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Restoration of Western Ghats Grasslands biodiversity
Why is it in News?
- Researchers have identified sites for restoration of biodiversity which was hampered by invasion of some exotic species.
Details:
- Species included acacias, pines and Eucalyptus etc.
- It has reduced endemic species of trees, birds and animals.
- Research:
(1) Grassland restoration sites have been identified using satellite images with high spacial resolution.
(2) Sites are locate on Tropical Montane Grasslands (TMG) in the Shola Sky Islands in Western Ghats.
(3) It recommended to removal of young and isolated exotic trees as mature trees have high seed banks and its rapid seed spread.
(4) TMG are high elevation grasslands forming only 2% of all grasslands in the world.
(5) In India, TMG are classified as wasteland due to less generation of revenue and their low role in conservation & restoration efforts for tropical montane forests.
(6) 23% of montane grasslands are converted into invasive exotic tree cover.
- Approaches to control it included prevention, and Mechanical, chemical & biological control.