Invasive Alien Species In Pakistan

IAS in Pakistan

Ò Studies indicate that in Pakistan 700 alien species are found, among these six species are considered to have extreme invasive nature,

ÒBroussonetia papyrifera,

Ò Prosopis juliflora,

Ò Eichhornia crassipes,

Ò Salvinia molesta,

ÒParthenium hystrophorus,

Ò Lantana camara. 

Broussonetia papyrifera

ÒIntroduce to Islamabad in 1960s from east Asia

ÒTo increase green cover

ÒThreatens natural vegetation of Islamabad and South Azad Jammu and Kashmir

ÒPrime source of pollen allergy to about 46 per cent people of Islamabad. 

Prosopis juliflora

ÒHave replaced the native species in Sindh, irrigated plantation in Punjab and in tropical areas of KPK

ÒBecause of its toxic nature, herbivores avoid the plant which also suppresses growth of indigenous plants.

Its extended root bio-mass enables it to thrive through extreme climatic conditions of high temperatures and water scarcity

   Lantana camara

ÒNative to the US

ÒOne of the 10 worst weeds of the world,

ÒHas major appearance in Punjab affecting natural flora. 

Parthenium hystrophorus

ÒOriginating in the Gulf of Mexico and Central South America.

ÒIntroduced in India which later invaded Pakistan

ÒAn aggressive weed in wastelands, road sides, water courses and plantations.

ÒIt can thrive well in high temperature zones; global warming scenario will even favor this invader. 

Eichhornia crassipes

Salvinia molesta

How to control IAS?

ÒEradication of exotic species is timing and resource consuming. Being a global issue

Ò IAS require international cooperation

ÒChecking cross boundary transit of IAS

ÒInspection of shipments

ÒMass awareness of major stakeholders

ÒDetailed scientific inventory

ÒScientific research, and putting in place proper quarantine regulations.

There is a dire need to abide by the CBD  sets global priorities and guidelines and coordinate the international action on invasive alien species.