The growth and spread of invasive weed species, including Hyptis, Cassia Tora, and Parthenium, pose significant environmental concerns in sensitive areas such as the Adilabad district of Telangana. Their proliferation restricts the expansion of grasslands which, in turn, affects the population of herbivores – the primary prey source for tigers. This chain of events might bring peril to the tiger population in the region. In the context of environmental threats, the introduction of alien plant species rates as the second most hazardous after habitat destruction, according to the Rio de Janeiro Convention on Biodiversity (1992).
The Impact of Invasive Species
Invasive species can disrupt the natural balance of an ecosystem, leading to detrimental consequences. In cases like Adilabad district, where diverse ecosystems coexist, these invasive weed species hinder the growth of indigenous grasslands. This directly impacts the local herbivore population, which relies on these grasses for survival, subsequently affecting predators like tigers, who depend on these herbivores for sustenance.
Biodiversity and International Policies
The international community recognises the threat posed by biological invasions. Multiple international instruments and programmes seek to manage and prevent further harm. These include the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) or Bonn Convention (1979), Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the Ramsar Convention (1971). These policies aim to protect bio-diversity, control, eradicate alien species, ensure sustainable trade practices, and promote conservation strategies.
Key International Instruments and their Objectives
| Instrument | Year | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety | 2000 | Protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by Living Modified Organisms |
| Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) | 1992 | Prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species. |
| Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) or Bonn Convention | 1979 | Conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range and control or eliminate already present invasive alien species. |
| Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) | 1975 | Ensure international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival, and consider the problems of invasive species during trade |
| Ramsar Convention | 1971 | Conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, addressing the impact of invasive species on wetlands. |
The Role of Conventions in Identity and Control
International conventions serve as a critical tool in the identification, control, and eradication of invasive alien species. They provide guidelines for biosecurity, biodiversity conservation, management of migratory species, and regulations for international trade of wild fauna and flora. Through these conventions, countries collaborate to handle the global environmental challenges posed by invasive species.