A recent study conducted by researchers from Bodoland University has revealed that two of the world’s most notorious invasive plant species, Lantana camara and Chromolaena odorata, are playing a crucial role in conserving butterflies in Assam’s Raimona National Park. The study, which challenges conventional approaches to managing invasive weeds, found that these plants serve as critical nectar sources for butterflies, especially during seasons when native flowering plants are scarce.
The research, carried out in the Raimona National Park in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), documented an impressive 220 butterfly species, along with 56 larval host plants and 41 nectar plant species, underscoring the park’s rich butterfly diversity. The study found that Lantana camara alone attracted more than 30 butterfly species between April and October, while Chromolaena odorata supported over 24 species between December and February, together ensuring a year-round supply of nectar.
The researchers noted that the prolonged flowering period and abundant nectar produced by these invasive plants make them particularly valuable when native wildflowers are unavailable. Lantana’s colourful flower clusters, which change colour as they age, were found to be especially attractive to foraging butterflies. The study suggests that rather than advocating the unchecked spread of invasive species, a balanced conservation strategy should be adopted, retaining small, carefully managed patches of species such as Lantana camara, Chromolaena odorata, and Ziziphus mauritiana in suitable parts of protected areas to support butterflies.
The research was carried out by Bishal Basumatary, a PhD scholar at Bodoland University, under the supervision of Dr Kushal Choudhury of the university’s Department of Zoology. The findings add a new dimension to invasive species management by suggesting that, in some cases, plants traditionally seen as ecological villains may also provide unexpected benefits for pollinators, highlighting the need for more nuanced conservation strategies in biodiversity-rich landscapes such as Raimona National Park.
The study is believed to be the first from India to demonstrate that invasive plants commonly viewed as weeds can play a significant role in sustaining butterfly populations by providing nectar during periods of floral scarcity. Besides serving as nectar sources, several invasive plants were also found to function as larval host plants, supporting butterfly development from the caterpillar stage.
The researchers recommend a balanced conservation strategy that takes into account the benefits of invasive plants while ensuring that they do not overwhelm native vegetation. The study’s findings contribute to scientific understanding of the complex relationships between invasive species, native vegetation, and pollinators, highlighting the need for more research in this area.
The study’s results have significant implications for conservation efforts in Raimona National Park and other biodiversity-rich landscapes. By adopting a more nuanced approach to invasive species management, conservationists can work to preserve the delicate balance of ecosystems while also protecting pollinators and other species that depend on them.
