Exotic trees belonging to species that are alien to The Nilgiris district are unable to withstand the recent spell of heavy showers and gusty winds.
Forest Department officials estimate that between 300 to 400 trees of alien species have been uprooted in the recent rains. Following this, the forest rangers have now begun to mark trees that are precarious and in unstable condition.
C. Badrasamy, District Forest Officer (Nilgiris South Division), said that local tree species that are native to the district have proved more resilient to the rains. Shola tree species such as Jamun (Syzygaium), Wild Shenbagam and Mappia Foetida, which are indigenous trees, have deep roots, grow in curves and are shorter compared to alien tree species.
These qualities help it withstand the heavy rains and high-velocity winds.
Most of the alien species such as Eucalyptus and Weetle are tall and straight besides lacking deep roots, said a Horticulture Department official.
The local trees can withstand heavy rains and winds. They succumb mostly only to landslides.
The Tamil Nadu Government halted the use of alien tree species in afforestation initiatives around two to three decades ago, the official added.
