• UGI USER
  • Jul 31, 2024
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INDIA’S OPEN ECOSYSTEM FACING AN UNUSUAL THREAT

Why In News

Increasing tree cover in open ecosystems like grasslands and savannahs, often seen as positive for conservation, is actually harming these habitats. This phenomenon, known as woody encroachment, is widespread and has led to significant declines in native species, particularly grassland birds.

About the News

  • Impact on Biodiversity:Grasslands and savannahs, which cover nearly 40% of the Earth’s landmass, are home to a diverse range of species. However, woody encroachment homogenizes these ecosystems, reducing their biodiversity. For example, in the African savannah, grassland bird populations have declined by over 20% due to increased tree cover.
  • Human-Driven Factors:The suppression of natural disturbance regimes like grazing and fire, which maintain open ecosystems, has allowed trees to proliferate. This change is largely driven by human activities, including colonial-era policies that viewed open ecosystems as “wastelands” and prioritized tree growth for timber.
  • Woody Encroachment in India:In India, grasslands are found across various climatic regions and are crucial for many endemic species. However, they are highly threatened due to fragmentation and woody encroachment, even within protected areas. Recent studies have shown a significant increase in tree cover in Indian and Nepali grasslands, leading to a 34% reduction in grassland habitats.
  • Negative Consequences:Woody encroachment alters soil conditions, increases predation, and disrupts the natural habitat, adversely affecting species like grassland birds and rodents. In the Banni grasslands of Kutch, the invasive species Prosopis juliflora, introduced for combating desertification, has turned large areas into woodland, further threatening biodiversity.
  • Need for Action:Addressing woody encroachment requires more scientific research and long-term ecological monitoring. It’s also essential to dismantle colonial terminologies like “wastelands,” which misclassify open ecosystems and promote their conversion for other uses. Policies and conservation efforts must recognize and protect the unique value of grasslands and savannahs to prevent further biodiversity loss.