Effects of Invasive Plants Species on Local Ecosystem

Effects of Invasive Species on Local Ecosystem

1. PRESENT BY: Name- Biswa Bijayee Chandrachuda Swain Roll No- BS22BOT009 SEM- VI “ Impact of Invasive Species on Local Ecosystem” D.A.V. AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, TITLAGARH

2. Introduction Difference between Native, Non-native, & Invasive Species Importance of Studying their Impact Common Invasive Species & their Impact Effects of Invasive Species on Local Ecosystem Control Measures and Management Strategies Conclusion Recommendation Final Note CONTENT

3. INTRODUCTION Definition of Invasive Species: Invasive species are organisms that are not native to a particular ecosystem and whose introduction causes or likely to cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health

4. High reproductive capacity Wide environmental tolerance Lack of natural predators Aggressive competition Disruptive effect Early Maturity Allelopathy Key Characteristics of Invasive Species:

5. Difference between Native, Non-native, & Invasive Species: Understanding the difference between native, non-native, and invasive species is crucial when studying ecosystems and biodiversity. These terms describe the origin and behavior of species within a specific geographic region.

6. NATIVE SPECIES Native species are those that occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without human involvement. Examples: Banyan Tree, Neem Tree Banyan Tree ( Ficus benghalensis ) Neem Tree ( Azadirachta Indica )

7. NON-NATIVE Non-native species are those that have been introduced into a region where they do not naturally occur. Introduction may be intentional or accidental. Examples: Maize, Papaya Maize ( Zea mays ) Papaya ( Carica Papaya )

8. INVASIVE SPECIES Invasive species are a subset of non-native species that, once introduced, become harmful to the local ecosystem. They spread rapidly, outcompeting native species. Examples: Water Hyacinth, Lantana Camara Water Hyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes ) Lantana ( Lantana camara )

9. Importance of Studying their Impact Biodiversity Conservation Agriculture & Economic Impact Ecological balance and functioning Social and cultural impact Climate change interaction Management and Policy development Early detection and Rapid response

10. Common Invasive Species and Their Impact Invasive species are non-native organisms that spread rapidly and disrupt local ecosystems, economy, and human health. Both terrestrial and aquatic invasive species have significant negative impacts on India’s biodiversity, agriculture, and water systems.

11. Terrestrial Invasive Species and Their Impact Terrestrial invasive species include plants, insects, and animals that invade land ecosystems such as forests, agricultural lands, grasslands, and human habitations. They often compete with native flora and fauna, modify habitats, and reduce agricultural productivity . Examples- Siam Weeds ( Chromolaena odorata ), Lantana Camara

12. Siam weed ( Chromolaena odorata ) Origin: Central and South America Habitat: Roadsides, forest margins, fallow land Spread: Wind-dispersed seeds, vegetative propagation Impact: Forms dense thickets that suppress native vegetation Affects young plantation Reduces agricultural productivity Encourages frequent wildfires Lantana ( Lantana camara ) Origin: Central and South America Habitat: Forest margins, open grassland, degraded forest Spread: Seeds dispersed by birds and animals Impact: Displaces native plant species through dense growth and allelopathy Hinders forest regeneration by blocking sunlight Increases wildfire risk due to its dry biomass Hosts pests harmful to nearby crops

13. Aquatic Invasive Species and Their Impact Aquatic invasive species include non-native plants and animals that invade rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems. They often clog waterways, degrade water quality, and harm fisheries and aquatic biodiversity . Example- Water Hyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes ), Giant Salvinia ( Salvinia molesta )

14. Water Hyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes ) Origin: Amazon Basin, South America Habitat: Freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers Spread: Rapid vegetative growth, carried by water currents Impact: Blocks sunlight, reducing photosynthesis of submerged plants Depletes dissolved oxygen, leading to fish kills Obstruct boat traffic, irrigation, and hydroelectric operations Breeding ground for mosquitoes Giant Salvinia ( Salvinia molesta ) Origin: South America Habitat: Still or slow moving freshwater bodies Spread: Vegetative fragments carried by water, boats, and birds Impact: Rapid growth forms thick mats, choking ponds and wetlands Reduces biodiversity and native aquatic plant cover Limits oxygen penetration and light availability Affects fisheries and water based agriculture

15. Effects of Invasive Species on Local Ecosystem Biodiversity Loss Alteration of Habitat Disruption of Food chain Economic and Agricultural Impact Increased risk of Natural Resource Spread Disease

16. Biodiversity Loss Biodiversity loss occurs when the number of native species declines significantly or certain species become extinct, leading to reduced ecosystem function, stability, and resilience. Invasive species are a major driver of biodiversity loss worldwide and are considered the second most significant threat to biodiversity after habitat destruction . Invasive species cause Biodiversity loss by: Outcompeting native species for resource Predation on native s pecies Hybridization with native species Disruption of Ecological Interactions Habitat Modification

17. Alteration of Habitat Habitat alteration refers to any change in the physical environment that affects the living conditions of native species. When invasive species enter an ecosystem, they can significantly modify the structure, composition, and function of habitats, often making them unsuitable for native flora and fauna. Invasive species alter habitat by: Structural Changes in Vegetation Change in soil composition and microbial activity Hydrological alteration Fire regime changes Loss of specialized niches

18. Disruption of Food chain Invasive species can break, alter, or reroute natural food chains, affecting species interactions at multiple levels. This disruption can lead to population imbalances, extinctions, and ecosystem collapse. Invasive species disrupt food chain by: Loss of native prey or host species Introduction of new predators or competitors Competition for food resources Displacement of keystone species Disruption in decomposer systems

19. Economic and Agricultural Impact Invasive species don’t just harm the environment—they also cause significant economic damage, especially in sectors like agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and livestock management. Invasive species impact economy & agriculture by: Reduce agricultural productivity Pest outbreaks and crop damage Invasion of grazing lands Increased management and control cost Impact on fisheries and aquaculture

20. Increased risk of Natural Resource Invasive species can place immense pressure on natural resources such as soil, water, forests, wetlands, and even air quality. By altering ecosystem processes and outcompeting native species, they threaten the sustainability and availability of resources that are essential for both humans and wildlife. Invasive species increase risk of natural resource by: Depletion of soil nutrients Overconsumption and contamination of water resources Degradation of forests and grass lands Collapse of aquatic ecosystem Increased risk of wildfires and soil erosion

21. Spread Disease Invasive species can act as carriers, hosts, or vectors of various diseases that affect native wildlife, domesticated animals, plants, and even humans. Their introduction into new ecosystems often leads to outbreaks of diseases that native species are not adapted to resist, causing ecological imbalances and public health concerns. Invasive species spread disease by: Spread of p lant pathogens Increased disease pressure on agriculture Lack of natural immunity

22. Control Measures & Management Strategies Prevention and Early detection Mechanical Control Chemical Control Biological Control Integrated Management Approach

23. CONCLUSION The present study underscores the serious ecological, economic, and social threats posed by invasive species to local ecosystems. Invasive species, once introduced, often spread rapidly due to the absence of natural predators and their adaptive nature. Their impact on biodiversity, habitat integrity, food chains, agricultural productivity, public health, and natural resources is increasingly being recognized as a major environmental challenge . Key observations from the study include: Loss of native biodiversity Alteration of habitat structure Disruption of food chains Economic losses Increased risk of disease

24. RECOMMENDATION Based on the findings and literature reviewed, the following recommendations are proposed for mitigating the impact of invasive species and improving management strategies: Strengthen Prevention & Early Detection Mechanism Promote Public Awareness and Education Adopt Integrated Management Approaches Support Research and Documentation Implement Stronger Legal and Policy Frameworks Empower Local Communities Restore Affected Ecosystem

25. FINAL NOTE The battle against invasive species is long-term and dynamic. A collaborative effort involving scientists, policymakers, conservationists, farmers, students, and the general public is essential for protecting our natural heritage and ecosystem services . By taking decisive action today, we can preserve the ecological balance and sustainability of our local systems for future generations.

26. Thank You