Why in the news?

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration sought assistance from the Wildlife Institute of India to manage the increasing population of chital (spotted deer) in Ross Island, officially known as the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island.

Definition of Invasive Alien Species (IAS):

• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines invasive alien species (IAS) as species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past or present distribution poses a threat to biological diversity.
• These species encompass animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms, and can affect various types of ecosystems.
• According to the CBD, characteristics of IAS include their ability to “arrive, survive, and thrive” in new environments.
• The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) is a global network of scientific and policy experts on invasive species, organized under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Legal Definition in India:

• In India, the legal definition of IAS, as per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended in 2022), is narrower.
• It refers to species of animal or plant not native to India whose introduction or spread may threaten or adversely impact wildlife or its habitat.
• Notably, this definition EXCLUDES species within India that may be invasive to specific regions, such as the chital in the Andamans.

Examples of Invasive Wildlife in India:

1. Fish Species:
   • Examples include the African catfish, Nile tilapia, red-bellied piranha, and alligator gar.
   • These species were introduced to fulfill the demand for maintaining aquariums.
   • Reports indicate their presence in various inland systems and lakes in India.
2. Turtle Species:
   • Notably, the red-eared slider, a favored exotic pet in India, is often abandoned in local water bodies.
   • Originating from North America, this species is known for outcompeting local freshwater species due to its rapid reproduction.

Impact of IAS on Native Flora and Fauna

1. Disruption of Ecosystem Balance:
   • Invasive species act as disruptors in the food chain, disturbing the balance of ecosystems.
   • In habitats lacking competition, invasive species can dominate the entire ecosystem.
2. Specific Examples:
   • In Keoladeo Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the African catfish has been observed preying on waterfowl and migratory birds.
   • Studies have shown that the proliferation of chital in the Andamans has negatively impacted the regeneration of native vegetation, as these deer are known to consume seeds and seedlings.

IAS’ Economic Impact:

1. Global Perspective:
   • A report by the UN-founded Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in September 2023 revealed that approximately 37,000 established alien species were introduced worldwide, with roughly 200 new alien species introduced annually.
   • The economic cost of IAS globally surpassed $423 billion annually in 2019, primarily due to the damage inflicted on natural ecosystems.
2. Local Implications:
   • In India, the National Biodiversity Action Plan of 2019, published by the National Biodiversity Authority, highlighted the economic impact of invasive species such as the cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis).
   • This invasive species, native to North America, has significantly affected cotton crops in the Deccan region, leading to substantial yield losses.

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