MIKANIA MICRANTHA

 Source: Deccan Herald

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

The weed, Mikania micrantha, is spreading quite fast in the Bhadra Tiger Reserve.

About Mikania micrantha

• It is commonly known as "mile-a-minute" weed.
• It is a fast-growing, invasive plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family.
• Native to Central and South America, it has spread to various tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Read about invasive species: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/how-invasive-species-threaten-natural-ecosystems

Characteristics

• It is a perennial, herbaceous climber that can grow up to 25 meters in length.
• Its rapid growth allows it to cover large areas within a short period.
• The plant has heart-shaped leaves and clusters of small, white flowers.
• These flowers produce large numbers of seeds that are easily dispersed, contributing to its invasive nature.
• The plant secretes chemicals that inhibit the growth and germination of surrounding plants. This allelopathic property allows it to dominate ecosystems and disrupt local vegetation.
• It was introduced to regions like India during World War II to camouflage airfields.
• The plant thrives in disturbed areas, secondary rainforests, riverbanks, and open ground.
• It prefers tropical climates with ample sunlight and fertile, well-drained soils​.

Uses

• Mikania micrantha has some reported medicinal uses.
• In places like Assam, Mizoram, and Bangladesh, the plant is used to treat insect bites, cuts, skin irritations, and even stomach-aches. The plant has antimicrobial effects.

About Bhadra Tiger Reserve

• It is located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, spreading over Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts.
• The habitat is well drained by the river Bhadra and its tributaries.
• The sanctuary is surrounded by Mullayanagiri, Hebbegiri, Gangegiri and Bababudangiri hills.
• Hebbe Falls are in the eastern part of the sanctuary.
• Tributaries of the Bhadra river flow west through the sanctuary.
• Bhadravathi, Tarikere and Birur are cities nearby.

Flora

• The flora of the reserve comprises of:
  • • Southern moist mixed deciduous Forests
    • Southern dry mixed deciduous Forests.
    • Sholas

Fauna

• It is home to about 40 species of large mammals, of which most are endangered.
• Tiger, Leopard, Leopard cat, Dholes, Indian Civet, ungulates like Gaur, Sambar and Barking Deer are common.
• The habitat has a good population of elephants and is also an Elephant Reserve.

Sources:Deccan Herald

PRACTICE QUESTION  Q:  In the context of Bhadra Tiger Reserve, consider the following statements: It spreads over 2 districts of Kerala. Bhadra is the first tiger reserve in the country to complete a successful village relocation program. Hebbe Falls are in the western part of the sanctuary. It was earlier known as Jagara Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1, 3, and 4 only b) 2 and 4 only c) 2, 3, and 4 only d) 1 and 2 only Answer: b Explanation: 1st statement is incorrect: It is located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, spreading over Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts. 2nd statement is correct: Bhadra is the first tiger reserve in the country to complete a successful village relocation program. The original relocation plan was introduced in 1974 and was implemented completely by 2002 when the 26 villages in the sanctuary were successfully relocated to M C Halli. 3rd statement is incorrect: The Hebbe Falls are in the eastern part of the sanctuary. The Manikyadhara Falls is located on the nearby sacred Baba Budan Giri Hill, The tributaries of the Bhadra river flow west through the sanctuary. 4th statement is correct: The area was first declared as 'Jagara Valley Wildlife Sanctuary' in 1951 by the then government of its surroundings, the area was extended to its present extent and renamed to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974. The Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a Project Tiger Reserve in 1998.