Prosopis juliflora

Why in news?

• An invasive evergreen tree, Prosopis juliflora, is severly depleting water resources in the Afar region of Ethiopia and is  threatening the rural livelihoods and ecosystems in the arid and semi-arid low lands of eastern Africa.
• Madras High Court had in 2017 ordered officials to remove the exotic species from water bodies in Tamil Nadu where it had become an invasive species.

About Prosopis juliflora (Seemai Karuvelam)

• Prosopis juliflora is a shrub or small tree in the family Fabaceae, a kind of mesquite.
• It is native to Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. It has become established as an invasive species in Africa, Asia, Australia and elsewhere.
• Prosopis juliflora can extensively grow as small trees in irrigated and non-irrigated areas.
• This exotic plant has major profitable, environmental and has role in social upliftment to poor people for its fuel wood, but can create environmental problems by causing damage to natural landscapes, agricultural lands, water bodies and coastal areas.
• P.juliflora is one of the identified quickly mounting plants in India as well as all over the world. In Tamil Nadu, this wild plant is locally named as ‘seemai karuvelam’.
• It has been used by communities for various purposes:
  • Traditional medicine
  • Animal fodder
  • Fuel wood
  • Gum Arabic production
  • Natural pesticide
• However, it is an invasive species and has adverse effects on environment and ecology.
• P.juliflora has become an aggressive weed in several parts of the country and poses a serious threat to native biodiversity. Bird species and their habitats are declining due to P.juliflora which occupies vast stretches in the country.
• It has also been implicated in decline of groundwater levels (yet to be conclusively proved).

Prelims Question

Regarding the species Prosopis juliflora, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1.It is an invasive species in India.
2.It can cause threat to bird diversity in the ecosystem.
3.It is being used as natural pesticide by communities.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1,2 and 3

Answer to the Prelims Question