Thiruvananthapuram Zoo Initiates Conservation Measures for Rare Brazilian Arara Nut Tree
The Thiruvananthapuram zoo has initiated steps to safeguard and conserve a rare Arara nut-tree located within its premises, following expert recommendations to treat tissue damage and manage its structural weight.
What Happened
For years, a large tree standing in a corner of the hog deer enclosure at the Thiruvananthapuram zoo was presumed to be a rubber tree due to an absence of records in the zoo and museum archives, according to botanical garden superintendent Vijayalakshmi P.V. This assumption was disproved following an inspection by a team from the Rubber Board that visited the premises to examine rubber trees.
Subsequently, Dr. P. Sujanapal, senior principal scientist and head of the Silviculture department at the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), inspected the specimen and identified it as an Arara nut-tree (Joannesia princeps). The species is native to Brazil and belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, sharing the same botanical family classification as rubber trees. Within Kerala, this species is known to exist only inside the Thiruvananthapuram zoo.
Key Highlights
- Species Identification: Identified as Joannesia princeps, an Arara nut-tree endemic to Brazil, which had previously been mistaken for a rubber tree.
- Health Concerns: The tree exhibits bark damage, cracks, and dead tissue near the soil line. Excess nutrients in the soil from the hog deer enclosure may also be contributing to the deterioration.
- Conservation Plan: Planned interventions include tree surgery to remove dead bark and apply medication against decay, along with pruning to reduce the tree’s heavy weight.
- Germplasm Preservation: Authorities plan to conserve its germplasm for propagation and maintenance in botanical gardens and zoos.
- Limited Natural Spread: The tree shows no signs of being invasive; only one sapling, estimated at five to eight years of age, has grown nearby over the years.
Why This Matters
Because the Arara nut-tree is a softwood species, unaddressed structural decay and heavy foliage create a risk of it toppling over, which could endanger zoo visitors and resident animals. Conservation measures such as tree surgery and pruning are designed to stabilize the tree and support its long-term survival. Furthermore, germplasm conservation will help maintain the rare botanical specimen across institutional collections.
What to Watch Next
Zoo authorities are set to proceed with the recommended tree surgery, involving the removal of damaged bark and the application of medicinal treatments to halt decay and regenerate tissue. Pruning operations will be carried out for weight management, alongside efforts to secure and preserve the tree’s germplasm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Arara nut-tree?
The Arara nut-tree (Joannesia princeps) is a medium to tall tree with a wide canopy belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is endemic to Brazil and is cultivated in research institutions, botanical gardens, and as an avenue tree in very few countries.
Why was the tree previously misidentified?
According to botanical garden superintendent Vijayalakshmi P.V., there were no archival records regarding the tree in the zoo and museum archives. Because it belongs to the same family as the rubber tree, it was assumed to be a rubber tree until experts inspected it.
Is the Arara nut-tree considered invasive?
According to Dr. Sujanapal, the tree does not display characteristics typical of invasive plant species, such as profuse small seeds or dense sprouting branches. Only one young tree, estimated to be between five and eight years old, has grown near the parent tree.
Source: Information based on a report by The Hindu.