Local residents remove Mimosa pigra, known as Vietnamese thorn, from the Boeung Prek Lapouv Protected Landscape. NatureLife Cambodia
The invasive species Mimosa pigra, commonly known as Vietnamese thorns, has been cleared from more than 100 hectares of the Boeung Prek Lpov landscape protection area in Takeo province. The restoration of the habitat is expected to benefit wildlife, as well as local residents.
The eradication of the shrubs – regarded as one of the world’s 100 most invasive plant species – was carried out by 20 local representatives, led by the Takeo Provincial Department of Environment, NatureLife Cambodia and rangers of the Boeung Prek Lpov Protected Landscape, in Koh Andet and Borey Chulsar districts. The clearance operations began in February.
NatureLife Cambodia issued an April 16 explanation of the importance of this work.
It noted that Mimosa pigra, a fast-growing species of plant that originated in Central and South America, is spreading through many countries in the tropics.
“It replaces native plant species, degrades natural habitats and causes biodiversity loss — posing a serious threat to the native ecological system,” it stated.
“In Boeung Prek Lpov, it has especially impacted the feeding grounds of the sarus crane by converting grassland into shrubland through its dense, thorny thickets,” it added, “therefore, controlling this invasive plant is a top priority in order to restore native habitats and improve the ecosystem’s health for the benefit of both wildlife and local communities”.
The thorns can grow in almost any kind of soil and can reach up to six metres in height. They are present in lowlands, canals, creeks and lakes across Southeast Asia.
The encroachment of the species has a significant negative impact on biodiversity, habitats and people's livelihoods. It also affects the habitat and spawning grounds of fish and interferes with the feeding of water birds.
Each year Mimosa pigra control is conducted twice: once before the flood season and once after, while the sarus cranes have left Boeung Prek Lpov. A total of 135 5kg bags of Mimosa seeds were collected, dried and carefully burned. This activity will be repeated during the next flood season, expected to occur in July or August this year.
The 8,305-hectare Boeung Prek Lpov Landscape Protected Area provides natural resources that support the livelihoods of communities through rich ecosystem services. It is home to many species of waterfowl and migratory birds, most notably sarus cranes, which are an endangered species.
