Invasive species represent a formidable threat to the delicate balance of natural ecosystems worldwide. Emerging from various corners of the globe, these non-native organisms infiltrate new habitats with alarming ease, often outcompeting native species and wreaking havoc on established ecological systems. Their introduction can lead to cascading effects, disrupting intricate food webs, altering nutrient cycling, and even driving native species to extinction. Whether introduced intentionally or inadvertently by human activity, the consequences of invasive species can be profound and enduring, underscoring the critical importance of vigilant monitoring and proactive management strategies to safeguard the integrity and resilience of our natural environments.
Tags: GS Paper – 3, Environmental Pollution & Degradation – Conservation
For Prelims: Invasive Alien Species, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, IUCN Red List
For Mains: Factors Responsible for Rising Invasive Species and their Impacts, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Conservation
CONTEXT:
- Invasive alien species (IAS), notably the chital in regions like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, are garnering heightened concern due to their threat to native flora and fauna.
Invasive Alien Species:
- About the Invasive Alien Species:
- Invasive Alien Species(IAS) encompass non-native organisms introduced outside their natural habitat, posing risks to economies, environments, and health.
- Characteristics ofInvasive Alien Species: According to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Invasive Alien Species excel in “arriving, surviving, and thriving,” often outcompeting native species for resources.
- Legal Framework in India: Invasive Alien Species are defined under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended in 2022), as non-native species threatening wildlife or habitats.
- Impact on Biodiversity:Invasive Alien Species disrupt ecosystems, leading to native species decline through competition, predation, or disease transmission.
- Disruption of Ecosystems: Invasive Alien Species disrupt local ecosystems, leading to ecological imbalance and habitat loss, affecting livelihoods, especially in developing countries.
- Global Impact:Invasive Alien Species ranks among the top five direct drivers of global biodiversity loss, alongside land and sea-use change, exploitation, climate change, and pollution.
- Examples of Invasive Alien Species : Species like African catfish, Nile tilapia, red-bellied piranha, and alligator gar dominate India’s list of invasive wildlife.
- Impact on Native Flora and Fauna:
- Invasive Alien Species threaten one in ten species on the IUCN Red List, disrupting food chains and contributing to nearly 40% of known animal extinctions since the 17th century.
- Case Study: In Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan, African catfish disrupt the park’s ecological balance by preying on waterfowl and migratory birds.
- Amplified Damage: Invasive Alien Species, coupled with climate change, pollution, and habitat loss, exacerbate ecosystem damage, posing risks to human health, food security, and livelihoods.
- Economic Implications:
- Global economic costs of IAS surpass USD 423 billion annually, with estimates suggesting up to USD 182.6 billion in economic losses in India alone.
- Case Example: The cotton mealybug, an invasive species in India, significantly reduces cotton crop yields in the Deccan region, illustrating the economic impact of IAS
The Initiatives Related to the Management of Invasive Alien Species:
- At the global level :
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): The CBD, along with its Parties like India, acknowledges the pressing need to address the impact of Invasive Alien Species (IAS). Article 8(h) of the CBD mandates Parties to prevent, control, or eradicate alien species posing threats to ecosystems, habitats, or species.
- Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, an international agreement under the UN-CBD, requires member states, including India, to halve the impacts of IAS on biodiversity and ecosystem services by 2030.
- IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG): Manages the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) and the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Alien Species. Offers comprehensive information on invasive species across taxonomic groups to support management efforts.
- At the india level :
- National Biodiversity Action Plan: Target 4 of the National Biodiversity Action Plan concentrates on preventing and managing invasive species.
- National Action Plan on Invasive Alien Species (NAPINVAS): Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), NAPINVAS aims to prevent new introductions, detect early, and manage established invasive alien species.
- National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC): This centre disseminates information and resources on invasive species in India, fostering awareness about the issue.
- Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003: Under the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC), this order governs the import of plants and plant material to prevent the introduction of invasive alien species.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q:1 With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)
- IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments.
- IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
- CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Mains:
Q:1 How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (2018)
FAQs
Q: What are invasive species?
Invasive species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to new environments, outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and can cause significant economic and ecological harm.
Q: How do invasive species threaten natural ecosystems?
Invasive species threaten natural ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources such as food, habitat, and space. They can disrupt the balance of ecosystems, leading to declines in biodiversity and the loss of native species.
Q: What are the impacts of invasive species on biodiversity?
Invasive species often have no natural predators or controls in their new environments, allowing them to rapidly reproduce and spread. This unchecked growth can lead to the displacement or extinction of native species, reducing overall biodiversity.
Q: What are some examples of invasive species and their impacts?
Examples of invasive species include the zebra mussel, which has spread rapidly through waterways, clogging pipes and disrupting ecosystems, and the Asian longhorned beetle, which threatens native tree populations in North America by boring into and killing healthy trees.
Q: How can we mitigate the threat of invasive species?
Mitigating the threat of invasive species requires proactive measures such as monitoring and early detection, rapid response and control efforts, public education and awareness campaigns, and international cooperation to prevent the spread of invasive species across borders. Additionally, strict regulations on the import and transport of potentially invasive species can help prevent new introductions.
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