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Ecology Assignment

Ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) is recognized as one of the 100 worst invasive alien species globally, negatively impacting biodiversity by out-competing native species and disrupting ecosystems. Originally from Mexico, this fast-growing tree has become widespread in the Philippines and other tropical regions, where it thrives in various soil conditions and climates. Its introduction has led to significant ecological challenges, including the decline of native species and alteration of local habitats.

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Cristian Rey Galendez
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10 views

Ecology Assignment

Ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) is recognized as one of the 100 worst invasive alien species globally, negatively impacting biodiversity by out-competing native species and disrupting ecosystems. Originally from Mexico, this fast-growing tree has become widespread in the Philippines and other tropical regions, where it thrives in various soil conditions and climates. Its introduction has led to significant ecological challenges, including the decline of native species and alteration of local habitats.

Uploaded by

Cristian Rey Galendez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Galendez, Cristian Rey M.

BIO 311 – Genral Ecology


Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science - NRM 11/7/2024

Ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala)

I. Invasive Alien Species (IAS)

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) defines invasive alien species (IAS) as plants
or animals that humans bring, either on purpose or by accident, to places where they don’t naturally belong.
This often happens because of global trade—like bugs hitching a ride in wood shipments, invasive plants
spreading after being brought in for decoration, or species getting transported across oceans by ships. Once
introduced, these species can establish themselves in the wild and start spreading. Invasive alien species,
which end up in places outside their natural habitats, have impacted native biodiversity in nearly every
ecosystem on Earth. They’re actually one of the biggest threats to biodiversity.
II. Characteristics of Invasive Alien Species (CBD, 2006)

• Rapid reproduction and growth


• High dispersal ability
• Phenotypic plasticity (ability to adapt physiologically to new conditions)
• And ability to survive on various food types and in a wide range of environmental conditions.

The introduction of IAS has the following adverse impact on biodiversity:

• Decline or elimination of native species – through competition, predation, or transmission of


pathogens;
• Disruption of local ecosystems and ecosystem functions.

Image Source: Carmelita I. Villamor, PhD Formerly Chief Science Research Specialist, ERDB-DENR, Philippines
III. Ipil – Ipil (L. leucocephala)

Ipil-ipil is included in a list of the 100 worst invasive alien species of the world compiled by the Global
Invasive Species Database, which is managed by a global network under the International Union for
Conservation of Nature. Ipil-ipil is even included in the DENR’s invasive species strategy and action
plan for 2016-2026. The document details that this tree renders the land unusable. It is a potential
habitat transformer, reducing species diversity and out-competing native species

L. leucocephala is a small tree native to Mexico that is an aggressive colonizer of secondary or


disturbed vegetation within and beyond its native range throughout the Americas, and has been
declared a major invasive species in many countries in tropical Africa, Asia and Oceania. Though the
tree is not native to the Philippines, it is so widely planted throughout the archipelago that most people
consider it indigenous to this country. Actually, the tree is indigenous to Central America where its
usefulness has been well-known since time immemorial.

Ipil-ipil is a hardy, fast-growing plant that thrives in tropical regions. It adapts well to medium and
coarse soils, has moderate tolerance to salinity, and prefers a pH range from 5.0 to 8.0. Ipil-ipil can
handle full sun exposure but doesn’t do well in the shade. It has moderate drought tolerance, surviving
with as little as 15 cm of rainfall and up to 80 cm. This tropical plant can withstand hot climates, with
a minimum temperature tolerance of about 17°F, and it doesn’t need much fertilizer to grow well.

Image Source: Rappler

References:

Invasive Alien Species Philippine Clearing House Mechanism (philchm.ph)


National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (philchm.ph)
What are Invasive Alien Species? (cbd.int)
Ipil and ipil-ipil are two different species: Why does this matter? (mb.com.ph)
The versatile ipil-ipil – Philippine Tambayan

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