The loss of forest cover in India is threatening the survival of not only big animals, but also small creepy creatures like cockroaches, which play a vital role in recycling nutrients in the woods. According to Dr Srini Kambhampati, Hyderabad-born American biologist, cockroaches are fast losing their natural habitat in the country, and this threatens their very survival. Dr Srini is at the department of biology, University of Texas at Tyler, US.
He explains: “Considering that there is very little forest left in India, two issues are of concern. First, cockroach habitat is being destroyed and they, like many other species, are either threatened or endangered. Second, the role of cockroaches in recycling nutrients in forests becomes even more critical to maintain the health of the remaining forest”. Dr Srini says that India has a remarkable diversity of cockroach species like many tropical countries. Of the few thousand species of cockroaches, only four have become a major nuisance for human beings.
He points out, “Unfortu-nately, little research has been done on Indian species. Almost all the research is on a handful of species that are associated with humans — such as American, German, and Oriental cockroaches — all of which are thought to have originated in Africa.” Dr Srini stresses on the importance of cockroaches in the ecology of forests and the survival of animals and human beings. While cockroaches that live in the greenery play a vital role in the nutrient management of the forests, those that inhabit kitchens are a problem for human beings.
“Of course, domestic cockroach species — especially the American cockroach — are a huge problem in India. They mechanically transport bacteria and other pathogenic organisms from one environment to another,” he notes.
Dr Srini says that given the many breeding places and abundant food available to cockroaches in India, this will continue to be a problem. The only thing people can do is to keep their homes clean and place barriers to prevent cockroaches from entering their homes.