Senna Spectabilis

Why in the News?

An invasive species, Senna spectabilis, has spread in the buffer zones of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.

Key Points:

About

Senna Spectabilis

• • It is an invasive deciduous tree species from South and Central America.

• Uses:

• • Traditional medicine
  • Ornamental purposes

What is the ‘Invasive species?

• An invasive species is an organism that causes ecological or economic harm in a new environment where it is not native.

• They are capable of causing the extinction of native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity.
• The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill 2021 introduced a regulatory framework for invasive species.

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR)

• Location: In Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu
• Flora:  tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, moist teak forest, dry teak forest, secondary grasslands.

Fauna: Elephants, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, etc.