The Looming Threat: Invasive Alien Species in India

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Invasive alien species (IAS) have emerged as a major concern in recent years, posing a significant threat to India’s rich biodiversity, ecological balance, and economic well-being.
From the fragile ecosystems of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to agricultural heartlands, these unwelcome guests are disrupting natural order and causing widespread damage.

Invasive Alien Species are organisms – plants, animals, pathogens, and others – introduced outside their natural habitat.
Unlike domesticated or naturalized species, IAS lack natural predators or competitors in their new environment, allowing them to reproduce rapidly and dominate native species for resources.
This aggressive behavior disrupts food chains, alters ecosystem functions, and ultimately leads to biodiversity loss.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines IAS based on their ability to “arrive, survive, and thrive” in their new environment. India’s Wildlife Protection Act (1972, amended 2022) echoes this definition, classifying IAS as non-native species posing a threat to wildlife or habitats.

Wildlife:
- African catfish, Nile tilapia, red-bellied piranha, and alligator gar are some invasive fish species wreaking havoc on native ecosystems.
- The red-eared slider, a popular pet turtle, is another example, outcompeting native turtles for resources.
Plants:
- Lantana camara, Chromolaena odorata, Prosopis juliflora, and Parthenium hysterophorus are some invasive plants displacing native vegetation and impacting agricultural lands.

The story of Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan exemplifies the devastating impact of IAS.
African catfish, introduced into the park, prey on waterfowl and migratory birds, altering the park’s food chain and ecological balance.

Recognizing the global threat posed by IAS, international efforts are underway to manage and mitigate their impact.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) plays a key role, urging member states to prevent the introduction of harmful species and control established populations.
The recently adopted Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets an ambitious target – a 50% reduction in the impact of IAS on biodiversity and ecosystems by 2030.
Additionally, organizations like the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) provide vital information and resources to support international efforts.

India is actively addressing the IAS challenge through various initiatives:
- National Biodiversity Action Plan: Target 4 of this plan explicitly focuses on preventing and managing invasive species.
- National Action Plan on Invasive Alien Species (NAPINVAS): This plan launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) prioritizes preventing new introductions, early detection, and control of established IAS populations.
- National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC): This center serves as a resource hub, raising awareness and providing information on IAS in India.
- Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003: This regulation aims to prevent the introduction of IAS by regulating the import of plants and plant materials.

Combating the threat of IAS requires a multi-pronged approach. Public awareness campaigns, stricter biosecurity measures, early detection programs, and effective eradication strategies are crucial. Additionally, promoting research on IAS management and fostering international collaboration are essential steps.
By taking decisive action and working together, we can mitigate the impact of invasive alien species and safeguard India’s precious biodiversity for generations to come.