Volume 31, June 2016, Pages 16–21
Short communication
- Received 13 November 2015, Revised 23 February 2016, Accepted 23 February 2016, Available online 27 February 2016
Abstract
Invasive
Alien Species (IAS) have been emerging as the second biggest threat to
global biodiversity after habitat destruction. They intervene in
environmental services offered by ecosystems and negatively impact flood
control, water supply, water assimilation, nutrient recycling,
conservation and regeneration of soils. Due to these threats better IAS
management is needed for a biodiversity rich nation like India. To date
very few examples of successful eradications of IAS exist. However, some
studies have pointed out several economic benefits rendered by IAS
which include fodder, food, manure, bio-fuels and medication values
which make them interesting from a commercial point of view which could
led to an increase in demand for these IAS species by certain industries
(pharmaceutical, botanical sectors) in the future driving IAS to the
verge of extinction in the wild this way. This review presents an
overview of IAS existing in India and their possible medicinal potential
which could, if proven useful, lead to an alternative way of
controlling the proliferation of IAS and to conserve nature diversity.
Keywords
- Invasive alien species;
- IAS;
- Medicinal plants;
- India;
- Ecological services
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