Status, Impacts, and Management of Invasive Alien Plant Species in India: A Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55863/ijees.2026.0995Keywords:
Invasive, Exotic, Impact, Mechanical, Chemical, Biodiversity, ManagementAbstract
Biotic invasion poses a growing threat to ecosystem sustainability, with Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) serving as a key driver of biodiversity loss and altered ecosystem services. Therefore, effective management of IAPS is crucial for long-term conservation of biodiversity and sustainable functioning of ecosystems. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) framed criteria for determining the invasiveness of exotic invasive plant species, and based on these criteria, a total of 60 invasive plant species (53 terrestrial and 7 aquatic) are documented in India. These invasive species have various negative impacts on India’s biological values and ecosystem functioning. Managers and scientists are employing various strategies to manage exotic invasive species, and strategies such as physical, chemical, biological, and cultural controls are implemented in India to manage exotic invasive species. As isolated mechanical, chemical, biological, and cultural control methods often provide limited effectiveness for invasive species management, an integrated approach is essential for achieving long-term control and sustainable outcomes.
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