A Project to Eradicate Harmful Acacia Trees Begins on the Karpas Peninsula

Taskent Nature Park has announced the launch of a project to eradicate Acacia trees (Acacia saligna) near Ronnas Bay within the Karpaz Specially Protected Area.

As part of this project, Acacia trees that threaten the integrity of the region's natural habitats and occupy the spaces of native plant species will be cut down and destroyed. The cleared areas will then be restored with native vegetation.

According to the nature park staff, Acacia trees hinder the survival of Cyprus's endemic plants and negatively impact vulnerable habitats like sand dunes.

Ecologists have observed that Acacia trees, which spread on soil degraded by road construction and earthworks, are growing in piles of rubble left over from an old quarry, preventing the development of natural vegetation.

To restore the sensitive ecosystem, the first phase of the project will involve cutting down these harmful trees.

It has also been noted that these trees are not naturally found in the local flora of Northern Cyprus and are considered non-native invasive species. Although commonly referred to as "Cyprus Acacia," these trees were originally brought from Australia. They spread aggressively, especially in cultivated and disturbed soils, and prevent the growth of native plants.

The plant is capable of rapid spread both through root shoots and a large number of seeds. They also produce allelopathic substances that allow only their species and the Australian native Oxalis pes-caprae (sourgrass) to grow around them. Acacia trees contribute to the reduction of agricultural land on fertile soils, provide nesting grounds for rats, and produce large amounts of dry leaves, which can lead to fires.

The eradication process will include the use of herbicides to prevent regrowth from the cut Acacia stumps.