Palamu (Jharkhand): A pioneering effort is underway to conserve the tiger habitat utilizing Azolla, a unique plant closely akin to algae and grass, which serves as animal feed.
Azolla is a protein-rich fodder. Authorities revealed that it is now being distributed among the communities residing near the renowned Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) to employ as feed for their livestock.
Officials highlighted the existence of approximately 400,000 cattle within the PTR. “These cattle frequent the reserve daily for sustenance. Mitigating the influx of cattle into the forest presents a considerable challenge for PTR’s management. The livestock’s intrusion disrupts the habitat and ecosystem of the tigers in PTR. The PTR management is considering Azolla to curtail cattle entry,” officials stated.
What precisely is Azolla, and why is the Palamu Tiger Reserve management adopting this strategy?
Azolla is a nutrient-dense feed. Professor Surendra Kumar mentioned that Azolla is an exceedingly protein-rich fodder. “It significantly benefits dairy-producing animals. Feeding Azolla can boost milk yield by 20%. Its use does not induce animal maladies,” Kumar expounded.
PTR’s strategy involves curbing the livestock’s forays into the forests through Azolla. The Palamu Tiger Reserve management, in conjunction with the Latehar district administration, has crafted a plan for integrating Azolla into the region.
The Latehar district administration has devised a plan to offer Azolla to the locals using DMFT funds. This program targets PTR and its adjacent villages. Initially, the plan involves providing Azolla to residents of 10 to 12 villages and sourcing it from Maharashtra, as per officials’ statements.
More than 260 villages exist within and around PTR. Prajeshkant Jena, Deputy Director of the Palamu Tiger Reserve, indicated that, initially, Azolla would be distributed to inhabitants of 10 to 12 villages around Betla National Park as part of a pilot project.
“Furthermore, villagers will receive training on its cultivation. They will be educated on Azolla usage to incorporate it effectively. PTR’s management is endeavoring on such a blueprint to dissuade cattle from venturing into the forest,” Jena stated.
Jena added that Azolla could be cultivated throughout the year and is not greatly impacted by heat. “In addition to Azolla’s adoption, villagers will be encouraged to produce Burmese compost,” Jena concluded.