NEWS – The Forest Department plans to remove eucalyptus trees from nearly 800 hectares at the Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary (RBS) in Haveri to support the reintroduction of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB).

HIGHLIGHTS

Purpose of the Removal

• The removal of eucalyptus will help create the open grassland habitat essential for the Great Indian Bustard, which requires large, open spaces to monitor predators.
• Eucalyptus plantations have harmed grassland species like blackbucks and wolves.
• Six to eight leopards have replaced wolves as apex predators in the sanctuary.

Progress on the Plan

• 80% of the sanctuary (1,200 hectares) was once covered by eucalyptus and other invasive trees.
• Eucalyptus has been cleared from nearly 400 hectares, with another 200 hectares in progress.
• The Forest Department aims to clear 1,000 hectares of eucalyptus by 2025.
• The management plan for 2015-16 to 2024-25 is progressing as scheduled.
• The department has earned Rs 4.32 crore from selling the extracted eucalyptus trees. The funds will be used for better grassland management.

Ecological Benefits

• Eucalyptus trees inhibited grass growth, forcing blackbucks to leave the sanctuary in search of food. Clearing the trees will allow for the restoration of a grassland ecosystem.
• More than 40% of the blackbuck population has been found outside the sanctuary, and with improved grass cover, fewer blackbucks are venturing out.
• The improved grassland will help minimize conflicts between blackbucks and local farmers, reducing crop damage and compensation claims.

Expert Insights

• Scientist Sutirtha Dutta emphasized that simply removing eucalyptus is not enough. Restoring a natural grassland ecosystem is crucial for the GIBs’ safe return.
• The National Conservation Breeding Centre in Jaisalmer has been breeding GIBs.
• Around 140 GIBs are in the wild, and 45 chicks are being raised for future breeding programs.

Future of GIB Reintroduction in Karnataka

• Besides Rajasthan, other states like Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh are potential sites for reintroducing GIBs.
• If grassland habitats are restored adequately in Karnataka and the necessary permissions are granted by the Union government, GIBs can be reintroduced in Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary in the near future.