The cultivation of the Mexican cactus has caused a lot of controversy among environmentalists in Western Kazakhstan, Kazinform reports.
What is particularly surprising is that the plant, which prefers warmth, has also adapted to the region’s harsh winter climate. In this regard, a Kazinform correspondent spoke with scientists, environmentalists and representatives of the relevant authorities to understand this issue.
How the spread of cactus can lead to an ecological disaster
Biologist and local historian Vladimir Abdulov is sounding the alarm. He found a creeping prickly pear cactus this fall in the area of the Romantika tourist base in the outskirts of the city of Uralsk in October of this year. He showed journalists this place – cacti with huge needles occupy an area of at least 3 square meters.
According to Vladimir Anatolyevich, when he was trying to photograph nature, he pricked himself on a cactus. When he looked closely, he saw that a large cactus was spread out on the ground and was bearing fruit. It has twisted needles – prickly pear, which was probably brought to Western Kazakhstan from the neighboring Astrakhan region (Russia) for an experiment. In Astrakhan, this cactus is grown in a specialized reserve.
– Cactus fruits are used as food in many countries. They are used to make candies and other sweets. Prickly pear, which has adapted to the winters of our region, is dangerous because it spreads very quickly. This can lead to it taking over pastures. The fight against the cactus is very difficult, since its spines can reach 4-5 cm. Prickly pear appeared in the steppe in small quantities. But if it spreads across the steppe and takes over pastures, then the cattle will have nowhere to graze, – the scientist explained.
He noted that the plant’s homeland is Mexico, and prickly pear spread throughout North and South America thanks to human activity.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the cactus was brought to Australia for its sweet fruits, which led to an ecological disaster. The cactus quickly took over fertile lands.
– The Australians could not get rid of it for a long time. Pruning and burning did not help. Only after its natural enemy was brought in – a small butterfly, the cactus moth, the situation changed. Its caterpillar destroyed the cactus. In honor of this, a monument to the insect was erected. Therefore, before introducing a new plant or animal into the ecosystem, it is necessary to carefully study how it will affect the environment. For example, the Colorado potato beetle, which is an enemy of potatoes and eggplants, has become a problem for gardeners in Uralsk. There are also problems with the cichlochena – a harmful weed. It is also difficult to fight the American maple, – the biologist added.
In addition, some birds, such as crows and magpies, feed on cactus fruits and spread them around the area. In the fall, when the scientists returned to the site, the fruits were gone.
Thus, the cactus can quickly spread across the area, which can lead to an ecological disaster.
Is cactus dangerous for animals?
Member of the ZKO environmental commission Tatyana Starichenkova claims that the cactus is dangerous for livestock. Its spines are so strong that they can easily pierce the sole of a rubber boot.
– If an animal steps on a cactus, a thorn can penetrate its hoof, which will lead to suppuration and inflammation. And if the animal eats the cactus, it will die from inflammation, – Starichenkova noted.
After Vladimir Abdulov raised the alarm about the cactus, Tatyana Starichenkova and other specialists examined the place where it was found. The cactus, taking root in fertile soil, can spread quickly, forming dense thickets.
– Some conservationists say that it is better to let it grow, but the cactus spreads very quickly. In many countries, they fight it and cannot destroy it. For example, in India, it is grown as an ornamental plant. The flowers are beautiful, and bees are attracted to their aroma. Pastila, marmalade, and candy are made from the fruits. Young shoots are cleared of thorns and used as food, as they are rich in microelements. In the neighboring Astrakhan and Volgograd regions, it is also grown for ornamental purposes, – said Tatyana Starichenkova.
According to her, in countries with a warm climate, the cactus can grow up to 3 meters. In Western Kazakhstan, it has shown that it can withstand frosts down to -30 degrees. However, its peculiarity is that it grows low in width, and it is difficult to notice among the grasses.
– In order to destroy the cactus, you need to dig it up with the roots and burn it. Another way is to use a natural enemy. We also have a caterpillar. Therefore, you can destroy it in a natural way. However, if someone wants the cactus to continue to grow, you need to carefully study all the risks and make a final decision. Since Western Kazakhstan is a cattle breeding area, it is important that the cactus does not harm agriculture, – Starichenkova added.
Several years of research are needed – Botanical Institute
– In order to control the imported wild plants, there is a special body that monitors their acclimatization. I have already sent a letter to the director of the regional inspection for the protection of forestry and wildlife with a question about the cactus, – said the chairman of the public association “West Kazakhstan Ecological and Geographical Society” Darkhan Sariev.
In his response, Inspector Nurlan Rakhymzhanov reported that at present, four cactus bushes have been found in the region, and they are located in places that do not belong to state forest areas or specially protected natural areas.
At the moment, it is assumed that the cactus was brought and planted by unknown people for some purpose, since prickly pear is not a typical plant for Western Kazakhstan.
In addition, local residents reported that the cactus grows in small quantities in the Zhangalinsky and Taskalinsky districts.
– In accordance with the legislation on the plant world, a letter was sent to the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction for a scientific assessment and analysis of the cactus. We received a response, – noted Rakhymzhanov.
The executive director of the Institute of Biology, Doctor of Biological Sciences Nadezhda Gemedzhieva, in her response reported that there are more than 200 species of prickly pear, and it is widespread from the Canadian plains to southern Argentina. The cactus grows in savannas, tropical deserts, pine-cypress forests. Some species of prickly pear can survive at temperatures down to -30 degrees.
She explained that in countries with a subtropical climate, the cactus can be aggressive and take over agricultural lands, as well as change ecosystems.
– In harsh climatic conditions, the aggressiveness of the cactus has not yet manifested itself. For example, in the Astrakhan region, where the climate is similar to ours, the cactus population has not shown aggressiveness over more than 100 years of observation. Also in the Taukum desert (Aidarly village, Almaty region), the prickly pear population, which has been observed for more than 50 years, occupies an area of only 10 square meters. Reproduction is observed only vegetatively at a short distance from the mother plant, – the official response says.
A comprehensive study with colleagues from Russia (St. Petersburg) revealed the absence of generative reproduction and, therefore, the absence of the risk of aggressive spread.
– According to the updated assessment system of the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction, a minimum aggressiveness status of 1-2 points (on a 9-point scale) can be assigned. For an accurate determination, research and observations over several years are necessary. Based on the found prickly pear populations, we can offer an annual assessment of the conditions, the course of generative (seed) reproduction with the involvement of local botanists, ecologists, and volunteers. According to the inspection report of November 25 of this year, the prickly pear population is located on the land of the Suleimen farm. We propose assigning responsibility for monitoring the spread of the invasive species to the head of this farm, Aslan Suleimenov, – they explained in the official response.
Of course, the problem does not end there. To accurately assess the aggressiveness of the cactus, several years of observations are needed to understand how dangerous it can become for the local ecosystem. Thus, the problem with the cactus in Western Kazakhstan still requires careful research and control.
Let us recall that we previously wrote about what is the main environmental problem in Western Kazakhstan. Also recently, the Ural ecologist warned that trees are being cut down improperly.
https://www.inform.kz/ru/rasprostranenie-kaktusa-v-zko-grozit-ekologicheskoy-katastrofoy-e9b2eb
