Politics · India · 4 hrs ago
Kerala biodiversity board proposes seven-point plan to tackle invasive species
The Kerala State Biodiversity Board has submitted a seven-point plan to the state government to address invasive species.
These are plants, animals or other organisms that spread outside their natural range and can harm local ecosystems.
The plan calls for stronger prevention and monitoring, quarantine measures, public awareness, research and risk assessments, and work with local communities.
It also suggests using invasive species for economic purposes when they cannot be eradicated.
Kerala has recorded 32 alien species in its inland waters, including 28 fish species; Mozambique tilapia is found in all 44 rivers, 18 reservoirs and two lakes.
In forests, invasive plants can hinder the growth of native species, while invasive insect pests can damage crops.
The board has submitted its proposals, and a former Kerala Forest Research Institute director has also called for a dedicated legal framework and a unified government system to tackle the problem.
The Kerala State Biodiversity Board has submitted a seven-point plan to the State government to reduce the effects of invasive alien species.
The plan calls for measures including quarantine, monitoring, public awareness, research, prevention and community involvement.
A total of 32 alien species, including four plants and 28 fish species, have been documented in Kerala’s inland aquatic ecosystems.
The Mozambique tilapia is the most widespread invasive fish, found in all 44 rivers, 18 reservoirs and two lakes.
Experts cited in the report called for stronger measures and an exclusive legal framework to address the threat.
- Who
- The Kerala State Biodiversity Board proposed the plan.
- What
- It submitted a seven-point strategic plan to mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species.
- When
- The document was recently submitted to the State government. The article was published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- Kerala, India.
- Why
- Invasive species threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems and affect native species.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Strong measures need to be taken to prevent the spread of these species
No study has been carried out to ascertain the native species lost to the invasive species
A unified government system dedicated to addressing the invasive species is crucial
A national conference discussed invasive species, and the Zoological Survey of India recommended developing a policy to mitigate their threats to the Union environment ministry.
The Kerala State Biodiversity Board submitted its policy document to the State government.
- Plan
- Seven-point strategy
- Aquatic alien species
- 32 documented, including four plants and 28 fish species
- Most widespread invasive fish
- Mozambique tilapia
- Rivers
- Found in all 44 rivers
- Other aquatic locations
- Found in 18 reservoirs and two lakes
Sources
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