STATUS AND IMPACT OF INVASIVE AND ALIEN SPECIES ON ENVIRONMENT, AND HUMAN WELFARE: AN OVERVIEW

An invasive species can be any kind of living organisms such as amphibian, plant, insect, fish, fungus, bacteria, or even an organism’s seeds or eggs—that is not native to an ecosystem and causes harm. We conducted a systematic literature review of the existing research on the status and impact of invasive species on the Environment, Socio-Economic and Humans, with the aim of providing guidance on various levels and group decisions. In order to detect patterns of publication trends and factors determining research perceptions of invasive species, qualitative as well as quantitative data were used. The majority of research papers dealing with the impact of invasive plant species have addressed the autecology of invasive species, factors facilitating the spread of these species, change in social structure and economic losses. Soil processes that adapt quickly to the invasion of plants and, in turn, affect the recruitment and growth of both native and invasive species are often ignored. The author's reviews the existing literature on the impact of invasive plant species show that several soil properties and processes are substantially altered. These changes support feedback mechanisms, which could reverberate up to the landscape-level and affect ecosystem structure and biogeochemical cycles. Evidently, studies need to focus on soil processes for a better understanding of the invasion. In India total of 169 invasive alien species have documented in different ecosystems across the country. It is documented by the National biodiversity authority of India on the basis of specific criteria. In this review, an attempt has been made to understand the status of IAS in India and their impact on biodiversity, ecosystem services and human welfare. This review will helpful for the researchers to know the status of IAS in India.