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Rise of Invasive Species in India: Status, and Impacts

Context: 

Recently, an article was published in the State of India’s Environment 2024 by the Centre for Science & Environment on the ‘Rise of Invasive Alien Species’.

Invasive Species in India: Key Finding of the Study

  • Variability in Invasiveness Across Taxonomic Groups:
    • The percentage of established alien species known to be invasive varies across taxonomic groups, ranging from 6% of all alien plants to 22% of all alien invertebrates.
Invasive Species: 

  • Invasive species breed prolifically in new territories far from their original ecosystems & displace native species and alter their new habitats. 
  • Impact of Invasive Alien Species on Global Extinctions Reveals Alarming Trends:
    • Invasive alien species, either solely or in conjunction with other factors, have contributed to 60% of recorded global extinctions.
    •  Alien Plant Dominance on Islands: 
      • The global extinctions comprise around 90% impact & local extinctions comprise around 9% of the documented impact on islands.
      • In one-fourth of the world’s islands, alien plant species surpass native ones in number.
      • Over 1,200 local extinctions have been attributed to at least 218 invasive alien species.
  • Translocation Due to Human Activities: Approximately 37,000 alien species globally, with 200 new species recorded annually. 
  • Projected Increase in Alien Species: It is estimated that by 2050, the total number of alien species will be 33% higher than the number observed in 2005.
  • India under Threat: A recent study published by the Journal of Applied Ecology highlights the significant threat posed by invasive species in India.

invasive species in india

Major Invasive Species Around the World & Affected Regions

invasive species in india

Invasive Alien Species Initiates Biological Invasions

  • Accelerated movement of plants & animal species driven by human activities or inadvertent transport through global trade initiates Biological invasions. 
    • These invasions threaten biodiversity, driving thousands of species toward extinction.
  • It is one of the top five drivers of environmental change globally.
  • Economic Costs: Estimated at $423 billion globally in 2019
  • Social Implications: Disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. 
    • These impacts exacerbate existing inequities, posing threats to livelihoods and exacerbating environmental degradation in already vulnerable areas.

Invasive Alien Species threats in India

  • Regions Affected: A recent study highlights the significant threat posed by invasive species in India, with 66% of the country’s natural systems affected.
  • Economic loss: The economic loss due to biological invasions in India is estimated to be as high as $182.6 billion.
  • The study identifies critical drivers of invasions and highlights vulnerable regions. 
  • There is a need for context-sensitive restoration efforts and holistic policies to address the issue effectively.

invasive species in india

Also Read: UNCCD Report On Land Degradation

News Source: DTE

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Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
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हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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