How cactus threatens the ecosystem of western Kazakhstan
The Mexican prickly pear cactus is a recently discovered plant in the West Kazakhstan region that is now alarming ecologists and biologists. This tropical plant has managed to adapt to the harsh climate of the region, and some believe it poses a threat to the local ecosystem and agriculture, Kazinform News Agency reports.
The cactus was first found near the Romantika tourist base near Uralsk. Biologist Vladimir Abdulov, who discovered the plant, noted its ability to spread quickly and produce fruits that are eaten by birds, facilitating further spread.
“The fruits of the cactus are eaten in many countries. Candies and other sweets are made from them. The 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. The prickly pear appeared in the steppe in small quantities. But if it spreads across the steppe and takes over the pastures, then the cattle will have nowhere to graze,” explained Vladimir Abdulov.
The members of the environmental commission also share these concerns. Experts note that the cactus thorns can seriously damage the hooves of animals, causing inflammation, and eating it can lead to the death of livestock. “If an animal steps on a cactus, the thorn can penetrate its hoof, which will lead to suppuration and inflammation. And if the animal eats the cactus, it will die from inflammation,” explained Tatyana Starichenkova, a member of the West Kazakhstan region environmental commission.
She also noted that the opinion about destroying cacti is controversial. Some environmentalists believe that the plant should be left because of its beneficial properties.
“Some environmentalists say that it is better to leave it to 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 candies 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 decorative purposes,” Starichenkova noted.
In addition, she emphasized that in countries with a warm climate, the cactus can reach a height of three meters, but in Western Kazakhstan it grows low, spreads along the ground, and remains unnoticed among the grasses. At the same time, the plant has already proven its ability to withstand frosts down to -30 degrees.
“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 region for cattle breeding, it is important that the cactus does not harm agriculture,” she added.
Previously, world experience showed that the spread of prickly pear can have catastrophic consequences for ecosystems. For example, in Australia, the Mexican cactus has captured vast fertile lands. The problem was solved only by introducing the cactus moth, a natural enemy, whose caterpillars effectively destroyed the plant.
In Kazakhstan, the question of the aggressiveness of the prickly pear remains open. Executive Director of the Institute of Biology, Doctor of Biological Sciences Nadezhda Gemedzhieva notes that there are more than 200 species of this plant, distributed from the Canadian plains to southern Argentina. Some species can withstand frosts down to -30 degrees, but their behavior depends on specific climatic conditions.
“The aggressiveness of the cactus has not yet manifested itself in harsh climatic conditions. 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 (Aydarly 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 of the Botanical Institute says.
Comprehensive studies conducted with scientists from Russia confirmed the absence of generative reproduction, which reduces the risk of uncontrolled 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 are necessary for several years. Based on the found prickly pear populations, we can offer an annual assessment of the conditions and the course of generative (seed) reproduction with the involvement of local botanists, ecologists, and volunteers,” the experts stated.
At the moment, the cactus population in the region is limited. For example, one of the sites is located on the land of the Suleimen farm. It is proposed to assign responsibility to the head of the farm, Aslan Suleimenov, to control the spread of the plant.
Despite these findings, scientists are calling for further research. Only long-term observation will allow us to assess whether the cactus poses a threat to the ecosystem of Western Kazakhstan.
Earlier Kazinform News Agency reported that Taza Qazaqstan campaign brought together over 5,83 million people countrywide.
