How do invasive species in grasslands threaten the ecological balance of protected areas like Assam’s island-like national park?
I want to understand how the spread of non-native plants or animals in grasslands can affect the original ecosystem, especially in sensitive areas such as national parks in Assam.
Invasive species are non-native plants or animals that enter new ecosystems and disrupt the natural balance. In sensitive grassland areas like Assam’s island-like national parks (e.g., Kaziranga), the introduction and spread of invasive species can have serious ecological consequences.
- Competition with Native Species: Invasive plants like Mimosa, Parthenium, and water hyacinth outcompete native grasses and plants for resources such as nutrients, water, and sunlight. This reduces the availability of food for herbivores like the one-horned rhinoceros.
- Alteration of Habitat Structure: Dense growth of invasive species can change the physical structure of grasslands, making them unsuitable for native wildlife that depend on open spaces for grazing and movement.
- Disruption of Food Chains: When invasive plants replace native vegetation, herbivores may lose their primary food sources. This affects the entire food chain, including carnivores and scavengers.
- Impact on Soil and Water: Some invasive species alter soil chemistry and water availability, making it difficult for native plants to regenerate. For example, water hyacinth can choke water bodies, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life.
- Spread of Diseases: Certain invasive animals and plants can introduce new pathogens or pests, threatening native flora and fauna.
- Threat to Endangered Species: In Assam’s national parks, many endangered species rely on specific grassland habitats. Invasive species can shrink these habitats, increasing the risk of extinction for vulnerable animals.
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