Chital: Invasive Species of Ross Island

The chital, also known as the spotted deer or axis deer, represents a striking yet contentious presence on Ross Island, its story intertwined with the complex dynamics of invasive species management. Native to the Indian subcontinent, this graceful ungulate was introduced to Ross Island, a part of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, during the colonial era for sport hunting and ornamentation. However, its unchecked proliferation has since posed significant challenges to the island’s delicate ecosystem. As an invasive species, the chital’s voracious browsing habits and reproductive prowess have triggered cascading impacts, altering vegetation composition, disturbing native fauna, and disrupting ecological processes. Against the backdrop of conservation efforts and ecological restoration initiatives, the presence of the chital on Ross Island serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle to balance human interventions with the preservation of natural habitats.

{GS3 – Envi – Degradation}

Table of Contents

Context :

Over the last twenty years, research has underscored the detrimental impact of chital on the indigenous flora and fauna of the Andaman Islands.
To address the issue of chital population management on Ross Island, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration has reached out to the Wildlife Institute of India for assistance.

Background:

Chital, or spotted deer, originally inhabitants of mainland India, were introduced to Ross Island by the British in the early 20th century.
With no natural predators or competitors, they rapidly multiplied and spread across the Andamans.
However, their unchecked proliferation raises concerns about invasive species and their threat to endemic ecosystems.
The chital’s excessive presence hampers the regeneration of native vegetation as they consume seeds and seedlings, disrupting the delicate balance of the island’s ecology.

What are Invasive Alien Species?

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) delineates invasive alien species (IAS) as those whose introduction and proliferation beyond their natural habitat poses a threat to biodiversity.
IAS encompasses a spectrum of organisms including animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms, exerting impacts across diverse ecosystems.
This entails their introduction, whether by natural means or human intervention, ability to adapt to native environments, rapid reproduction, and ability to outcompete indigenous species for resources.
In India, the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 (amended in 2022) adopts a narrower definition of invasive alien species (IAS).
As per this definition, Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in India refer to animals or plants not indigenous to the country whose introduction or propagation could jeopardise wildlife or its habitat.
Crucially, it excludes species native to India that might exhibit invasive traits in particular regions.
For instance, chital in the Andaman Islands, though safeguarded in mainland India, have posed challenges in the island ecosystem.
According to the comprehensive report on invasive species by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), approximately 37,000 established alien species have been introduced worldwide, with an estimated 200 new species introduced annually.

Impacts of Invasive alien species:

Invasive species disrupt natural food chains and disturb the balance of ecosystems.
In environments where competition is scarce, invasive species can dominate entire ecosystems.
For instance, in Rajasthan’s Keoladeo Park, an African catfish preys on waterfowl and migratory birds, negatively impacting the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Apart from causing significant alterations to biodiversity and ecosystems, invasive species incurred a global economic toll exceeding $423 billion annually in 2019.
These costs stem from the damage inflicted by invasive species on natural ecosystems across various regions.
For example, as per India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan of 2019, the cotton mealybug, originating from North America, has significantly harmed cotton crops in the Deccan region, resulting in substantial yield losses.

How do they Arrive?

Exotic pet owners in India frequently release their pets into local water bodies, including the red-eared slider, a native turtle species from North America.
To combat illegal wildlife trade, authorities often confiscate red-eared slider specimens. For instance, in June last year, the Customs Air Intelligence Unit seized 6,850 live red-eared sliders from two passengers at Trichy International Airport.
Numerous fish species were introduced in India to satisfy the demand of aquarium enthusiasts. One such species, the African catfish, was specifically imported from Bangladesh for aquaculture purposes.
The African catfish has now been sighted in various inland systems across India, including major rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Sutlej, and Godavari, as well as lakes like Vembanad Lake, as reported by a 2019 study by the National Biodiversity Authority.

Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES):

Established in Panama City in 2012, the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is an independent inter-governmental body comprising 140 Member States, including India, dedicated to enhancing the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Its mission is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, ensuring long-term human well-being and sustainable development.
While IPBES operates independently, its secretariat is based in Bonn, Germany, with administrative support provided by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The IPBES Plenary, consisting of representatives from Member States, convenes annually to address key issues and formulate policies based on objective scientific assessments.
IPBES serves policymakers by offering comprehensive scientific evaluations of global biodiversity and ecosystems, facilitating informed decision-making for the benefit of present and future generations.

Source: (IE)

FAQs

Q: What is the Chital, and why is it considered an invasive species on Ross Island?

The Chital, also known as the Axis deer, is a species native to the Indian subcontinent. It was introduced to Ross Island, primarily for recreational hunting purposes, but it quickly became invasive due to its prolific breeding and lack of natural predators on the island. As a result, it outcompetes native species for resources and disrupts the island’s delicate ecological balance.

Q: How do Chital impact the ecosystem of Ross Island?

Chital negatively impact the ecosystem of Ross Island in several ways. Their grazing habits can lead to overgrazing, which depletes vegetation and disrupts habitats for native species. Additionally, their browsing behavior can prevent the regeneration of native plants, further altering the island’s vegetation composition. Furthermore, their presence can indirectly affect other species, such as through increased competition for food and nesting sites.

Q: What measures are being taken to control the Chital population on Ross Island?

Various measures are being implemented to control the Chital population on Ross Island. These include culling programs, where trained personnel selectively remove Chital individuals to reduce their numbers. Additionally, efforts are being made to restore native habitats and reintroduce native species to help rebalance the ecosystem. Public education campaigns are also underway to raise awareness about the impacts of invasive species and promote responsible stewardship of the island’s environment.

Q: What are the potential long-term consequences if the Chital population is not controlled on Ross Island?

If the Chital population is not effectively controlled on Ross Island, the consequences could be severe. The continued proliferation of Chital could lead to further degradation of native habitats, loss of biodiversity, and increased pressure on native species. This could ultimately result in ecosystem collapse, where the island’s natural resources are depleted beyond recovery. Furthermore, unchecked Chital populations may spread to other areas, exacerbating the invasive species problem regionally.

Q: Are there any benefits to the presence of Chital on Ross Island?

While Chital are considered invasive and pose significant challenges to the ecosystem of Ross Island, some argue that they provide opportunities for scientific research and wildlife management studies. Additionally, they may attract tourists interested in wildlife viewing and photography, potentially contributing to the local economy through ecotourism initiatives. However, these potential benefits must be weighed against the ecological harm caused by invasive species, and efforts should focus on mitigating their impacts rather than exploiting them for economic gain.

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Chital: Invasive Species of Ross Island – UPSC