Climate change: Invasive species want friendship

Dr. Satyawan Saurabh *

Many efforts aimed at controlling invasive species have proven ineffective and extremely time-consuming. These species often become deeply embedded in their ecosystem, making their eradication difficult. For example, herbicides that eradicate invasive plant species may inadvertently harm native vegetation, leading to declines in beneficial species such as butterflies.

Invasive species are often viewed as harmful disruptors of ecosystems. However, in the context of climate change, some invasive species may provide environmental benefits. Although they pose a risk to native biodiversity, their ability to adapt quickly to new conditions can sometimes help stabilize ecosystems or increase carbon sequestration.

In the world zoological community, invasive species are often viewed with suspicion, leading to widespread misconceptions about their impact on native ecosystems. In this category, introduced species range from non-native “weeds” to insects and aquatic invaders and are misunderstood and often mismanaged. It is important to recognize that most species introduced intentionally or unintentionally do not pose a threat to native ecosystems.

Invasive species are plants, insects, and aquatic organisms not native to their current habitats. They often spread into new ecosystems, disrupting local biodiversity. These species are also called non-native or introduced species.

There are many misconceptions about invasive species. A common misconception is that all invasive species become harmful when they arrive in a new ecosystem. While some can pose significant threats, this is not universally true. Many introduced species do not hurt their new environments and can play beneficial roles.

Invasive species can be classified into two categories. First, invasive species often arrive suddenly and unintentionally, such as the zebra mussel, which was transported from the Black Sea to other regions via ballast water in ships, where it has since become a significant threat to local infrastructure.

Other invasive species are introduced intentionally, as seen in the case of lantana, which was brought to India from South America by British colonists. Lantana has spread rapidly, becoming a threat in many national parks such as Jim Corbett National Park by outcompeting native vegetation and harming crops, thereby threatening local biodiversity.

As climate change events increase, our relationship with invasive species also evolves. One of the benefits of invasive species in curbing climate change is their role in carbon sequestration.

Some invasive plant species can absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide, thereby helping to mitigate climate change. For example, Prosopis juliflora, an invasive species in India, absorbs carbon dioxide, contributing to carbon storage in degraded lands. Invasive species such as Spartina alterniflora can stabilize coastal soils, preventing erosion and protecting areas vulnerable to rising sea levels.

Some invasive species, such as Siberian elm, are more drought-resistant and provide vegetation cover where native species fail, thereby maintaining ecosystem services. Invasive plant species can provide food resources for pollinators when native plants decline due to climate change. For example, Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) in the eastern US has become an important source of food for bees during some seasons.

In areas where native biodiversity has already been lost, invasive species can fill ecological gaps. For example, invasive eucalyptus trees in South Africa have helped regenerate deforested areas, providing habitat for native species.

The national Green India Mission supports reforestation initiatives in degraded areas. Establish continuous monitoring systems to track the spread and impact of invasive species, ensuring timely intervention.

For example, India’s National Action Plan on Invasive Alien Species monitors the movement of species such as the fall armyworm across states. Public awareness is needed to educate about potential impacts and encourage participation in invasive species monitoring and control. For example, in Kerala, local people are involved in removing water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic plant, in eco-sensitive areas.

Strengthen cross-border cooperation to share information and strategies for invasive species management, especially in areas affected by climate change. For example, India’s participation in the Convention on Biological Diversity emphasizes invasive species management. While invasive species pose significant challenges, some can provide benefits in the context of climate change, such as stabilizing ecosystems and increasing carbon sequestration.

A balanced approach that considers both positive and negative impacts is needed to effectively manage invasive species while promoting ecological resilience and biodiversity conservation. Many efforts aimed at controlling invasive species have proven ineffective and extremely time-consuming.

These species often become deeply embedded in their ecosystem, making their eradication difficult. For example, herbicides used to eliminate invasive plant species may inadvertently harm native vegetation, leading to declines in beneficial species such as butterflies.