Daily Current Affairs : 7-October-2023
In recent news, a concerning revelation has surfaced about the natural systems of India being under significant threat due to invasive plant species. A comprehensive study has shed light on the extent of this problem, revealing alarming statistics about the invasion and its potential consequences on the country’s ecosystems, wildlife, and economy.
Key Findings:
The study, conducted at a national level, has provided valuable insights:
- 66% Threatened Natural Systems: Approximately two-thirds of India’s natural systems are under threat due to invasive species.
- Distribution Status: The study marked the first account detailing the distribution status of high-concern invasive plants across the country.
- Invasion in Wild Areas: A staggering 158,000 plots within 358,000 square kilometers of wild areas in India are invaded by alien species.
- High-Concern Species: 11 high-concern invasive plant species, including Lantana camara, Prosopis juliflora, and Chromolaena odorata, have spread across 20 states of the country.
Impact on Tiger Regions:
The proliferation of invasive plants poses a severe threat to apex predators like tigers, whose survival relies on herbivores and their habitats. These invasive species disrupt delicate ecosystems, affecting both wildlife and communities dependent on these environments. The Plant Tiger project, which monitors carnivores, herbivores, and their habitats, faces challenges due to these invasions.
Economic Loss and Environmental Impact:
The economic implications are grave, with the study estimating potential losses of up to $182.6 billion due to biological invasions. Invasive plants not only alter habitats but also indicate intricate ecological changes across different biomes.
Area-Based Invasion Patterns:
- High-Concern Plants: Invasive plants were recorded in 22% of natural areas, with a potential threat to 66% of these areas.
- Invasion Factors: Invasive cover increases with rising temperatures up to a threshold and decreases with higher rainfall, seasonal vegetation opening, and human modification index.
Invasion Across Vegetation Types:
- Susceptibility: Savannas (87%) were most susceptible to invasions, followed by moist grasslands and dry deciduous forests (72% each).
- Impacted Hotspot Areas: The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and the Southern Eastern Ghats were heavily impacted, leading to densely invaded landscapes.
Spread of Invasive Species:
- Dominant Species: Lantana camara covered 50% of natural areas, while Mikania micrantha covered 13%, mainly in moist grasslands and forests.
- Eco-Climatic Affinity: Various species showed an affinity for specific eco-climatic conditions, with Prosopis juliflora predominantly invading dry grassland savannas and deciduous forests.
Factors Contributing to Spread:
Several factors contribute to the spread of invasive plants, including human modifications, altered soil moisture regimes, historical propagation, and changing cycles of natural disturbances. Socio-ecological drivers, coupled with increased population densities and demands for food, infrastructure, and energy, exacerbate the problem.
Impact on Ecosystems and Wildlife:
- Loss of Ecosystem Services: Increasing invasive species lead to a loss of ecosystem services from forests and result in economic losses.
- Food Shortage: Unpalatable invasive plants reduce food sources for herbivores, leading to a decline in carrying capacity for these animals and, consequently, food shortages for apex predators.
Important Points:
Key Findings:
- 66% of India’s natural systems are threatened with invasive species.
- National-level survey: 158,000 plots in 358,000 sq km invaded by alien species.
- 11 high-concern invasive plant species in 20 states, including Lantana camara, Prosopis juliflora, and Chromolaena odorata.
Impact on Tiger Regions:
- Apex predators like tigers rely on herbivores and habitats free from plant invasions.
- Proliferation of invasive plants jeopardizes ecosystems and species dependent on them.
Economic Loss and Environmental Impact:
- Loss due to biological invasions estimated at $182.6 billion.
- Invasive plants alter habitats, indicating ecological changes across biomes.
Area-Based Invasion Patterns:
- High-concern invasive plants in 22% natural areas, potentially threatening 66% of natural areas.
- Invasive cover increases with temperature, decreases with rainfall and human modification index.
Invasion Across Vegetation Types:
- Savannas (87%), moist grasslands (72%), and dry deciduous forests (72%) most susceptible.
- Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Southern Eastern Ghats heavily impacted.
Spread of Invasive Species:
- Lantana camara covers 50% of natural areas; Mikania micrantha covers 13%.
- Species like Prosopis juliflora invade dry grassland savannas and deciduous forests.
Factors Contributing to Spread:
- Human modifications, altered soil moisture, historical propagation, and changing natural disturbance cycles.
- Socio-ecological drivers, population density, and demands for food, infrastructure, and energy exacerbate the problem.
Impact on Ecosystems and Wildlife:
- Increase in invasive species leads to loss of forest ecosystem services and economic losses.
- Unpalatable invasive plants reduce food sources, causing a decline in carrying capacity for herbivores and apex predators.
Why In News
A recent study has brought attention to the alarming fact that more than half of India’s natural systems are under threat from invasive plant species. This concerning revelation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive conservation efforts and heightened environmental awareness. Additionally, researchers emphasize the importance of implementing sustainable practices to mitigate the impact of these invasive plants and preserve India’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
MCQs about Invasive Plants Imperil India
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What is the primary impact of invasive plant species on apex predators like tigers?
A. Increased habitat availability
B. Enhanced food sources
C. Threat to herbivores and their habitats
D. Improved biodiversity
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Which invasive plant species was predominant in dry savannas and deciduous forests, according to the essay?
A. Senna tora
B. Xanthium strumarium
C. Mikania micrantha
D. Prosopis juliflora
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Which type of vegetation in India was reported to be least suitable for invasive species, with a susceptibility of 42%?
A. Savannas
B. Evergreen forests
C. Moist grasslands
D. Dry deciduous forests
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Which invasive plant covered the largest expanse of natural areas in India?
A. Chromolaena odorata
B. Mikania micrantha
C. Lantana camara
D. Prosopis juliflora
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