report on the lantana management and restoration of scrub ... · craft making using the removed...

Junglescapes Charitable Trust, Bangalore, India

Report on the Lantana Management and restoration of

scrub forest ecosystem at Lokkere Reserve Forest,

Bandipura, Karnataka

This project forms part of the project titled "Integrated project for lantana management, restoration of scrub forest ecosystem

and alternate livelihoods at Lokkere Reserve Forest, Bandipura" implemented by Paadhai and Junglescapes

Charitable Trust during 2013-14 under the CEPF-ATREE Western Ghats Small Grants Program

Prepared by Ramesh Venkataraman

Project Investigator February 2015

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Abstract Background Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) is one India's premier tiger sanctuaries located in the Western

Ghats, a global bio-diversity hot spot. The Lokkere Reserve Forest (RF) is adjacent to

Bandipur Tiger Reserve and is a valuable buffer habitat for the main tiger reserve. A main

ecosystem threat in the reserve forest as well as in BTR is large scale invasion by Lantana

camara, an exotic plant species. The extent and nature of invasion in the RF is largely

similar to that in the protected area of BTR, with 50-60% of land area occupied by this

species. Contextually, invasive species have been identified as one of the major threats to

Western Ghats ecosystems requiring urgent attention. Objectives of the project The Lantana management project is a part of the overall CEPF-ATREE project titled

""Integrated project for lantana management, restoration of scrub forest ecosystem and

alternate livelihoods at Lokkere Reserve Forest, Bandipura". The overall project aims to

integrate the restoration of forest habitats affected by Lantana camara with alternate

livelihoods for local communities based on the restoration activity as well as through hand

craft making using the removed Lantana camara as raw material. Specifically, the lantana

management aspect of the project aims at piloting an effective, sustainable and

scientifically sound model for management of Lantana camara, covering both its removal

and the restoration of the cleared sites to healthy wildlife habitats.

Findings The project results show that the Cut Root-stock method deployed is very effective in

removing Lantana camara with minimal re-appearance of the weed in the removed plots.

The results also show that this method of removal ensures survival of almost 100% of

native plant species that lie underneath or around the removed Lantana camara bushes.

The restoration activity post-clearance of lantana is critical and was a key focus of the

project. It is observed that in areas with moderate lantana invasion the restoration is

achievable in a relatively short period of time, since pre-existing grass stock tends to

quickly dominate the Lantana cleared lands, complimented by other native species that are

present or planted. However, areas with heavy lantana invasion have negligible presence of

native plant or grass species, and have a potential to attract other invasive species once

lantana is cleared. These areas therefore need a higher level of preparedness for restoration

before removal is done, and the restoration is likely to take a relatively longer time.


List of acronyms: BTR: Bandipur Tiger Reserve RF: Reserve Forest PA: Protected Area CRS: Cut-Rootstock method CEMDE: Centre for Ecological Monitoring of Degraded Ecosystems, Delhi ATREE: Ashoka Trust for Research on Ecology and the Environment IISc: Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore NCBS: National Centre for Biological Studies, Bangalore NGO: Non-governmental Organisation


Table of contents 1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………………… 5

1.1 Project Outline …………………………………………………………………………. 5

1.2 Project Objectives ……………………………………………………………………. 8

2. Project implementation methodology.……………………….…………….. 8

3. Project outcomes v objectives……………………………………………………. 15

4. Conclusions ………………………………………………………………………………… 28

5. Acknowledgements ……………………………………………………………………. 30

8. List of Annexures and Appendices ..…………………………………………. 30

9. Annexure 1: Results of monitoring ………………………………………….. 31


1. Introduction 1.1 Project Outline

This project is an integral part of the overall CEPF-ATREE project titled ""Integrated project for lantana management, restoration of scrub forest ecosystem and alternate livelihoods at Lokkere Reserve Forest, Bandipura". This technical report covers the lantana management and restoration of scrub forest ecosystem aspects of the project, involving removal of Lantana camara and restoration of such removed sites. The alternate livelihood aspects of the project involve creation of alternate livelihood options through the making and selling of hand crafts using the removed lantana as raw material which have been covered by a separate technical report. 1.1.1 The Lantana camara threat

Lantana camara is an invasive and exotic weed species that was brought to India by the British in the early 19th century. It is now one of the main eco-system threats in large parts of the Western Ghats. It is estimated that around 50% of BTR is invaded by this invasive species in various degrees of density, impacting bio-diversity significantly. Lantana is a prodigious flower and seed producing species that colonizes vast areas rapidly.

Lantana camara is a prodigious flowering and seed producing plant

Each lantana plant produces thousands of colourful seeds every year that are dispersed by air, water, birds, insects, cattle, humans, etc. The seeds can stay dormant under the soil for over 10 years and the dormancy is broken mainly by soil disturbance and forest fires.


A typical lantana infested landscape in Lokkere Reserve forest Lantana has multiple adverse impacts on the eco-system i.e.

• The bottom and middle-storey vegetation in Lantana-affected areas are occupied entirely by Lantana, pushing out native shrub and grass species and also inhibiting creation of fresh stock of woody species. This impacts food availability in the short and long terms for herbivores like deer, gaur and elephants within the forest, and potentially impacts the carrying capacity of the forest for prey animals.

• High degree of colonization by Lantana camara deprives the forest ecosystems of bio-diversity of flora as well as of multi-flora dependent fauna.

• Lantana leads to degeneration of the soil and hydrological systems (Ref: “Eradication of Invasive Weeds and Habitat Restoration”, CEMDE, 2014).

• Concentrations of dry lantana bushes pose a serious fire risk during the summer months. The spread of forest fires in such habitats is rapid and difficult to control.

• Lower availability of natural fodder for herbivores potentially increases risk of wildlife raids on agricultural fields in the vicinity of forests.

• Lantana camara is not a source of food for herbivores and provides negligible eco-system services except providing nectar to insects and birds that are used by the plant as pollination agents. Hence it is an eco-system exploiter than an eco-system provider.

• While traditionally Lantana camara has been known to be a ground-growing shrub, recent evidence shows that the plant tends to climb on bamboo clumps, thus posing a new threat the implications of which are yet to be studied.


1.1.2 Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR)

BTR is one of the earliest tiger reserves set up (1973) under India’s Project Tiger program. It lies in the Western Ghats, a global bio-diversity hot spot. BTR is contiguous with three other major tiger reserves – Nagarhole, Mudumalai and Wynad – which together form the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (5500 sq kms), one of the largest protected conservation areas in India. BTR has rich bio-diversity of flora and fauna in addition to good tiger density and also a high density of wild elephants (Elephas maximus). It is one of the identified critical site outcomes under the CEPF Western Ghats assessment 2012. BTR covers an area of 1020 sq kms, consisting of 872 sq kms of core area and 148 sq kms of buffer zone.

1.1.3 Lokkere Reserve Forest

The Lokkere RF falls in the buffer zone of BTR and covers an area of around 6.50 sq kms. It is contiguous with BTR at its south-western end and therefore provides valuable incremental habitat for wild animals. It is one of the migratory routes from BTR to the forests of the Eastern Ghats and is used regularly by wild animals during dry summer months to migrate towards water sources. Lokkere RF has a mix of dry deciduous and scrub forest eco-systems. Anthropogenic pressure over a fairly long period of time due to the presence of a number of villages at its periphery - with cattle grazing and collection of fuel wood being the major reasons – has resulted in a high degree of degradation.

Image of Lokkere Reserve Forest in relation to BTR

1.1.4 Local communities and livelihoods Almost all local communities of BTR live in the eco-sensitive zone of the park. A majority of these are erstwhile forest dwelling communities consisting of indigenous people like like Solegas and Jenu Kurubas that were resettled from inside the protected area to villages outside during the formation of the national park. Land holding is small and most land parcels lie uncultivated due to a variety of factors – low rainfall, lack of resources for


irrigation and crop raid by wild animals being the main ones. As a result most community members depend on temporary farm jobs in nearby private farms for their livelihood, which are seasonal and fraught with uncertainty related to monsoons. Non-tribal communities have now started actively seeking seasonal employment in coffee and tea plantations in adjacent States like Kerala and Tamilnadu. However, this trend is not seen among tribal communities like Jenu Kurubas who prefer to work close to their settlements. 1.1.5 About Junglescapes and Paadhai Junglescapes is a non-profit that has been working on wildlife conservation initiatives (www.junglescapes.org) in the Western Ghats area since 2007. The NGO follows a community participative model of conservation wherein all projects are carried out with the active involvement of local communities. This provides conservation-based alternate livelihoods for the community members that are sustainable. Also, this helps build a win-win and collaborative relationship between these communities and the ecology and wildlife that surrounds them. Paadhai is a non-profit NGO that works on social projects involving health, education and environment, with a focus on development of under-privileged people. Paadhai joined hands with Junglescapes for implementation of this CEPF project, with the latter handling the ground level implementation. 1.2 Project Objectives The main objectives of the project were as below:

a. Identify and test an effective methodology for the removal of lantana which can be replicated in other areas of Western Ghats that face invasion by lantana.

b. Evolve a viable methodology for restoration of lantana cleared plots with specific reference to dry deciduous and scrub forest eco systems and document the results.

c. Document results of removal and restoration activity to assess the effectiveness of the methodologies.

d. Provide recommendations based on the project results for management of Lantana camara in dry deciduous and scrub forest eco systems.

e. Engage key stakeholders in the project to create awareness about the Lantana camara threat and importance of its management.

2. Project implementation methodology 2.1 Lantana experts’ workshop

A workshop of experts on lantana was conducted in October 2013 at Bandipur to get their inputs for the project. The following presentations were made by experts on various aspects of Lantana camara and its management.

http://www.junglescapes.org/


• Lantana in the long term: importance of monitoring programs in predicting and managing invasion (Dr Geetha Ramaswami, IISc, Bangalore)

• Experiences of management of Lantana in forest ecosystems of Corbett NP (Dr Rakesh Kumar, CEMDE, Delhi)

• Experiences of removal of Lantana camara from the deciduous forests of the Nilgiris (Dr Ayesha Prasad, NCBS, Bangalore)

• Weed to wealth : a novel approach to enhance livelihoods of rural poor in MM Hills, Karnataka (Dr Siddappa Setty, ATREE, Bangalore)

• Plant species for restoration of areas cleared of Lantana Camara (Mr Bharathidasan, Arulagam, Coimbatore)

The main observations and recommendations that came up from the Lantana experts’ workshop are given below:

i. Traditional methods of lantana removal like grubbing/slashing/burning have been found to be highly counter-productive leading to very active regrowth of lantana.

o Grubbing through mechanical devices like JCBs results in high soil disturbance and exposure of dormant seeds to sunlight and moisture. Multiple plants emerge in a single location in such cases.

o Burning leads to more rapid lantana regrowth as the outer shell of the dormant seeds is removed by the heat leading to quick germination. Also, fresh shoots emerge from the base of burnt plants (see image below).

o Cutting or slashing of lantana bushes results in fresh sub-plants emerging from multiple nodes of the cut plant (see image below), with multiple sub-plants emerging in the place of a single plant. In the case of cutting or slashing, fresh plants also emerge from the nodes of the branches that fall on moisture-laden ground.

Multiple fresh shoots emerge from Fresh shoots emerge

slashed Lantana plant from burnt Lantana plant


ii. The Cut Root-stock method (CRS) that has been successfully deployed in Corbett NP was presented and also demonstrated in the field by Dr Rakesh Kumar. Based on the scientific rationale of this method and the proven results achieved in Corbett NP, the experts opined that this was a good method that minimises the risks of lantana re-appearance associated with traditional removal methods. Hence this method was recommended for adoption for this CEPF-ATREE project. Details of the CRS method are discussed in section 3.1 of this report.

iii. Removal of Lantana in a small plot of 3 acres as envisaged in the project was discouraged as it was felt that this small plot could again be invaded by seeds from nearby plots. However, as the project had financial and time limits, the experts recommended that an area of 5 acres be considered.

iv. It was emphasised that Lantana removal has to be followed immediately by active restoration as otherwise the area may be invaded again by Lantana or other weeds like Parthenium hysterophorus; including shrubs and grasses in the restoration strategy and regular monitoring were also emphasised.

v. A group of villagers were trained on the CRS method by Dr Rakesh Kumar and they cleared two large clusters of Lantana camara occupying around 500 sft of area (called ‘demonstration plot’ in this report). These trained villagers subsequently took part in the removal of lantana in the pilot plot as well.

Dr Rakesh explains the CRS A large Lantana cluster removed by method to the villagers villagers using the CRS method


2.2 Prior consultation with the local community and forest department Discussions were held with the Lokkere and Guddukere village communities in October 2013. They expressed strong willingness in participating in the project. The Guddukere community showed keen interest in the Lantana removal and restoration activities while the Lokkere community showed interest in the Lantana craft based alternate livelihoods. Consultations were also held with the Forest department (the Conservator of Forests, BTR and the Range Forest Officer, Kundakere Range, BTR). They were in support of the project and gave feedback that these initiatives were very relevant in the context of the severity of the Lantana threat in BTR. They expressed keenness in knowing the results of the project. 2.3 Observation of the ‘demonstration plot’

The ‘demonstration plot’ of 500 sft was monitored on a monthly basis during November 2013 – March 2014 and the results were encouraging. Key observations were as below. • At the end of 5 months, only two new lantana plants had re-appeared in the plot despite

a few monsoon showers. • Native species that had been found under the removed Lantana clusters had survived

well. • There was reasonable emergence of grass in the plot, through natural propagation.

December 2013 March 2014

2.4 Selection of the pilot plot

An important recommendation given at the Lantana Experts’ workshop was to make the pilot plot larger than the 3 acres targeted in the proposal, since a small area of 3 acres is likely to face high Lantana re-emergence pressure from the surrounding areas and this may influence the integrity of the results. A 5 acre plot was identified for Lantana removal within the Lokkere RF (Western Corner: Lat 11-39-1742 N and Long 76-41-4310 E and Eastern Corner: Lat 11-39-2095 N and Long 76-41-4916 E, see image below), so as to provide a reasonable buffer against re-emergence.


2.5 Removal of lantana in the pilot plot

i. The removal of Lantana using the Cut Root-stock method was carried out during April-June 2014, immediately prior to the onset of the South West monsoons. This time period was selected for the following reasons: • At this time of the year Lantana camara generally has lesser flowers or fruits • The soil is soft post the short summer showers in April making removal through

the CRS method easier • It enables synchronisation of post-removal restoration activity with the onset of

the monsoon ii. The lantana removal activity was carried out by the community members of

Guddukere village, who are mostly indigenous tribes (Jenu Kurubas). iii. The Lantana removal was carried out during the period April-June 2014 and covered

a total of 5.3 acres. The removed lantana was allowed to dry and then shifted out of the RF and given to the villagers for use as fuel wood.

iv. A total of 15 community members participated in the activity which generated an income of Rs 70000 to them.

v. In terms of density of lantana invasion, the pilot plot had around 20% of area occupied by high lantana invasion (above 80% lantana coverage consisting of dense bushes in clusters) and the remaining 80% of area covered by moderate invasion (50-60% lantana coverage consisting of individual bushes).

vi. A total number of 350 man days were involved in the removal and shifting of lantana in the pilot plot. This works out to an average of 66 man days for removal/shifting of lantana per acre. However, it has to be borne in mind that this was the initial foray into removal for the team. Experience of removal over a larger area post this project shows man days required to be around 50% lower.

1400

1500

1600

1700

1800

1900

2000

2100

2200

2300

2400

4200 4400 4600 4800 5000

11 3

9 N

76 - 41 East

Plot 1

Plot 2

Linear (Plot 1)

Linear (Plot 2)


2.6 Restoration of the pilot plot

The restoration of the pilot plot post-removal of lantana consisted of a number of methods. The methods were chosen in the particular context of the arid nature of the landscape and low rainfall levels (average of 800 mm per year).

i. Creation of grass cover Grass cover was created both by natural means i.e. expansion of existing grass cover to the lantana removed areas by synchronizing the activity with the monsoons, and by manual propagation of grass by transplantation of grass clumps from nearby areas. Broadcasting of grass seeds was not attempted as sufficient seeds could not be collected in time; however, this has been done in 2015 for addressing the current year’s restoration. Grass is the best species for restoration of lantana removed areas, for the following reasons: • Grass arrests lantana re-appearance as it occupies the removed areas rapidly

thus inhibiting potential germination of lantana seeds. • Grass performs a vital role of repairing the soil degraded by presence of lantana

for a long period. It alleviates the soil, helps moisture retention, stabilises soil microbes and restores the nutrient cycle. As a result, native saplings in grassy areas have a better chance of survival.

• Grass is also an excellent “successional community” that gives way to successors – both herbaceous species and woody species. Thus it paves way for creation of bottom, middle and top layers of vegetation.

ii. Support to natural native saplings A number of native saplings exist on removed plots, either underneath the removed lantana bushes or in-between such lantana bushes. Water harvesting trenches were made for the native saplings (each trench is about 4 feet long, 1 foot wide and 9 inches deep) to help improve water and moisture availability for the saplings, enabling them to grow faster. This method had already been piloted successfully by Junglescapes as part of its habitat restoration work in Lokkere RF and this process has been named as “Natural Juvenile Support”.

iii. Sapling planting • Planting of saplings was done of native species suited for arid landscapes. e.g. Acacia

chundra, Gmelina arborea, Cassia fistula, Pongamia pinnata, Bauhemia recemosa, Wrightia tinctoria, Albizia lebbeck, Hardwikia benata, etc. were done. A total of 1500 saplings were planted in the pilot plot.

iv. De-weeding De-weeding was carried out in spots (around 5% of the total pilot plot area) where there was appearance of Parthenium hysterophorus post the monsoon. This was mainly in areas where the grass cover was low.


2.7 Mechanisms to utilise or dispose of removed lantana

The removal activity generated a large quantity of lantana biomass that occupied a significant part of the pilot plot (see images under para 3.1.1 below). Shifting the lantana out was important to provide space and sunlight for vegetation to come up as well as for carrying out restoration activities. Leaving the dry lantana in the pilot plot also creates a high risk of forest fires. The following methods were the mechanisms used to utilise the removed lantana from the forest floor:

• Utilisation as raw material for the craft activity. Details of the Lantana Craft activity are provided in a separate technical report submitted under this project.

• Part of the lantana was shifted to Guddukere village for the villagers to use as fuel in the eco-chulhas (cook stoves) provided to them by Junglescapes.

The option of converting the lantana into bio-char was discussed with the forest department and references provided of bio-char making permitted by forest departments in other States. However permission has not been given. The bio-char activity which is dependent on marketing of the product to commercial establishments has two important risks as a result of which this option was not actively pursued by the project team:

• Use of a forest resource for high commercial value could have various adverse consequences.

• There is also a risk of other woody species being used for production of char which cannot be fully safeguarded.

2.8 Dissemination of results The dissemination of results was done through the following methods:

• Presentations have been to the Bandipur forest department on the results of the pilot and the same has been well received

• A Field Manual on the CRS method has been prepared (Appendix 1) • A film on the CRS method and its benefits has been made (Appendix 2) • Publication of results through this report which we hope will have wider circulation • A workshop for stake holders is planned in Bandipur after this report is approved

2.9 Monitoring of pilot plot The pilot plot was monitored on a regular basis, particularly post the monsoon season of 2014. Three quadrants of 100x100 feet were created within the pilot plot to monitor the different restoration parameters e.g. re-appearance of lantana, survival of other species, grass propagation, etc. aspects The results of the monitoring are given in the section below on outcomes.


3. Project outcomes vs objectives 3.1 Objective: Identify and test an effective methodology for the removal of

Lantana camara which can be replicated in other areas of Western Ghats

3.1.1. Testing the CRS method of lantana removal

The project has been successful in testing the CRS method of removing lantana through field trials over the 5.3 acre pilot plot. A group of 15 community members were able to do the removal using this method after adequate training. The normal duration for acquiring the required skills is one week. The CRS method involves cutting the root-stock of the plant 2-3 inches below the ground (see Appendix 2 for Demonstration Film). This is done with two or three strikes of the Gudli (Axe). Key success factors of this method are as below:

• Ability to maintain the integrity of the process and avoidance of short-cuts like slashing of branches. This requires adequate supervision and continuous re-training.

• Availability of adequate number of personnel to carry out the removal, appropriate to the area that is targeted to be managed.

• Availability of appropriate tools i.e. Gudlis or Axes that are specifically made for this purpose which have been designed at Corbett NP.

The images below show the pilot plot before and during removal of lantana. These images also give a good idea of the quantum and density of lantana that was removed successfully with the CRS method. The removed lantana is turned upside down and allowed to dry for about 6-7 days. This ensures that the plant loses its regenerative ability completely.

Image of pilot plot before removal of lantana, almost entirely covered by lantana


Image 1 post removal of lantana with the bushes inverted and left to dry

Image 2 post removal of lantana with the bushes inverted and left to dry

3.1.2. Key aspects of the CRS method

The key aspects of the CRS method that differentiate it from other traditional methods of removal are given below:

i. Avoidance of grubbing or slashing The CRS method involves cutting/slicing the root-stock 2-3 inches below the ground. It does not involve any grubbing of the bushes out of the ground or slashing of the


stems or branches, as can be observed from the below images. Non-grubbing helps avoid soil disturbance (see sub-para ii below) while non-slashing helps avoid re-emergence of lantana from the slashed branches or twigs that are deposited on the soil.

CRS method in practice Inverted lantana plant Gudli designed

showing point of cutting for CRS method of root-stock

ii. Avoidance of soil disturbance

The CRS method results in almost negligible disturbance of the soil. This ensures that dormant lantana seeds that are present inside the soil below the removed plant are not disturbed or exposed to sunlight. This is crucial for minimising the chances of emergence of lantana from the local seed bank. The CRS method leaves a scar which is approximately 6 inch x 6 inch in dimension per plant as can be seen from the images below.

Images showing the size of the scar left after removal of a lantana bush The below image gives a good perspective of the scars left after removal of a large cluster of bushes:


iii. Protection of pre-existing native saplings and vegetation The CRS method results in minimum disturbance of native vegetation, both saplings and grassy patches, that are present either underneath or in-between lantana bushes as can be observed from the below images. It can be observed that in some of the native saplings found under the lantana bushes are bent due to suppression by lantana in the past, but have been unaffected by the removal process.

Maytenus emarginata shrubs bent under lantana bushes but not damaged

Native vegetation that has been unaffected by the lantana removal


iv. Preservation of grassy patches The preservation of grassy patches that exist between lantana bushes is a very important aspect of the CRS method as relevant to dry deciduous forests (see images below). We observe that these patches have played a crucial role in the quick restoration of the pilot plot into healthy habitats (refer para 3.3.3 below for results of pilot) and inhibiting re-appearance of lantana. In traditional methods like grubbing using JCBs, all vegetation including grass cover gets destroyed, making the restoration an uphill task.

Grassy patches under and in-between the removed lantana bushes

3.2 Objective: Evolve a viable methodology for restoration of lantana cleared

plots with specific reference to dry deciduous eco systems and document

the results

3.2.1 Restoration context vis-à-vis Corbett NP experience

As discussed earlier, the CRS method has been implemented successfully in Corbett NP. However, the objective in Corbett NP was to restore the lantana cleared areas into the original grasslands. This therefore involved mainly propagation of grass species which was done through growing native grass species in nurseries and transplanting the clumps in the restoration plots. In the case of this project at Lokkere RF, the objective is to create a woodland type of forest with a bottom (grass), middle (shrubs and creepers) and upper (trees) storey vegetation. Therefore the restoration methodology has been adapted to this requirement.

3.2.2 Restoration methodology

The project succeeded in evolving a viable and holistic restoration methodology that can be useful for future projects of a similar nature. The methodology of the following activities (also refer para 2.6 above):

i. Propagation of grass species, both through transplanting of grass clumps and allowing natural expansion of grassy patches.


ii. Support to pre-existing, natural juvenile plants of native species through rain water harvesting trenches. These trenches also help increase moisture levels in the restoration areas, thus helping overall vegetation growth.

iii. Planting of saplings of native species with particular emphasis on species suitable for arid and low-rainfall areas.

iv. Broadcasting of seeds of grass and other native species, through dibbling or seed ball techniques. This requires seed collection during the appropriate months, with a particular emphasis on shrub species for which saplings are not easily available.

v. Making of small water bodies like small check dams or ponds to augment moisture availability for helping vegetation growth.

vi. De-weeding to remove other invasives like Parthenium hysterophorus. We observed

appearance of this species in about 5% of the lantana removed areas, in sporadic

patches.

vii. Timely removal of any new lantana plants that may appear in years 2 and 3.

3.3 Objective: Monitor the pilot plot and document results in order to assess the degree of success of the methodology

3.3.1 Monitoring methodology

The monitoring was done by creating 3 ‘Observation Quadrants’ of 100x100 feet each and observing them post removal. As the removal was completed just prior to the onset of the South West monsoon in July, this gave us an opportunity to monitor the behaviour of the plot post these rains. The monitoring covered the following aspects:

i. Relative behaviour of areas with varying levels of lantana invasion ii. Re-appearance of Lantana camara iii. Appearance of other invasive species iv. Grass growth v. Survival of native species vi. Any other relevant aspects

3.3.2 Classification of level of lantana invasion for documenting results

The pilot plot has been classified into high, moderate and low density of Lantana camara invasion for collating results, as detailed below:

i. High density invasion Around 20% of the pilot plot is comprised of high density lantana, which has the following characteristics

• 70-90% of the floor area is covered by lantana.


• These areas typically have high water availability e.g. elephant trenches, forest streams (Nallas), low-lying areas with water logging, etc. The high density is mainly as a result of water-borne seed dispersal and also availability of high moisture.

• The lantana in these areas is present predominantly seen as large clumps, with each clump having 8-15 plants. The clumps are tall, going up to 10-12 feet.

• The clumps are contiguous with few open spaces. • There is almost no grass underneath or in between the clumps. A very small

number of saplings exist below the lantana clumps. • Soil under the clumps is badly degraded.

ii. Moderate density invasion

Around 60% of the pilot plot is comprised of moderate density lantana, which has the following characteristics:

• 40-60% of the floor area is covered by lantana. • These areas typically have moderate water availability for short periods e.g.

plains with adequate slopes for water drainage, absence of streams, etc. • The lantana is present mainly as individuals with a few small clusters. The

plants are of medium height i.e. around 6-8 feet. • There are open spaces between the plants of 2-3 feet. • There is good grass cover between the plants. A good number of saplings

exist below and in-between the lantana bushes. Saplings under the lantana bushes tend to be dwarfed as they are unable to grow in height.

• Soil under the lantana plants is not badly degraded.

iii. Low density invasion Around 20% of the pilot plot is comprised of moderate density lantana, which has the following characteristics:

• Less than 30% of the floor area is covered by lantana. • These areas typically have low water availability e.g. hilly slopes. • The lantana is present mainly as small individuals with a height of around 3-4

feet. There are good open spaces between the plants. • There is good grass cover between the plants. A good number of saplings

exist below and in-between the lantana bushes. • Soil under the lantana plants is not badly degraded.


3.3.3 Restoration results The results of the restoration are given below for the moderate density and high density invasion areas (refer Annexure 1 for details). The low density invasion areas have results comparable with the moderate density ones and hence have not been recorded separately.

i. Good success in moderate density areas

The results of restoration in the moderate density areas have been excellent, as detailed below:

• Good grass dominance Grassy patches (mainly Cynodon dactylon species) in-between the lantana bushes have quickly spread over the entire restored area with the onset of the South West monsoon as can be seen from the images below. Most of this was natural, augmented by transplanted grass clumps. This demonstrates that in such moderate density areas, grass species are the first line of defense in the restoration strategy.

• Good survival of native saplings

An impressive number of naturally propagated native saplings have survived in the restoration areas as can be observed in the images below. An enumeration provided the following data:

o Tree species – around 250 individuals per 10000 sq feet, of which around 30% are over 6 feet tall.

o Shrub species – around 60 individuals per 10000 sq feet.


The details of tree species that were present (local names in brackets) o Maytenus emarginata (Tansi) – dominant species in the pilot plot o Tarenna asiatica (Terni) o Anogeissus latifolia (Bejjalu) o Acacia chundra (Kagalie) o Diospyros montana (Jagalkanti) o Erythroxylum monogynum (Jeevathalai) o Eriolaena hookeriana (Udupai) o Canthium didymium (Kakorle) o Ixora pavetta (Gurod) o Zizyphus xylopyrus (Chotte) o Cassia fistula (Kakke) o Terminalia arjuna (Mathi) o Melia dubia (Kavi bevu)

The details of shrub species that were present (local names in brackets) o Cassia auriculata (Avarikka) o Randia dumetorum (Doddu Kaarai) o Argyreia cuneata (Kallan) o Grewia hirsute (Kallunnu) o Canthium parviflorum (Chikku Kaarai) o Dodonia viscosa (Angirrikai)

• Low re-emergence of Lantana camara The number of new lantana plants that were observed was around 15 individuals per 10000 sq feet quadrant. These were small plants less than 1 foot in height that can be easily removed in year 2.

• Low incidence of other invasives Scattered occurrence of Parthenium hysterophorus was observed in less than 10% of the area. No other non-lantana invasive species were observed.

ii. Moderate success in high density areas The results of restoration in the high density areas have been excellent, as detailed below:

• Large weedy patches Large weedy patches have emerged in the area, consisting of both invasives and non-invasive species, as can be seen from the images below.


Species of non-invasive weedy plants observed were as below:

o Stachytarpheta jamaicensis o Ageratum conyzoides o Ipomeia staphylena o Mimosa pudica o Strobilanthes cuspidata

Species of invasive weedy plants observed were as below: o Parthenium hysterophorus o Cassia occidentalis

Note: No incidence of Cassia spectabilis was observed • Lower grass cover

While there is presence of grass in-between the weedy plants, these are not large patches as observed in the moderate lantana density areas. The extent of grass is around 20-25% of the total area.

• Low number of native saplings These areas have a significantly lower number of naturally propagated native saplings in comparision to the moderate lantana density areas. There are a few large trees and also some shrubs. The extensive presence of weeds makes enumeration difficult, but approximate estimations are given below.

o Tree species – around 30 individuals per 10000 sq feet. o Shrub species – around 10 individuals per 10000 sq feet.

• Re-emergence of Lantana camara While the re-appearance of Lantana camara was not as extensive high as the emergence of other weeds, approximately 150 individuals were observed in the 10000 sq feet plot. It is likely that the lower grass cover enables lantana seeds to germinate (although the other weeds seem to inhibit lantana re-emergence).


3.3.4 Restoration costs

A estimation of the restoration cost per acre is given below (USD = 61 INR). It must be noted that at the time of the project the lantana removal group had little prior experience of removal. Hence the man days taken for the 5.3 acres covered by the project are not realistic. The estimates given below take into account the experience of removal of lantana (by the same team) over a larger area of about 20 acres post the completion of this project, which is more realistic.

Cost item Moderate lantana density area (INR)

High lantana density area (INR)

Lantana removal 6250 10000 Shifting of lantana from removed plots 3000 4500 Trenches for natural juvenile plants 1200 200 Planting of saplings, seed broadcasting 2500 4000 De-weeding 1200 3000 Total 14150 21700

3.4 Objective: Provide recommendations based on the project results for

management of Lantana camara in dry deciduous and scrub forest eco systems.

The recommendations for management of Lantana camara in dry deciduous ecosystems similar to those in BTR are discussed below.

3.4.1 Address low density areas initially for quick restoration success

Based on the project results, we recommend that priority may be given to areas with medium and low density lantana invasion in the initial one or two years of such projects. This helps create a reasonably large restored area in a relatively shorter period of time. This also helps create momentum for the management effort and motivate the project teams.

3.4.2 Address high density areas after adequate preparatory work

It is recommended that adequate preparatory work be done before addressing high density areas. This will include aspects like collecting adequate quantity of seeds of grass and shrub species for broadcasting immediately after removal, having resources ready for weed removal and ensuring funding for a longer restoration period that may extend to 3 years.

3.4.3 Pay special attention to propagation of grass and shrub species

The propagation of grass and shrub species is relatively more difficult as compared to tree species. Seeds and seedlings of these are not normally available from external sources. Hence any restoration programme has to include a strategy for collecting seeds of these species and also for growing seedlings.


3.4.4 Select plots for restoration based on sound criteria

Selection of the right plots for restoration is a critical aspect of the process. Plot selection should follow the principle of maximum productivity with the given resources. The following guidelines may be used:

• Contiguous plots are advisable as compared to sporadic plots. This helps avoid invasion from adjacent plots and also facilitates creation of a larger and more viable area for the ecosystem to repair itself.

• Lantana infested plots that lie next to lantana-free plots can help quickly expand the lantana-free expanse and act as a bulwark against future invasion

• For plot on slopes, removal from the top of the slope downwards is recommended. 3.4.5 Timing of the restoration activity

Planning the restoration activity in advance is critical as it is largely monsoon dependent. The time window generally available for removal of lantana in an area like BTR is the monsoon-free period i.e. January – June. The succeeding July-December season is ideal for the restoration activities since removal activity cannot be carried out in the wet season. 3.5 Objective: Engage key stakeholders in the project to create awareness about the Lantana camara threat and importance of its management. The following initiatives have been taken to engage key stakeholders and create awareness:

3.5.1 Engagement with the forest department of BTR

• There has been continuous engagement with the forest department of BTR during the course of the overall project, and learnings shared with them on an ongoing basis. This has enabled understanding key perspectives of the forest department in this context.

• Based on the results of the CEPF-ATREE pilot, the Bandipur Forest department has asked us to help them restore a 100 hectare pilot plot that is invaded by Lantana. This will enable testing the outcomes of the CEPF-ATREE pilot at a larger scale within the PA and establish protocols for such restoration.

3.5.2. Workshops on lantana management for the forest department

The Conservator of Forests, BTR requested Junglescapes for help in organising training workshops for the forest department staff on lantana management.

• Two workshops were held in co-ordination with CEMDE in April and May 2014. These were attended by the staff from all forest ranges of BTR. Detailed discussions were


held on various biological aspects of Lantana camara, the risks attached to traditional management methods, and the practice of the CRS method.

• Field demonstrations and training was also provided at 13 Ranges of BTR on and April 2014 by Dr Rakesh Kumar from CEMDE.

Field demonstrations being held at the different Ranges of BTR

• A Field Manual on the CRS method of lantana management was prepared and shared with the forest department (Appendix 1). This manual is also planned to be shared with other organisations working on similar initiatives as well as with forest departments of other protected areas like Mudumalai, Nagarhole, Sathyamangalam, etc. which also have a high incidence of Lantana camara.

• A demonstration video on the CRS method of lantana management was prepared and shared with the forest department (Appendix 2).

3.5.3 Engagement with the local community

The project has enabled the creation of awareness about lantana management amongst the members of the Guddukere and Lokkere communities who live close to the Lokkere RF. This has also helped create a core team for the continuation of the activity in future.

A unique concept called “Namma Gida, Namma Kaadu” has also been launched that involves villagers collecting seeds from the forest, growing saplings and planting these back in the forest. This concept can be easily rolled out to a large number of village communities surrounding wildlife reserves.

Key outcomes on the important aspect of community engagement and alternate livelihoods are as below:

• The community perceives this as a valuable alternate livelihood option that can provide them revenues for the large part of the year.

• The larger activity of lantana management involves a number of sub-activities i.e. removal of lantana, making of rain water harvesting mechanisms, planting of saplings, seed collection, de-weeding, etc. giving scope for a large number of community members to be involved.


The Guddukere restoration group

4. Conclusions The overall results of the project are highly encouraging. Panoramic images of the restoration plot before and after restoration are given below and are self-explanatory.

Before start of restoration


After restoration Key conclusions of the project are as below: a. The CRS method has been successful eradication of Lantana camara, with almost

98% success in moderate density areas and 80% success in high density areas. b. The restoration efforts have been very successful in moderate and low density

areas, while success has been moderate in high density areas. c. The restored areas show good potential to become bio-diverse habitats in

succeeding years. The significant increase in grass cover will be able to support a higher number of ungulates in the near future.

d. Achieving greater floral diversity will take a longer time and natural seed dispersal and vegetation growth will have to play a key role in this process. It is expected that the lantana-free habitat will provide a better environment for this process to take place.

e. Continued monitoring of the 3 Observation Quadrants is planned over the next 2 years to observe vegetation patterns.

f. A group of local villagers have been trained in the methodology and can serve as a valuable resource pool for similar restoration activities in future. This demonstrates the capability of local communities in actively participating in such complex restoration initiatives.

g. The activity illustrates the ability of such activities to provide good alternate livelihood opportunities for local communities living around national parks like BTR. This can be sustainable for a fairly long period of time given the large areas that are covered by Lantana camara.


Acknowledgements We would like to record our appreciation for the support extended to this project by the

following individuals and groups:

• Mr H.C. Kantharaju, Conservator of Forests and Director, Bandipur Tiger Reserve,

Bandipur, Karnataka, India

• Prof Dr CR Babu of CEMDE, Delhi

• Lantana Experts’ team: Dr Rakesh Kumar of CEMDE, Dr Siddapa Setty of ATREE, Dr

Geetha Ramaswami of IISc, Dr Ayesha Prasad of NCGS and Mr Bharathidasan of

Arulagam

• CEPF-ATREE Western Ghats Small Grants’ programme team, ATREE, Bangalore,

India

• Community members of Guddukere and Lokkere villages, Bandipur

• Mr K Anand and Mr CR Hanumanth, Volunteers, Junglescapes Charitable Trust,

Bangalore

• Mr Nagendra, Field Worker, Junglescapes Charitable Trust, Bandipur

• Paadhai, Bangalore, India

Annexures Annexure 1: Results of monitoring of Observation Quadrants. Appendices Appendix 1: Field Manual for Cut Root-stock method of Lantana camara management Appendix 2: Demonstration film on Cut Root-stock method of Lantana camara management (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d80KyKPkDo&feature=youtu.be)

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.youtube.com_watch-3Fv-3D1d80KyKPkDo-26feature-3Dyoutu.be&d=BQMFAg&c=IV_clAzoPDE253xZdHuilRgztyh_RiV3wUrLrDQYWSI&r=t7xNEOdNF2O8ZZ1LLBIFYw&m=YuZadASrgx9n5hsIZ2Xm5trCgHRLiKCAQWlay6SeWAs&s=OX7PaIKDlaYh1t_LgXHKVVvzxGt4jrkXO8MfczUVOgM&e=


Annexure 1: Results of monitoring of 3 Observation Quadrants in project site

Parameters Quadrant 1 Quadrant2 Quadrant 3

Baseline Lantana density Lantana density 40% 25% 85% Lantana classification Moderate Low High Post-restoration results (taken 7 months after Lantana removal)

a. Tree species (with numbers) Maytenus emarginata (Tansi) 98 23 0 Anogeissus latifolia (Bejjalu) 47 10 10 Acacia chundra (Kagalie) 14 2 6 Diospyros montana (Jagalkanti) 10 1 0 Erythroxylum monogynum (Jeevathalai) 10 8 2 Canthium dicoccum (Kakkorle) 40 20 2 Ixora pavetta (Gurod) 3 2 0 Zizyphus xylopyrus (Chotte) 2 2 0 Cassia fistula (Kakke) 2 1 0 Melia dubia (Kavi Bevu) 1 0 0 Tarenna asiatica (Terni) 35 20 10 Eriolaena hookeriana (Udupe) 8 0 1 Buchanania latifolia (Murkle) 5 2 0 Terminalia arjuna (Mathi) 0 2 0 b. Shrub species (with numbers

where count was possible)

Cassia auriculata (Avarikkai) 4 1 No Randia dumetorum (Doddu Kaarai) 15 55 No Argyreia cuneata (Kallan) 8 0 No Grewia hirsute (Kalunnu) 0 0 No Canthium parviflorum (Chikku Kaarai) 8 22 No Dodonia viscosa (Angirikkai) 22 1 No Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (Karigaddi) 20 0 Yes Ageratum conyzoides (Nai thulasi) - - Yes Ipomeia staphylena - - Yes Mimosa pudica - - Yes Strobilanthes cuspidata - - Yes c. Grass Cover (% open area) 80% 90% 20-25% d. Invasive species Lantana (small plants) (numbers) 17 13 150 Parthenium hysterophorus (% land area) Nil 5-10% 25-30% Cassia occidentalis (% land area) Nil Nil 2%

report on the lantana management and restoration of scrub ... · craft making using the removed...

Documents