Invasive Alien Species (IAS) is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and to the ecological and economic well being of society and the plant.

Since 17th century, Invasive Alien Species (IAS) have contributed to nearly 40% of all animal extinctions on the earth. IAS are plants, animals, pathogens and other organisms that are not-native to an ecosystem and which may cause economic or environmental harm or adversely affect human health. They spread outside their natural habitats, and are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity affecting every type of ecosystem on earth. Their invasion results in decline or elimination of native species–through competition, predation, or transmission of pathogens – and the disruption of ecosystems.

The problem continues to grow at great socio-economic, health and ecological cost around the world. Invasive alien species exacerbate poverty and threaten development through their impact on agriculture, forestry, fisheries and natural systems, which are an important basis of peoples’ livelihoods in developing countries. This damage is aggravated by climate change, pollution habitat loss and human – induced disturbance.

Native to the Indian sub-continent the ship rat (Rattusrtattus) have caused extinctions and catastrophic declines of native birds on islands and have spread throughout the world. Deadly new disease organisms, such as avian influenza A (H5N1), attack humans and animals, in both temperate and tropical.

In the Caspian and Black Seas, Zebra Mussels (Dreissena Polymorpha) is a native and affects fisheries, mollusk diversity and electric power generation in the Great Lakes in North America and Mississippi Basin.

Similarly in the Amazon Basin, water hyacinath (Eichhornia crasspies) has invaded tropical habitats worldwide, spreading to more than 50 countries on five continents. Water hyacinath blocks water ways, decimates aquatic wildlife and the livelihoods of local people and creates ideal conditions for disease and its vectors.

Aquatic invasive species have done serious damage. A unique approach using music as a medium to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in lakes and rivers is being used in Wisconsin (USA).

Invasive alien species are a global issue that requires collaboration among governments, economic sectors and non-governmental and international organization. Prevention is the most cost-effect and effective method against it. Halting the establishment of potentially invasive species in the first place is the first line of defence. The Governments conduct customs checks, inspect shipments, conduct risk assessments and set quarantine regulation to try to limit the entry of invasive species. At the same time it is also important to develop economic tools and incentives for the prevention, and to educate the general public and raise awareness so that informed decisions can be made about how to limit introductions and their spread. Individuals also have a large part to play, including policymakers, consumers, horticulturists, landowners, educators, youth and recreationists.