The Environment invests 272,620 € in the control of these species in wetland areas
The Balearic Islands Wildlife Recovery Consortium (COFIB) has successfully eradicated the cotula, an invasive plant, from more than one hectare of the S’Albufera de Mallorca Natural Park. The actions date back to 2020, when, as part of the ‘Prats Nets d’Invasores’ project, work began on the elimination of this species.

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Two years ago, an area of 1,450 m2 was covered with black plastic in the area of Es Ras de s’Albufera. In this way, and for a period of two years, which is the time of viability of the seeds, the growth of the plant was inhibited and the heat killed both the remains of the plants and the seeds. Once this time had elapsed, the plastic was removed, with what the technicians describe as very good results, given that the plant has not germinated again in the areas that have been covered.

Currently, the project continues thanks to the 272,620 € provided by the Directorate General of Natural Spaces and Biodiversity to carry out invasive plant control tasks in wetlands for the period 2021-2024, which includes, among others, actions in the area invaded by cotula in s’Albufera. The work will focus on burning the plant in the areas where it has reappeared and in the areas that were not covered. The hours of greatest heat will be used to favour more effective combustion and when there are flowers, as the water content of the leaves is a little lower.

Cotula coronopifolia is a plant native to South Africa, specifically the Cape region, where it inhabits the margins of wetlands and temporary lagoons from 0 to 900 metres above sea level. It currently has a cosmopolitan distribution due to human activity, used as an ornamental plant, and accidentally: use of seed mixtures contaminated with this species, transport of goods, transport of the seeds through the hair of livestock or bird feathers and through bird faeces.

In the S’Albufera de Mallorca Natural Park, the cotula has not spread invasively. It is found on the margins of canals and lagoons that partially dry out in summer, on very humid substrates and associated with reed and tamarisk plant communities.

Due to its colonising potential and because it constitutes a serious threat to native species, habitats or ecosystems, this species has been included in the Spanish Catalogue of Invasive Alien Species, regulated by Royal Decree 630/2013, of 2 August, and its introduction into the natural environment, possession, transport, transit and trade is prohibited in the Balearic Islands.