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Invasive Alien Plant Species: Threats and Solutions

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are non-native plants that threaten biodiversity and ecosystems by outcompeting native species and causing socio-economic losses. They are characterized by rapid growth, high reproductive rates, and adaptability, with examples including Parthenium hysterophorus and Lantana camara. Effective management strategies include public awareness, physical removal, and the introduction of natural predators, but challenges such as limited resources and climate change complicate these efforts.

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20 views12 pages

Invasive Alien Plant Species: Threats and Solutions

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are non-native plants that threaten biodiversity and ecosystems by outcompeting native species and causing socio-economic losses. They are characterized by rapid growth, high reproductive rates, and adaptability, with examples including Parthenium hysterophorus and Lantana camara. Effective management strategies include public awareness, physical removal, and the introduction of natural predators, but challenges such as limited resources and climate change complicate these efforts.

Uploaded by

agnispillai
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Invasive Alien Plant

Species: Threats and


Solutions
Introduction

What Are Invasive Alien Species (IAS)?

Plants introduced intentionally or accidentally into a region where they are non-native.

Tend to dominate due to lack of predators or competitors.

Why Are They a Concern?

Threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and cause socio-economic losses.


Characteristics of Invasive Alien
plants

Rapid Growth: Outcompete native plants.


2. High Reproductive Rate: Seeds or vegetative reproduction.
3. Adaptability: Thrive in diverse climates and habitats.
1. 4. Allelopathy: Release chemicals that inhibit native plants.
Examples of Invasive Alien
Plants
1. Parthenium hysterophorus (Congress weed):
Origin: Central/South America.
Impact: Crop loss, skin allergies, livestock poisoning.
2. Lantana camara:
Origin: Tropical Americas.
Impact: Invades forests, reduces native plant growth, toxic to cattle.
3. Eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth):
Origin: Amazon Basin, South America.
Impact: Blocks waterways, depletes oxygen, hinders fisheries.
4. Prosopis juliflora:
Origin: Americas.
Impact: Invades rangelands, decreases groundwater availability
Pathways of Introduction
Intentional:

Ornamental planting (Lantana camara).


Erosion control (Prosopis juliflora).
Agricultural uses (Leucaena leucocephala).

Unintentional:

Transport of goods (e.g., seeds in cargo).


Tourism and global trade.
Ecological Impacts
• Loss of Biodiversity
• Replace native flora and fauna.
• Habitat Alteration
Some species changes aquatic ecosystems
• Disrupts native plant-pollinator relationships.
• Socio-Economic Impacts
• Reduced crop productivity
• Increased costs to clear water bodies
• Allergies and dermatitis.
Management Strategies
Public awareness campaigns.
Physical removal (manual or mechanized).
• Herbicides
• Introduction of natural predators
Challenges in Management

Limited funding and resources.


Lack of awareness and expertise.
Resistance to herbicides or adaptation of species.
• Spread due to climate change.
Conclusion
• Invasive alien plant species threaten biodiversity, ecosystems, and
economies globally.
• Prevention, integrated management, and global cooperation are
crucial to mitigate impacts.
• Collective action is needed to safeguard ecosystems and livelihoods.
“By addressing invasive
species, we protect our
planet’s future.”

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