Context: A study conducted in Manas National Park, Assam, has found that certain invasive alien plant species, despite their harmful ecological impacts, serve as important nectar and larval host plants for butterflies.
Explanation
- Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are non-native species that spread rapidly, threatening native biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and livelihoods.
- Butterflies depend on larval host plants for caterpillar development and nectar plants for adult nutrition, pollination and reproduction.
- The study identified Lantana camara, Chromolaena odorata and Ziziphus mauritiana as significant nectar sources supporting diverse butterfly species in Manas National Park.
- Several invasive plants also function as host plants, while native species such as Ricinus communis, Sida rhombifolia, Cleome rutidosperma and Tridax procumbens remain ecologically important.
- Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, forms part of the Manas Tiger Reserve and Biosphere Reserve, adjoining Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2026 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040