Mimosa pigra (with the local name of Mai duong) belongs to Mimosaceae family and is a native of tropical Central America. Mimosa pigra is currently considered to be one of the most dangerous invasive weeds of tropical wetlands and is listed in the 100 top most dangerous exotic species by IUCN. At present, the weed has spread out at a critical infestations rate and has become a very critical issue in many protected areas in Viet Nam, such as in Cat Tien and Tram Chim Tam Nong.
In Tram Chim National Park, Mimosa pigra was first found in 1984-1985. However, the weed is now spreading an area of more than 2,000 hectares, threatening the high biodiversity of the National Park. Most threateningly, the majority of the indigenous plants and herbaceous vegetation had to give way to the aggressive weed wherever it spread to, which has resulted in the loss of animal feeding ground and hence the serious reduction in the quantity of rare and precious indigenous animal species such as the red-headed stork (Grus antigone sharpii). In fact, Mimosa pigra infestations have taken over pastures that are the main source of food for the bird species in the dry season, which has caused the number of Grus antigone sharpie coming back to Tram Chim to dramatically decrease in recent years.
The project Mobilizing local community participation in preventing and controlling Mimosa pigra, a dangerous invasive species in Tram Chim National Park, Tam Nong District, Dong Thap Province aims to develop a demonstration model of an integrated approach to control Mimosa pigra. The project will focus on raising community awareness about relevant environmental issues and promoting community participation in the efforts to control the weed. In order to support and assist the National Park in managing invasion of Mimosa pigra, the project will help develop a database, a strategy and a long-term action plan for prevention and controlling of Mimosa pigra for Tram Chim National Park as a whole.