The Forest Department has removed 71 trees of invasive alien species from the Kurumbapatti zoological park here.
According to a release, trees such as Cassia siamea, known as ponavarai in Tamil were the primary variety removed from the park. District Forest Officer A. Periasamy said that these varieties would affect the growth of other trees and plants in the zoological park. They absorb huge amounts of water, leading to the death of other plant varieties, he said.
He said that the leaves of this tree contain a chemical named Hepatoxin which is hazardous to wildlife and it might cause issues to humans as well.
Mr. Periasamy said that tender would be floated for the sales of removed trees and fruit bearing trees would be replanted in the park. Controversies rose on Wednesday that rare varieties of trees are being removed from the zoological park for lawn development. However, the forest department denied the charges.
Wildlife census
A three-day wildlife census would begin at six forest ranges in Salem on Friday. Along with forest rangers, volunteers from various organisations, including World Wildlife Fund would be participating in the census.
Mr. Periasamy said that participants would be given orientation for one day and they would be indulged in field work on Saturday and Sunday.
According to officials, Gaurs and spotted deers are the major wildlife variety here and the census data would help them to devise better plans against poaching and for wildlife protection in the region.