Citizen-science initiative to map invasive species in Nilgiris launched

The Keystone Foundation in Kotagiri has appealed to local residents to be a part of a citizen-science initiative to “map” invasive species of flora across the district.The “mapathon” is being held to

The Keystone Foundation in Kotagiri has appealed to local residents to be a part of a citizen-science initiative to “map” invasive species of flora across the district. The “mapathon” is being held to coincide with the first week of July, celebrated as 'Van Mahotsav' in honour of forests across India. “Over the years, tree planting has run the risk of becoming a competition as to who plants more trees in the week. Important topics about forest health and the questions about which plants go where are often not discussed. One particular issue is that of invasive species which are causing irreversible damage to our forests,” a press release from Keystone Foundation said.