INVASIVE SPECIES IN PUDUCHERRY: ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS, DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES A STUDY ON AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES AND THEIR IMPACT ON WETLAND ECOSYSTEMS IN PUDUCHERRY REGION

Abstract

Invasive species are non-native organisms that spread in new ecosystems and cause ecological, economic and health impacts. This study focuses on Puducherry’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems including Ousteri Lake, Velrampet Lake, Kanagan Lake, Vannankulam, Purakulam, Pillaiyarkuppam Check Dam and Chunnambar backwaters. Major invasive species include Eichhornia crassipes, Lantana camara, Prosopis juliflora and Parthenium hysterophorus. The study is based on secondary ecological data and field-based reports. Findings show that eutrophication, urban sewage inflow and habitat disturbance are major drivers of invasion in Puducherry.

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