Kerala for steps to curb alien plants’ growth in NBR- The Hindu

Context:
The Kerala Forest and Wildlife department is adopting steps to arrest rampant growth
of invasive alien plants especially tree species like Senna Spectabilis in the Nilgiri Biosphere
reserve.

What are Invasive Alien Species?

• Invasive alien species (IAS) are species whose introduction and/or spread outside their
natural past or present distribution threaten biological diversity.
Common characteristics of Invasive Alien Species include
(a) rapid reproduction and growth,
(b) high dispersal ability,
(c) phenotypic plasticity (ability to adapt physiologically to new conditions), and
(d) ability to survive on various food types and in a wide range of environmental conditions.
A good predictor of invasiveness is whether a species has successfully or unsuccessfully invaded elsewhere.