An invasive alien species is a non-native (exotic) species to a specific ecosystem whose introduction causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health.

• Key Characteristics: High growth rate, rapid reproduction, high dispersal ability, and a lack of natural predators in the new environment.

Key Invasive Species in India

• Flora: Lantana camara, Water Hyacinth, Prosopis juliflora etc.
• Fauna: African Apple Snail, Fall Armyworm, African Catfish, etc.

Impact of  Invasive Alien Species

• Biodiversity Loss: Outcompetes native species for food and space, leading to localized extinctions. Altered forest structures lead to a decline in herbivores (e.g., Chital, Elephant).
• Economic Loss: Damages agricultural yield, increases management costs, and affects livelihoods dependent on forest produce and fisheries.
• Disruption of Food Webs: Degrades the natural prey base in protected reserves, forcing predators like tigers and leopards into fringe villages.
• Health Risks: Species like Parthenium cause dermatological and respiratory issues, while stagnant water trapped by water hyacinth breeds disease vectors such as mosquitoes.

Global Initiative to Control Invasive Species

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Calls on contracting parties to prevent the introduction of, control, or eradicate alien species that threaten ecosystems.
  • Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: Specifically aims to eliminate or reduce the impacts of invasive alien species by at least 50% by 2030.

National Initiative to Control Invasive Species

• Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Empowers the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) to regulate and advise the Central Government on managing risks associated with exotic species.
• Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022: Introduces provisions allowing the Central Government to regulate or ban the import, possession, and proliferation of invasive alien species.

Source: The Hindu