Arctic Warming Amplifies Invasive Species Threat | 13 Feb 2026

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

Recent scientific studies warn that rapid Arctic warming is increasing the risk of invasive alien plant species establishing and transforming fragile Arctic ecosystems. 

How is Arctic Warming Increasing the Threat of Invasive Plants? 

• Changing Climate Conditions: Climate change and rising human activity are weakening the Arctic’s natural barriers, short growing seasons, harsh climate, and limited disturbance, making previously inhospitable regions suitable for non-native species. 
• Scientific Findings: A recent study estimates that 2,554 vascular plant species from across the world could find suitable climatic niches in a warming Arctic. 
• Existing Evidence of Spread: An earlier Arctic inventory documented 341 alien taxa, of which 188 have naturalised, and researchers have already observed unexpected non-native species in Svalbard, including common meadow rue. 
• Vulnerable Hotspots Identified: Six major potential invasion hotspots were identified: western Alaska, southwestern and southeastern Greenland, northern Iceland, Fennoscandia, and the Kanin–Pechora region, where warming and human connectivity intersect. 
• Pathways of Introduction: Invasive plant introductions occur mainly through escape from confinement, transport-stowaway, seed contamination, transport via vehicles, etc. 
• Ecological Implications: Alien species that displace native flora threaten the fragile Arctic tundra ecosystem, comprising mosses, lichens, shrubs like bearberry, and unique fauna such as snowy owl, Arctic fox, grizzly bear, seals, walruses, and belugas, and are considered one of the greatest drivers of global biodiversity loss. 

What are Invasive Alien Plant Species? 

• About: Invasive plant species are non-native plants introduced intentionally or unintentionally into an ecosystem, where they outcompete native species and cause economic, environmental, or human health impacts. 
  • Invasions are being accelerated by climate change, land-use change, altered fire regimes, soil moisture changes, livestock grazing patterns, and biodiversity loss. 
• Invasive Plant Species in India: Key invaders include Lantana camara, Chromolaena odorata and Prosopis juliflora. 
  • These invasions have spread across 266,954 sq km of natural habitats in India. 
• High-risk Regions: Include the Shivalik–Terai belt, the Duar region of the Northeast, the Aravallis, the Dandakaranya forests, and the Nilgiris in the Western Ghats.  
  • Open ecosystems such as dry grasslands, savannas, shola grasslands, and the wet plains along the Ganga–Brahmaputra are among the most vulnerable to rapid invasive plant expansion.