Geography & BiodiversityImportant2025-08-25

Global Study Reveals $2.2 Trillion Cost of Invasive Species

Why focus: GS3 Environment. Explicit mentions of Lantana camara and Senna spectabilis make this a near-guaranteed flora identification/trap question.

In News

What Happened

In August 2025, an international research team published a comprehensive study revealing that invasive alien species (IAS) have caused over $2.2 trillion in global economic damage since 1960. The report highlighted India's extreme vulnerability to this ecological threat. Specifically, it documented that invasive flora such as Lantana camara and Senna spectabilis have colonized more than 40% of the country's tiger habitats.

Why It Matters

This is highly significant for India as floral invasion threatens the carrying capacity of critical protected areas by destroying native fodder, which displaces herbivores and directly triggers human-wildlife conflict. The study's findings have urgently prompted national ecological reviews and large-scale, targeted eradication drives in states like Tamil Nadu to restore native ecosystems.

Background

History & Context

Many invasive species in India were historically introduced by colonial administrators for ornamental purposes or timber, such as Lantana camara in the 1800s. Over decades, these hardy species have outcompeted native vegetation, altering natural forest succession and degrading the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Globally, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Target 6) have prioritized mitigating IAS impacts. Domestically, bodies like the Madras High Court have increasingly intervened, directing state governments to actively uproot and manage these ecological threats.

What Changed

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BEFORE: The economic impact of invasive species globally and their specific spatial footprint in India lacked comprehensive recent quantification. NOW: A definitive $2.2 trillion global figure and the revelation that 40% of Indian tiger habitats are colonized elevate IAS to a critical economic and conservation priority.
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BEFORE: Invasive species eradication in Indian forests was often piecemeal, relying on ad-hoc funding. NOW: The stark data has triggered state-led, systematic eradication drives, particularly in Tamil Nadu, integrating invasive management into mainstream forest administration.
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BEFORE: Management of tiger reserves predominantly focused on anti-poaching measures and core-buffer zoning. NOW: Habitat restoration through the large-scale removal of non-native flora has become an equally vital component of national tiger conservation strategies to prevent prey-base collapse.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

This event directly applies the concepts found in Class 12 Biology Chapter 15 (Biodiversity and Conservation), which identifies 'Alien species invasions' as part of the 'Evil Quartet'—the four major causes of biodiversity loss. The aggressive spread of Lantana camara outcompeting native flora serves as a real-world example of how invasive species disrupt ecosystems and drive indigenous species decline.

Practice Questions

Q1

With Reference To

With reference to the ecological impact of invasive alien species in India, consider the following statements: 1. Lantana camara and Senna spectabilis are native floral species that help stabilize tiger habitats in southern India. 2. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework includes a specific target to reduce the rate of introduction and establishment of invasive alien species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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