It has been estimated that human activities have brought about 37000 alien species globally and about 200 new species are being introduced every year.
What impact do they have on the environment?
- Extinct species: 60% of plants and animals that went extinct had invasive species as a contributing factor.
- Costs: The costs to the world were estimated to be more than 423 billion dollars in the year 2019.
- Magnitude: Approximately 3,500 invasive species have been recognized as harmful invaders.
- Trade factor: The statistics show that 37% of introduced alien species have happened due to trade and tourism.
How does it relate to India?
A study conducted by the Indian government showed that invasive plant species could be found in 158000 plots of 358000 square kilometers of area. Among the alien species of concern, in India, there are Lantana, Prosopis juliflora, and Chromolaena odorata, among the total of 11 species of concern.
In one out of four islands, the number of alien plants outnumbers the number of native plants and a total of 218 alien species are responsible for more than 1200 local extinction cases. The cumulative economic loss caused by invasive species in India can be estimated as 127 billion dollars over the past 60 years.
An Expensive Example
The most common invader, water hyacinth, at one point covered 90 percent of Lake Victoria, blocking transport, hydropower intakes and breeding mosquitoes. Existing species continue to spread even without new arrivals.
You May Like It:
Which species are bouncing back?
Meet the endangered species making a comeback.
Which Species Are Recovering?
Meet 10 endangered species making a comeback.
Why Do Insects Matter?
Learn their role in ecosystems.
Why are kelp forests vanishing?
See how marine heatwaves are wiping them out.
Is Food Security at Risk?
See how climate change threatens the food supply.
