In April, Tarsh Thaekekara from The Shola Trust made a presentation on the challenges faced due to the fast expanding lantana camara in and around the forests of the Nilgiris. The origins of the plant, how it came to India (and to the Nilgiris), how much it has spread and the methods that are adopted in the management of the invasive species which is steadily taking over forest cover. A group of around 20 enthusiastically participated in the discussion that followed centred on the issues that could possibly stem from promoting the use of lantana as well as attempting eradication of the plant.
