Ecosystem and biodiversity

PLANTS and animals are essential for maintaining ecological balance across the globe. But there are some exotic plants in our environment, which are serious threats to other living plants and animals. Sadly, these exotic plants are being imported from abroad and planted across the country.

Some of these plants are Eucalyptus, Akashmoni, Shishu etc., which are found scattered all over the country. Eucalyptus, which was first imported from Australia, is one of the plants that negatively affect our environment and biodiversity. Anyone will shudder to think about the catastrophic effects of this plant. According to plant scientists, an adult Eucalyptus absorbs 40 litres of water every day and the rate is staggering compared to the rate of water intake of other plants. Not only that, birds cannot sit on the branches of an Eucalyptus even for five minutes let alone building nests on its branches and that's why, bird population is on the wane.

The leaves of Eucalyptus are so poisonous that it prevents growth of other plants in the vicinity. Most alarmingly, it seriously disturbs and obstructs the process of decomposition of soil by killing the helpful probiotic entities essential for soil fertility and natural cleansing of the environment.

A ban should be imposed on planting these exotic trees in our country and the social media, newspapers and all government and non-government agencies should come forward to raise public awareness in this regard.

Abul Khaer

Department of Zoology

Govt. Saadat College, Tangail

[email protected]