Hyderabad’s trees do more than just add beauty to the city—they help support urban wildlife. The Hyderabad Annual Tree Survey 2024, conducted by WWF-India Hyderabad, found that native trees provide much more ecological value than non-native species. The survey showed that Peltophorum pterocarpum (Copper Pod) is the second most common tree in the city after Azadirachta indica (Neem). These findings emphasize the need to prioritize native trees in urban planning.
Native vs. Non-Native Trees
The survey documented 753 unique trees from 120 different species across the city. These trees supported a total of 6,065 animals. Native trees were found to be far more beneficial for biodiversity, with each native tree supporting an average of 20 animals, while non-native trees only supported six. In total, 156 native trees from ten species housed 3,215 animals.
These results highlight the importance of planting and preserving indigenous trees in Hyderabad. As the city expands and natural spaces shrink, native trees provide essential shelter for birds, rodents, reptiles, and insects.
A Collaborative Effort
Although the survey is not an official government report, it provides valuable insights for policymakers focused on ecological urban planning. The study was conducted with the help of 160 volunteers and five experts, covering 23 locations across six city zones. Volunteers worked in 35 teams, mapping and analyzing tree biodiversity to gather important conservation data.
Key Findings
The survey revealed some important facts about Hyderabad’s trees and wildlife:
– Diverse Wildlife: The study recorded 85 species of birds, 40 species of spiders, and 10 species each of rodents and reptiles. However, only seven species of butterflies and moths were found, which could indicate a decline in their numbers.
– Avenue Trees vs. Others: Trees planted along roads (avenue trees) made up 52.32% of the total surveyed but supported 70.39% of the total wildlife, showing their importance in urban biodiversity.
– Pollution’s Impact on Biodiversity: The number of animals in trees was higher in areas with moderate pollution, but significantly lower in highly polluted zones. This suggests that air pollution negatively affects urban wildlife.
A Need for Smarter Tree Planting
The Hyderabad Annual Tree Survey 2024 reminds us that urban development should go hand in hand with environmental conservation. Since native trees clearly support more biodiversity, city planners should focus on planting more indigenous species.
With increasing environmental challenges, this survey provides valuable insights for conservationists and citizens. A greener Hyderabad isn’t just about planting more trees—it’s about planting the right trees in the right places to support the city’s ecosystem.
