because the plant receives large amount of sunshine as it grows in the forest clearings. During the study period 21 species of birds utilized Lantana camara for foraging on flowers and fruits , perching and nesting site .The results showed that Lantana camara provides a good habitat for birds at Gudalur Range, Theni Forest Division , Western ghats , Tamilnadu . Four species of Mammals were found using Lantana camara as a shelter/ escape cover and for food. There had been a number of sightings of Three Striped Palm squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) feeding on unripe drupes of Lantana camara . With a view of developing a better understanding of the prevalent myth and value of Lantana camara , a consultation has to convened to bring together scientists , researchers , forest officials , managers , policy decision makers and NGO . It is necessary to prepare a backgrounder based on current review of research on Lantana camara . It is emphasized that ecological level consequences ofLantana invasion particularly on the biodiversity of native flora and fauna are little understood and studies are needed to fulfil this knowledge gap. <strong><font face="arial black">Dr.M.C.Sathyanarayana</font></strong> <font color="#0000ff"><strong> old address:Department of Zoology &Wildlife Biology A.V.C.College[Autonomous] Mayiladuturai 609 305, Tamilnadu, India NEW ADDRESS: 13/5 HARIDOASS I CROSS STREET KOLLATHUR CHENNAI 600099 </strong></font>[email protected] MOBILE NO 09442225759 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] __._,_.___ Reply to sender<[email protected]?subject=Re%3A%20Ecology%20biased%20against%20non-native%20species%3F>| Reply to group<[email protected]?subject=Re%3A%20Ecology%20biased%20against%20non-native%20species%3F>| Reply via web post<http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/Tamilbirds/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJxazZpbXRwBF9TAzk3NDkwNDgxBGdycElkAzE4OTE0MzUwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcyMDA4MzY2MwRtc2dJZAM0NTAwBHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3JwbHkEc3RpbWUDMTMwNzY4NDY3Nw--?act=reply&messageNum=4500>| Start a new topic<http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/Tamilbirds/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJmMzRlNWM1BF9TAzk3NDkwNDgxBGdycElkAzE4OTE0MzUwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcyMDA4MzY2MwRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNudHBjBHN0aW1lAzEzMDc2ODQ2Nzc-> Messages in this topic<http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/Tamilbirds/message/4495;_ylc=X3oDMTM1bjVpbDB2BF9TAzk3NDkwNDgxBGdycElkAzE4OTE0MzUwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcyMDA4MzY2MwRtc2dJZAM0NTAwBHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3Z0cGMEc3RpbWUDMTMwNzY4NDY3NwR0cGNJZAM0NDk1>( 2) Recent Activity: Visit Your Group<http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/Tamilbirds;_ylc=X3oDMTJmNm9jc3FlBF9TAzk3NDkwNDgxBGdycElkAzE4OTE0MzUwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcyMDA4MzY2MwRzZWMDdnRsBHNsawN2Z2hwBHN0aW1lAzEzMDc2ODQ2Nzc-> [image: Yahoo! 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