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.

• 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.

Major Invasive Species Around the World & Affected Regions

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.

News Source: DTE

DOWNLOAD PDF