Invasive alien plant species (IAS)

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Key  highlights of the report-

• The report proposes to take urgent measures to remove two main alien species — Senna spectabilis and Lantana camara, which invaded 4,122 hectare and 13,361 hectare, respectively, in 36 forest divisions of the state. 
• It has been noted that seven such species have infested the state’s forests largely. 
• Lantana camara has invaded Parambikulam Tiger Reserve and Silent Valley national park, and was brought there for scientific purposes. 
• It first came to Kolkata botanical garden, then to Bengaluru botanical garden.  
• Mimosa pudica was imported to increase nitrogen content in tea estates in the state. 
• Eupatorium odoratum was brought from the US as a contaminant along with wheat during extreme poverty days earlier. 
• Eigen migrentha, a creeper that came here when rubber stumps were imported from Indonesia. 

What are Invasive alien species (IAS)?

• Invasive alien species (IAS) are species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past or present distribution threatens native  biological diversity.

• They occur in all taxonomic groups, including animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms, and can affect all types of ecosystems. 
• According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, IAS are one of the top causes of biodiversity loss and the second most common cause of species extinctions. 
• Extreme climatic events, such as hurricanes, floods and droughts can transport IAS to new areas and decrease the resistance of habitats to invasions. 
• They can reduce the resilience of natural habitats, agricultural systems and urban areas to climate change.
• They disrupt ecosystem services, particularly the pollination and natural pest control services. 
• It will cause habitat degradation and accelerate fragmentation which subsequently force the wild animals to step out of forest into human habitations and farmlands in search of nutritious food.

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