Daily Current Affairs : 27-January-2024

In India, invasive alien plant species are increasingly taking over natural habitats. This poses a serious threat to local wildlife by disrupting their homes and food sources. The problem is significant, with studies showing that about 66% of the country’s natural systems are infested by just 11 invasive species. These species not only harm the environment but also compromise food availability for wild animals.

Threats to Wildlife

The invasion of non-native plants has serious consequences for wildlife. Key points include:

  • Displacement of Native Vegetation: Invasive species outcompete native plants for resources, leading to a decline in biodiversity.
  • Loss of Habitat: As native plants disappear, the natural habitats that wildlife depend on are also destroyed.
  • Depletion of Food Sources: These invasions threaten two-thirds of the food available for wild animals, making survival more challenging.

Causes of Invasion

The invasion of alien species is largely driven by human activities. Some of the main factors include:

  • Horticultural Practices: The introduction of non-native plants for gardens or landscaping can lead to unintentional spreading.
  • Land-use Changes: Urbanization and agricultural expansion create conditions that favor the growth of invasive species.

Understanding Artificial Greening

Artificial greening refers to human efforts to introduce or promote specific types of vegetation in a particular area. This can be done for various reasons, including:

  • Ecological Restoration: Attempting to restore ecological balance in damaged areas.
  • Aesthetic Purposes: Enhancing the beauty of landscapes.
  • Environmental Issues: Addressing problems like soil erosion.

Risks of Non-native Species

While some experts see artificial greening as beneficial, using non-native species can lead to irreversible changes in the ecosystem. Potential impacts include:

  • Ecological Imbalance: Non-native plants can disrupt local ecosystems.
  • Long-term Consequences: Once established, invasive species can be difficult to remove and may dominate the landscape.

Important Points:

Invasive Alien Plant Species:

  • Over 66% of India’s natural systems are infested by 11 invasive species.
  • These species disrupt habitats and threaten food sources for wildlife.

Threats to Wildlife:

  • Displacement of native vegetation leads to a decline in biodiversity.
  • Loss of habitat for wildlife as native plants disappear.
  • Depletion of food sources compromises survival for wild animals.

Causes of Invasion:

  • Human activities, including horticultural practices, contribute to invasions.
  • Land-use changes, such as urbanization and agriculture, favor invasive species.

Understanding Artificial Greening:

  • Refers to efforts to introduce specific vegetation for ecological restoration and aesthetic purposes.
  • Aims to address environmental issues, such as soil erosion.

Risks of Non-native Species:

  • Using non-native plants in artificial greening can disrupt local ecosystems.
  • Once established, invasive species can be difficult to remove, leading to long-term ecological imbalance.

Why In News

In India, invasive alien plant species are displacing native vegetation, posing a significant threat to wildlife by disrupting natural habitats and depleting essential food sources, ultimately leading to a decline in biodiversity and threatening the delicate balance of ecosystems.

MCQs about The Impact of Invasive Alien Plant Species in India

  1. What percentage of India’s natural systems are infested by invasive alien plant species?
    A. 50%
    B. 66%
    C. 75%
    D. 80%
    Correct Answer: B. 66%
    Explanation: Studies indicate that about 66% of India’s natural systems are affected by 11 invasive alien species, significantly impacting biodiversity.
  2. Which of the following is a major consequence of invasive alien plant species on wildlife?
    A. Increased food sources
    B. Improved habitat conditions
    C. Displacement of native vegetation
    D. Enhanced biodiversity
    Correct Answer: C. Displacement of native vegetation
    Explanation: Invasive species outcompete native plants for resources, leading to their decline and causing habitat loss for wildlife.
  3. What is artificial greening primarily aimed at achieving?
    A. Reducing urban areas
    B. Introducing non-native species for profit
    C. Ecological restoration and aesthetic enhancement
    D. Promoting native biodiversity only
    Correct Answer: C. Ecological restoration and aesthetic enhancement
    Explanation: Artificial greening involves human efforts to introduce specific vegetation for ecological restoration, aesthetics, and addressing environmental issues.
  4. Why can non-native species in artificial greening be problematic?
    A. They grow faster than native species.
    B. They do not require water.
    C. They can disrupt local ecosystems and are hard to remove.
    D. They are always more visually appealing.
    Correct Answer: C. They can disrupt local ecosystems and are hard to remove.
    Explanation: Non-native species can create ecological imbalances and, once established, are difficult to eradicate, leading to long-term environmental issues.

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