Need to root out alien species from ecosystem

LUCKNOW: There is a need to root out invasive alien species from ecosystem.
These species are a threat to bio-diversity. The environmental
effects like global warming and climate change are taking place because of these
alien species which are destroying natural resources.

The points were highlighted during a seminar on `Invasive alien species'
organised by forest department on Friday. The seminar was organised to mark
World Biodiversity Day by bio-diversity board.

Species like lantana, carrot grass and parthenium are alien and threatening to
existing species. The number of natural species are going down because of these
alien species.

Bio-diversity is also threatened by hunting, excessive extraction of resources
and environmental pollution
. India has world's 7 per cent floral and 6.5 per cent faunal species and that
makes India rich in bio-diversity.

The speakers also highlighted other ill-effects of alien and invasive alien
species. Decrease in agricultural production is one of them besides decline in
the number of native species.

On the occasion, winners of photography competition organised by bio-diversity
board were given away prizes by forest minister, Fateh Bahadur Singh. Senior
officials of the department along with experts were also present in the seminar.


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Lucknow/Need-to-root-out-alien-species-from-e\
cosystem/articleshow/4567511.cms