Invasive Alien species are a major threat to biodiversity of flora in Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary

Abstract

Invasive alien species are a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystems of Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in the Nuapada district of Odisha, adjoining Chhattisgarh containing 600 km2. Biological Invasions will inform scientists, policymakers, and the public on the solemnity of non-native species invasions that cause extinction as well as significant influence on the earth’s ecosystems, have greatly increased in recent years due to expanding trade and convey among different countries. Conservation for Biological Diversity (1992) visualize biological invasion of alien species as the second worst threat after habitat eradication. It may be considered as a form of biological pollution and significant components on human caused global environmental change and one of the major causes of species extinction. A recent study has reported the occurrence of 256 alien species in Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary. Out of 1,599 alien plant species belonging to 841 genera in 161 families in India. More than one-third (35%) of the total alien flora of India has its origin in the South American continent. Most South American species come from Mexico and Brazil. Particularly analyzing the native ranges of 225 invasive species, more than half (52%) is from South America. The contribution of other continents is as follows: Africa (16%), Asia (16%), Europe (9%), North America (4%), Australia (2%) and cryptogenic (1%). This availability of data on invasive alien plant species will contribute to the larger goal of setting healthy Global Biodiversity Targets and Indicators, with far-reaching policy implications for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary.