Lantana Camara: Uttarakhand's Decorative Shrub Becomes a Deadly Ecosystem Threat

• Lantana Camara, locally known as Kuri, is rapidly spreading across Uttarakhand's forests, fields, and pastures, endangering local biodiversity.
• Introduced by the British in the 19th century as an ornamental plant, its seeds have since spread widely through birds and cattle.
• The shrub prevents native species like Baanj and Buransh from growing, turning forests into 'green deserts' and impacting herbivores like deer and sambar due to its toxic elements.
• Lantana poses an economic problem for farmers by encroaching on agricultural land and increases human-wildlife conflict as leopards hide in its dense bushes.
• Environmentalists warn that if not controlled, Lantana will eradicate local medicinal plants and grasses, urging for its removal and reforestation with native species.

Why It Matters: The invasive Lantana Camara, once decorative, now threatens Uttarakhand's biodiversity, wildlife, and agriculture.