Daily Current Affairs : 7-December-2023

In a groundbreaking initiative, scientists from India and six other nations have collaboratively compiled a comprehensive inventory of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in South Asia. These invasive plants, once introduced, have flourished to the detriment of local biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being.

Key Findings:

India leads the list with a staggering 185 invasive plant species, underscoring the severity of the issue. Other nations in the region also grapple with invasive species, with Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Maldives reporting varying degrees of infestation.

  • Bhutan: 53 invasive species
  • Sri Lanka: 45 invasive species
  • Bangladesh: 39 invasive species
  • Nepal: 30 invasive species
  • Pakistan: 29 invasive species
  • Maldives: 15 invasive species (the lowest reported)
Understanding Invasive Alien Species (IAS):

IAS encompasses animals and plants introduced beyond their natural habitat, posing significant threats to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and global food security. The study reveals that South Asia faces this peril from species primarily originating from Southern America, Northern America, Africa, and Europe.

  • 40% introduced by chance
  • 24% arrived as stowaways (e.g., ballast water of ships)
  • 21% deliberately released
Case Study: Lantana Camara:

A notable example is Lantana camara, introduced by the British, now invasive across all seven South Asian countries. Three other species — Parthenium hysterophorus, Pontederia crassipes, and Leucaena leucocephala — have invaded six nations, while Ageratum conyzoides and Sphagneticola trilobata are distributed in at least five countries.

Impact and Connection to Climate Change:

IAS issues are exacerbated by climate change, with the two phenomena reinforcing each other. Climate change facilitates the spread of alien species and weakens habitats, exacerbating the challenge. This interplay affects the resilience of natural habitats, agricultural systems, and urban areas, influencing security and livelihoods.

Botanical Insights:

The study identifies Asteraceae as the family with the highest number of invasive species, including sunflower, marigold, dahlia, dandelion, and lettuce. Fabaceae and Solanaceae follow suit, with the genus Acacia boasting the highest number of invasive species.

Important Points:
  • Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Inventory:
    • Scientists from India and six other countries compiled a comprehensive inventory of 241 IAS in South Asia.
    • India tops the list with 185 invasive plant species.
  • Regional Breakdown:
    • Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Maldives also report varying degrees of invasive species.
    • Bhutan: 53, Sri Lanka: 45, Bangladesh: 39, Nepal: 30, Pakistan: 29, Maldives: 15 (lowest).
  • IAS Definition:
    • IAS are animals and plants introduced beyond their natural range, posing threats to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and global food security.
  • Origins of Invasive Plants:
    • Majority introduced from Southern America (142), Northern America (66), Africa (42), and Europe.
    • Around 40% introduced by chance, 24% as stowaways, and 21% deliberately released.
  • Notable Examples:
    • Lantana camara, introduced by the British, is now invasive across all seven South Asian countries.
    • Parthenium hysterophorus, Pontederia crassipes, and Leucaena leucocephala found invasive in six countries.
    • Ageratum conyzoides and Sphagneticola trilobata distributed in at least five countries.
  • Impact and Climate Change Connection:
    • IAS is a significant threat compounded by climate change.
    • Climate change facilitates the spread of invasive species and weakens habitats, affecting resilience in natural and agricultural areas.
  • Botanical Insights:
    • Asteraceae is the family with the highest number of invasive species, including sunflower, marigold, dahlia, dandelion, and lettuce.
    • Fabaceae and Solanaceae families follow, with the genus Acacia having the highest invasive species count.
Why In News

Scientists from India and six other countries have collaborated to compile an inventory of 241 plants, introduced in South Asian countries, which have over the years become Invasive Alien Species (IAS), posing a threat to the region’s biodiversity and ecosystems. The study underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts to manage and control the spread of these invasive plants.

MCQs about Invasive Alien Flora in South Asia

  1. Invasive Alien Species (IAS) negatively impact:
    A. Native biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being
    B. Agricultural systems
    C. Climate change resilience
    D. Urban areas
    Correct Answer: A. Native biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being
    Explanation: IAS pose a threat to native biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being.
  2. Which South Asian country has the highest number of invasive plant species?
    A. Bhutan
    B. India
    C. Sri Lanka
    D. Maldives
    Correct Answer: B. India
    Explanation: India tops the list with 185 invasive plant species.
  3. What is the primary origin of the highest number of invasive plants in South Asia?
    A. Australia
    B. Southern America
    C. Asia
    D. Antarctica
    Correct Answer: B. Southern America
    Explanation: The majority of invasive plants in South Asia were introduced from Southern America.
  4. Which plant, introduced by the British, is now invasive in all seven South Asian countries?
    A. Parthenium hysterophorus
    B. Lantana camara
    C. Sphagneticola trilobata
    D. Pontederia crassipes
    Correct Answer: B. Lantana camara
    Explanation: Lantana camara, introduced by the British, is invasive across all seven South Asian countries.

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