Protecting Andaman Islands: The Invasive Species Challenge

The Threat of Invasive Species in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for their unique biodiversity and rich ecosystems. However, these islands face a significant threat from the introduction of invasive species from the mainland. These species, including various plants and animals like elephants, goats, bullfrogs, birds, and snails, pose a risk to the delicate balance of the islands' ecosystems.

How Do Invasive Species Harm Ecosystems?

Invasive species can disrupt the balance of native flora and fauna in several ways:

• Outcompeting Native Species: Invasive species often compete for the same resources as native species, which can lead to declines or even extinction of local plants and animals.
• Causing Physical Damage: Large mammals, such as elephants introduced for forestry work, can damage native vegetation by browsing and trampling.
• Disrupting Food Webs: The introduction of new predators or diseases by invasive species can severely harm native populations, altering existing food webs.

Examples of Invasive Species in the Andaman Islands

Several specific invasive species have been identified as harmful to the ecosystems of the Andaman Islands:

• Elephants: Originally introduced for forestry purposes, these elephants became feral and now damage native vegetation, including bamboo and various trees.
• Chital Deer: This introduced species contributes to forest degradation, affecting local temperatures and moisture levels, which in turn impacts smaller organisms.
• Invasive Plants: Over 500 species of plants have been introduced, which can potentially outcompete native plants for vital resources.

Addressing the Invasive Species Issue

To combat the threat of invasive species, several strategies can be implemented:

• Stricter Biosecurity Measures: Implementing stricter regulations can help prevent further introductions of invasive species.
• Management of Existing Populations: Control or eradication efforts may be necessary to manage the invasive species already present.
• Promotion of Research and Conservation: Supporting research on the impacts of invasive species and conservation efforts is crucial for protecting native biodiversity.

The Vulnerability of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are particularly vulnerable to invasive species due to their isolated ecosystems. These island ecosystems are often fragile and home to unique species not found elsewhere. Additionally, introduced species often lack natural predators in these environments, allowing their populations to proliferate unchecked. Understanding the threat of invasive species and taking proactive measures is essential to preserving the unique and irreplaceable ecosystems of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the main threat to the ecosystems of the Andaman Islands?
Answer: The primary threat is the introduction of invasive species from the mainland, including various plants and animals that disrupt the native ecosystems.

Q2. How do invasive species impact native species?
Answer: Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, cause physical damage, and disrupt food webs, leading to declines or extinction of local flora and fauna.

Q3. What measures can be taken to prevent invasive species introduction?
Answer: Stricter biosecurity measures, management of existing invasive populations, and promoting research on their impacts are essential steps in preventing further introductions.

Q4. Why are island ecosystems particularly vulnerable?
Answer: Island ecosystems often contain unique species and are fragile. Introduced species can thrive without natural predators, leading to unchecked population growth and ecological disruption.

Q5. What role do elephants play in the invasive species problem?
Answer: Elephants, introduced for forestry, have become feral and cause significant damage to native vegetation, disrupting the local ecosystem dynamics.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the main threat to the Andaman Islands' ecosystems?
A) Climate change
B) Invasive species
C) Pollution
D) Overfishing
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which of the following is an example of an invasive species in the Andaman Islands?
A) Chital deer
B) Bengal tiger
C) Olive ridley turtle
D) King cobra
Correct Answer: A

Question 3: What is a significant effect of invasive species on native flora?
A) Increase in biodiversity
B) Outcompeting native species
C) Restoration of habitats
D) Enhancement of food webs
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What strategy is crucial for managing invasive species?
A) Promoting tourism
B) Stricter biosecurity measures
C) Expanding agriculture
D) Increasing fishing quotas
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: Why do introduced species thrive in island ecosystems?
A) They adapt quickly
B) They have more food sources
C) They lack natural predators
D) They reproduce slowly
Correct Answer: C