New Study Reveals 22% of India’s Green Areas Infested by Invasive Plants

A recent study conducted by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) scientists, Ninad Avinash Mungi, Omar Qureshi, and former dean Y V Jhala, has uncovered alarming statistics regarding the invasion of invasive plant species in India’s natural habitats. The research, spanning five years and published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, examined 1.58 lakh plots covering 358,550 square kilometers across 20 states, with a focus on identifying 11 prevalent invasive species in the country.

The study’s findings indicate that invasive plant species have already encroached upon 22% of India’s natural areas, with the potential to threaten up to 66% of the country’s green areas. Notably, this invasion poses a significant threat to biodiversity and human well-being, particularly in developing tropical countries like India.

The research revealed that certain regions, such as savannas, dry deciduous forests, and moist grasslands, were highly susceptible to invasions, with suitability percentages exceeding 70%. Lantana camara emerged as the most invasive of the studied species, covering approximately 50% of the invaded natural habitat.

Anthropogenic disturbances like livestock grazing and climate change-induced agro-climate conditions were identified as facilitators of invasive species spread. The study also highlighted that these invasive species can outcompete native plants, affecting natural forage and habitat quality.

The scientists identified central India and the Western Ghats as high-risk areas, where nearly half of India’s tiger population resides. The Ministry of Environment has already recognized the issue of invasive species in tiger habitats and has integrated invasive plant monitoring into tiger assessment projects.

^{Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindustan Times}