Invasive Species can benefit from extreme weather: A Study in Nature Ecology & Evolution journal

Invasive Species can benefit from extreme weather in  A Study in Nature Ecology & Evolution journal.

An ‘invasive species’ refers to a species that is alien to a specific ecosystem and its introduction can potentially lead to
economic, or environmental harm, or pose a threat to human health.

• Only those alien species that establish and spread with negative impacts on biodiversity, local ecosystems, and species are called  alien invasive species

Findings of Study

• Invasive species, often introduced by humans, possess traits such as adaptability and high reproductive rates, which enable them to survive in disturbed ecosystems.
• They are also often very good at dispersing their seeds, allowing them to quickly colonize disturbed areas.
• Extreme weather can eliminate native species, freeing up resources like water and space, hence allowing non-native species to establish themselves.

Impact

• Ecological Impact: 2nd largest reason for species extinction, reducing biodiversity, competing with native organisms for limited resources, and altering habitats.
• Economic Impact: global economic cost of invasive alien species exceeded $423 billion annually in 2019.
• Food Security: Invasive species are major cause of crop loss and degraded soil quality.
• Heath Impact: They can serve as vectors for infectious diseases.

Global Efforts

• Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) is a global network of scientific and policy experts on invasive species, and was established in 1994.
  ♦ It is organized under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

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