Chiranjavi Paudel of Haldipalika Rural Municipality-4 in the Jhapa district recalls the initial discovery of the invasive plant species ‘Ulta Kada,’ or Mimosa diplotricha, only when reports surfaced about local livestock dying after consuming the plant. This invasive species, believed to have been introduced by Bhutanese refugees with their food grains, has since spread through the jungle and river areas around the Charali and Beldangi refugee camps.
Local awareness of the plant’s dangers remained low until researchers from Tribhuvan University, led by Dr. Bharat Babu Shrestha, highlighted its significant harm to both humans and biodiversity. Paudel shared a personal story of a local man’s severe allergic reaction after attempting to remove the plant, resulting in permanent scars.
Climate Change and Invasive Species
Professor Dr. Ram Prasad Chaudhary from Tribhuvan University explains that climate change exacerbates the spread of invasive species by creating favorable conditions through habitat destruction and global warming. These species, once established, are difficult to eradicate and particularly thrive in the lowland Chure-Terai Madhesh landscape.
Dr. Bharat Babu Shrestha notes that changes in precipitation patterns due to climate change provide ideal conditions for invasive species to proliferate. In their research, Dr. Shrestha and Dr. Lila Nath Sharma identified 26 problematic invasive species in Nepal, with ‘Ulta Kada’ posing the most significant threat. The plant contains ‘mimosin,’ a poisonous chemical fatal to cattle, and has already caused substantial livestock deaths in Morang district.
Challenges and Opportunities
Dr. Shrestha sees both challenges and opportunities in addressing the spread of invasive species. Various invasive plants, such as Pistia stratiotes and Ageratum houstonianum, have been identified in multiple districts, posing threats to local biodiversity and agriculture. Dr. Sharma emphasized the need for managing these species before they become unmanageable, noting their rapid spread facilitated by the transportation of contaminated sand and gravel.
Government Intervention and Community Efforts
Despite efforts to raise awareness among locals, Paudel expressed disappointment over the lack of government support in controlling the spread of invasive species. Dr. Shrestha urged the government to hire experts to manage the invasive species effectively and emphasized the need for prompt intervention to mitigate potential damage.
Sunita Ulak, the government-appointed focal person at the Asia-Pacific Forest Invasive Species Network (APFISN), acknowledged ongoing studies and the development of a strategy and action plan for invasive species control. However, she admitted that specific investigations on ‘Ulta Kada’ in Jhapa had not been conducted.
The Ministry of Forests and Environment, through spokesperson Badri Raj Dhungana, announced that a draft invasive control strategy is in its final stages, with feedback being solicited from various departments and authorities.
Health Implications
Dr. Neeraj Parajuli, Head of the Dermatology Department at Bir Hospital, advised locals to seek medical attention for allergic reactions caused by invasive species instead of attempting self-treatment, which could worsen the condition.
Overall, the fight against invasive species like ‘Ulta Kada’ requires coordinated efforts from the government, experts, and local communities to protect biodiversity and agricultural productivity while safeguarding human and animal health.