Invasive plant species like Lantana camara and Senna

World Forest Day Special: In the dense forests of Kerala, a silent invasion is reshaping the landscape and forcing wildlife to venture into human habitats. The green invaders? Invasive plant species like Lantana camara and Senna, which have spread aggressively, choking native flora and disrupting ecosystems. This green takeover is now being blamed for the increasing human-wildlife conflicts in the region, but the debate over its true impact remains unresolved.

Environmental activists argue that invasive plants are a major driver of wildlife conflicts, as they degrade habitats and reduce food availability for animals. However, wildlife scientists counter that there is no concrete evidence linking these plants directly to the surge in conflicts. Meanwhile, farmers and religious groups claim that the real issue is the overpopulation of wildlife, which has exceeded the forests’ carrying capacity. Caught in the crossfire are the common people, who bear the brunt of these conflicts, and the government, which struggles to find effective solutions.

The problem is not limited to areas with invasive plants. Even forests free of these species are witnessing conflicts, pointing to a complex web of factors. Habitat fragmentation, ecosystem degradation, climate change, human encroachment, and shifts in both human and animal behaviour are all contributing to the crisis. Despite the growing complexity of the issue, Kerala has yet to conduct in-depth studies to understand the root causes. The state’s forest and wildlife research institutions have largely ignored the problem, and the government has failed to provide adequate funding for basic research.

The lack of data is staggering. Beyond elephants and tigers, there is no scientific count or density analysis for other wildlife species. Similarly, there are no estimates of how much forest area has been overrun by invasive plants. Without this information, finding evidence-based solutions remains a distant dream.

Take the case of the Wayanad, Bandipur, Nagarhole, and Mudumalai forests, which are among the worst affected by Lantana camara. In Bandipur Tiger Reserve, 38% of the forest is completely overrun by Lantana, while another 50% is partially affected. In Mudumalai, over 50% of the core area is dominated by this invasive plant. These forests, home to thousands of elephants and the highest density of tigers in the world, are now becoming unusable for wildlife. Animals like deer and wild boars, which are prey for tigers and leopards, are being pushed out of these areas, disrupting the entire food chain.

The situation is no different in Wayanad, where Senna trees have taken over more than 10% of the forest cover. Combined with other invasive species, nearly 70% of these forests are now unsuitable for wildlife, leaving only 30% of the area to support the existing animal population. This shrinking habitat is forcing herbivores like spotted deer to migrate to coffee plantations and human settlements in search of food, inadvertently drawing predators like tigers and leopards closer to human habitats.

The spread of invasive plants is not just a threat to wildlife but also to biodiversity. Healthy forests thrive on diverse ecosystems, and the monoculture created by invasive species is wiping out this diversity. The mental and physical health of wildlife is also at risk, as stressed animals are more likely to exhibit erratic behaviour, further escalating conflicts with humans.

The solution lies in restoring the 70% of forests dominated by invasive plants. This requires a scientific approach, community participation, and adequate funding. Restoring these habitats will not only provide wildlife with the space they need but also reduce human-wildlife conflicts. As the forests of Kerala continue to battle this green invasion, the need for urgent action has never been clearer. The question is: will we act in time to save our forests and the wildlife that depends on them?

(Nazarullah Khan, Assistant Professor in Journalism and Mass Communication at Safi Institute of Advanced Study (Autonomous), Vazhayoor, Kerala, is a passionate educator shaping future communicators through his expertise and mentorship. Beyond academia, he is an actor, writer, poet and film mentor, blending creativity with teaching to offer a unique perspective on media and storytelling.)