Tackling the Threat of Invasive Alien Species in India
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Environment & Ecology (Biodiversity, Invasive Alien Species, specific examples like Lantana, Prosopis, Water Hyacinth; Conservation).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Geography): Changes in critical geographical features (e.g., degradation of grasslands).
General Studies Paper 3 (Environment & Biodiversity): Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation; Biodiversity and its conservation. Invasive Alien Species (IAS) is a major direct driver of biodiversity loss and is a core topic.
Key Highlights from the News
Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are non-native species that arrive in a new area due to human intervention and pose a threat to the native biodiversity there.
They are "stealth invaders" capable of altering landscapes, driving native species to extinction, and increasing human-animal conflict.
Major Examples in India and their Impacts:
Lantana camara: Introduced as an ornamental plant, it spreads in forests, depriving animals like elephants of food, attracting them to farmlands, and increasing human-animal conflict.
Prosopis juliflora: Destroys the Banni grasslands in Kutch and depletes groundwater, causing water scarcity.
Water hyacinth: Completely covers water bodies, blocks sunlight, reduces oxygen in the water, and destroys aquatic life, including fish.
Key Challenges in this field:
There is poor documentation and studies about most IAS in India.
There is confusion whether to take action after fully studying the impacts of these species, or to carry out studies and conservation efforts simultaneously.
The article argues that delaying conservation efforts is unwise and that study and prevention should go hand-in-hand.
Scientists, government, local communities, and the public (citizen science) all need to work together on this issue.
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