CLIMATE change is projected to exacerbate the spread of invasive alien species like N e l t u m a j u l i f l o r a (natively called ‘ V i l a y a t i Babool’) in India. But, it has now become an integral part of the ecosystem it invaded, with several sections of society dependent on it for affordable firewood, animal feed, medicine, timber, honey, and charcoal. A new report found that under two climate change scenarios, the share of land under protected areas becoming conducive for the spread of Neltuma juliflora will rise. Several protected areas with a range of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals are located in these areas. Spread of Neltuma juliflora in such biodiversity rich areas would mean a habitat loss for these organisms and a disruption in the ecosystem.

 

Last year, the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) released their first-ever and the most comprehensive Assessment Report on InvasiveAlien Species, which said that they are one of the five major direct drivers of biodiversity loss globally and are costing $423 billion annually. While eradicating these species seems like the most obvious way forward, experts say it is more complicated. It is not easy to reclaim land invaded by this alien species for over a century. Neltuma juliflora has become quite an integral part of the ecosystem it has invaded providing locals with resources and ways of earning livelihoods. When the going gets tough due to climate-induced erratic weather patterns like drought, the invasive species becomes a reliable ‘Plan B’ for those otherwise engaged in agricultural/dairy activities. Hence, experts recommend controlling its spread rather than complete eradication. (Read full story at https://carboncopy.info/newsletters/vol-1-august-2024- babool-in-a-china-shop/#big-story)