Prosopis Juliflora and Banni Grassland

News: Prosopis juliflora, which is a non-native and invasive tree species, has encroached over half of Banni Grassland in Gujarat.

About Prosopis Juliflora

• Prosopis juliflora is one of the most widespread hyperaccumulating, phreatophytic, perennial tree/shrub species.
• Family: It is a member of the Fabaceae family.
• It is a representative species of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. 
• Distribution: It is a Mexican-origin shrub. 
  • There are approximately 40 species of Prosopis distributed throughout Asia, Africa and America.
  • The plant was first introduced by the British in the 1920s to ‘green’ Delhi and by the Gujarat forest department in 1961 to halt the encroaching salt desert in the Rann. 
  • It is now found in many states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and in almost all districts of Haryana, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
  • It is known as gando baval in the Kutch region, Vilayati keekar in North India and Velikathan in Tamil.
  • Now, Maldharis local pastoral community living in the Banni Grasslands Reserve area are dependent on widely grown Prosopis juliflora for two main reasons: 
    • Prosopis is a major grazing option for cattle, especially buffaloes, for the community. 
    • They use Prosopis trees to make charcoal, which has become an important way to earn money. 
• Geographical conditions: 
  • Soil: It is capable of growing on inhospitable habitats such as rocky and saline soils, under adverse climatic conditions.
  • Climate: It is well adapted to warm and dry tropical climates.
  • Rainfall:  It grows well in areas receiving 250-600 mm annual rainfall.
• Characteristics: 
  • It is a thorny, deciduous, large-crowned, and deep-rooted bush.
  • Height: It grows up to a height of about 10 m.
  • Bark: It has a thick, rough, grey-green bark that becomes scaly with age. 
  • Stem: The plants are often multistemmed with many sharp thorns that measure up to 5 cm. 
    • The stems of it are often “mild zigzag” in shape, with one or two thorns present at each turn.
  • Flower: It flowers twice a year, in February-March and August-September, and is a prolific seeder.
  • The regional adaptation of the species, easy dispersion, and lack of proper management have led P. juliflora to be considered an invasive species. 
  • This weed is to become the feedstock for India’s first green methanol production plant, designed to fuel ocean-going ships.
• Threat associated with it: 
  • It is a non-native and invasive tree species, thus impacting habitat specialist species such as the desert fox, Houbara bustard and spiny-tailed lizard.
  • It depletes groundwater availability, increases soil salinity, and makes the grassland more susceptible to wildfires. 
• Prevention: 
  • Short-term restoration: Banni Grasslands can be managed using a mosaic approach, where both restored grasslands and some areas of Prosopis juliflora are maintained.
    • Mechanical removal of Prosopis can be used in small areas.
  • Long-term restoration: The needs and livelihoods of local communities must be considered, as many Maldharis depend on Prosopis for income and grazing.
    • Scientists and policymakers should study the long-term ecological effects, such as changes in soil, water, and wildlife, before making large-scale restoration decisions.

About Banni Grassland

• Location: It is located in the Kutch district of Gujarat.
•  It is considered to be the largest grassland in Asia.
• Click here to know more about the Banni grassland