Threat of Invasive Species in India

Context:

In recent years, Kaziranga National Park has been battling the highly invasive species such as – Mimosa, Siam and Ludwigia peruviana.

About Invasive Species in India

• An invasive species can be any kind of living organism (plant, insect, fish, fungus, bacteria, an amphibian,  that is not native to an ecosystem.
  • For Example: Water hyacinth
• Concerns: They can harm the environment, the economy or even human health by the destruction of native species and local biodiversity.
• The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recognizes an urgent need to address the impact of invasive species. 

About Mimosa Species

• Origin: A climbing plant originating from America.
  • Known as: Touch-Me-Not, Shameplant or giant sensitive plant, Nilaji Bon or Lajuki Lata (in Assamese). 
• Introduction to Assam Region: Tea industry brought the invasive Mimosa to the region for its ability to fix nitrogen. 
• Favorable Factors for Spreading:  
  • The annual occurrence of floods
  • The presence of several water bodies and small streams within the park that provide moist conditions for seed germination.
• Concerns: The 2002 study by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) identified that 56% of the Bagori range of Kaziranga is covered with Mimosa. Two varieties, Mimosa invisa (thorny) and Mimosa invisainermis (thornless) are spreading through the park.
  • The thornless variety is spreading rapidly and claiming the lives of several cattle. The cattle developed an allergy, which led to their death.
• Counter the Spread: WTI suggested that only manual removal of the roots of Mimosa varieties could stop its spread. 

About Siam Species

• Origin:  A flowering shrub native to Central and South America.
• Known as: Chromolaena odorata
• Concerns:As per a study by Assam Agricultural University, the shrub saw a 28% increase in Golaghat district between 2013 and 2023. 
  • The shrub is toxic to cattle.
    • However, the Siam weed can be used as an insect repellent.

About Ludwigia peruviana Species

• Known as: Peruvian water primrose
• Concerns: As per researchers, the aquatic plant has covered an area of 500 sq km in 2022 which  has impacted the fish biodiversity in the river streams and wetlands in the region.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

• Status: Declared a National Park in 1974, a tiger reserve in 2007, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. 
  • It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.
• Famous: For its population of one-horned rhinoceroses.
  • Unique wetland ecosystem with grasslands and water bodies.  

News Source: Down to Earth

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