• It is a species of the legume family.
• It is native to South and Central America and is grown as an ornamental plant as it has bright yellow flowers.
• It was introduced as shade trees for coffee and firewood in the country; it soon became a threat to native tree species as its dense foliage prevented the growth of other indigenous trees and grass species.
• It is considered as Least Concern under the IUCN Red List.

The Forest Department of Tamil Nadu has cleared 356.50 hectares of invasive growth of Senna spectabilis that posed a threat to biodiversity conservation in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR).

Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

• It is located at the junction of the Eastern and the Western Ghats in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in the Erode District of Tamil Nadu.
• It is contiguous with the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) and BR Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary(Karnataka).
• Together, these reserves — forming the Nilgiris biosphere landscape — have the biggest tiger population in the world, at over 280 tigers.
• Vegetation: It consists of southern tropical dry thorn forests, mixed deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, and Riparian forests.
• Rivers: Some of the prominent rivers in the region include the Bhavani, Moyar, and Noyyal rivers.
• Tribal Communities: It is home to several indigenous tribal communities, including the Irula and Kurumba tribes.
• Flora: Common Species of trees and shrubs found are Albizzia amara Chloroxylon swictenia, Gyrocarpus jacquini, Neem, Tamarind, Sandalwood, Randi dumetorum, Zizyphus and associates.
• Fauna: The major species are Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Sloth bear, Gaur, Black Buck, Spotted deer and Bonnet macaque.

Irulas?

Irulas are one of India’s oldest indigenous communities and they are a particularly vulnerable tribal group.They live primarily in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu, as well as in parts of Kerala and Karnataka. They speak Irula, which is related to Dravidian languages like Tamil and Kannada. Irulas have traditionally caught snakes and rats, but they also work as labourers.

Senna Spectabilis

• Senna spectabilis, an exotic invasive plant that poses a serious danger to Karela’s animal habitat, has been identified as the target of a management strategy developed by the state.

• According to the management plan, no attempt should be made to remove trees before a comprehensive replanting strategy and the necessary funding are in place.

Senna spectabilis: What is it?

• The deciduous Senna spectabilis tree is indigenous to tropical America tree.
• After flowering, it quickly grows up to 15 to 20 meters tall and releases thousands of seeds.
• Other native tree and grass species cannot thrive because of the tree's dense foliage. As a result, it leaves the wildlife population, especially herbivores, with a food shortage.
• The native species' germination and growth are also negatively impacted.
• IUCN Red List classifies it as "Least Concern."

What is the Eradication Plan?

• The plan calls for managing the tree at the landscape level.

• The three-step process for removing invasive species from giant trees, large saplings, and small saplings must be used once the materials and resources for landscape restoration are ready.
• The collar portion of the huge trees as well as the area below breast height (1.3 m above ground level) must be debarked. After that, the trees should be checked once a month to cut down any new growth that has sprouted over the debarked region.
• Larger saplings can be uprooted with weed pullers that are specifically made for the job.
• The third step entails the mechanical removal of tiny plantlets.
• After debarking, it would take the enormous trees at least 18 months to completely dry out.

What is an invasive species?

• An organism that harms the ecology or the economy in a new habitat where it is not native is referred to as an invasive species.

• They have the potential to modify environments, reduce biodiversity, displace native organisms for scarce resources, and cause the extinction of local flora and animals.
• Ship ballast water, an unintentional release, and individuals are the most common ways that they are introduced to an area.
• Invasive species are widespread in India. For instance, Indian Bullfrogs, Lantana shrubs, Charru Mussels, etc.