66% of India's Wildlife Areas Can Suffer from Rampant Invasive Species; Report Urges for Protection Efforts

About 66% of wildlife areas in India are threatened by invasive species, a report shows. The urgent monitoring and protection efforts are crucial to protect native species in the country.

The arrival of invasive species or animals can bring significant impacts on native species. They can rapidly spread in areas, damaging ecosystems and habitats. The detection of invasive species is crucial to prevent them from spreading.

In India, it is home to unique and various species. It is rich in biodiversity due to the country's topographic conditions and geography, including mountainous and wetland ecosystems.

Effects of Rampant Invasive Species in India

(Photo : by MANJUNATH KIRAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Western Ghat mountains in Kerala's Wayanad District. About 66% of wildlife areas in India likely suffer from rampant invasive species, causing significant impacts on native species. Researchers emphasized the importance of protection efforts. The arrival of invasive species or animals can bring significant impacts on native species. They can rapidly spread in areas, damaging ecosystems and habitats. The detection of invasive species is crucial to prevent them from spreading.

According to a recent report, the researchers raised concerns about India's invasive species that affect the natural areas in the region. The invasion can pose a threat due to ecological changes in ecosystems and habitats.

In India, the sites with extreme climates are least invaded, unlike other areas. The research findings were also published in the Journal of Applied Ecology.

Part of the monitoring of invasive plants can be associated with the country's national-scale tiger population assessment. However, the lack of information about invasive plants can slow down effective biodiversity monitoring.

According to the report, about 22% of natural areas had invasive plants. As a result, the restoration of native ecosystems is vital to wildlife and avoids the expensive cost of damage.

The researchers also identified potential location sites that require immediate restoration efforts. With the study's account of high-concern invasive plants, it can offer new insights for conservation and protection efforts in the country.

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More About Invasive Species: Why Are They Considered Threats?

Invasive species can be parasites, plants, animals or diseases that are considered non-native in specific ecosystems. It can unleash devastating effects on people's health and the environment, damaging plants and forests.

Food security is also at risk when invasive species repopulate and become uncontrollable, leading to a collapse of habitats or ecosystems.

Considered a threat to wildlife, it can cause extinction and endangerment of species because they can rapidly spread in different areas. The arrival of invasive species can spread via transportation of land, air, or ships.

Furthermore, invasive species can also damage the food sources of native animals. The disruption in the food web can make it more challenging for other animals to survive or adapt.

Communities and countries conduct control and management plans to prevent the emergence of invasive species. The early detection, with the help of experts and communities, can mitigate their impacts.