Last March, volunteers from the Friends of Snakes Society (FoSS) made an unusual rescue: a green iguana spotted perched on a mango tree in Hyderabad’s Dilsukhnagar area. Just days ago, green-keeled and girdled lizards were intercepted in passengers’ luggage arriving from Bangkok at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. None of these species naturally belong in India.
Environmental specialists are sounding the alarm, cautioning that these non-native species, lacking natural predators, could flourish uncontrollably and aggressively compete with local wildlife for vital resources. This worrying trend, driven by a growing fascination with exotic pets and a corresponding disregard for indigenous species, threatens to severely destabilize native populations. Furthermore, the introduction of non-native plants, fish, and other organisms is already visibly altering local ecosystems.
Exotic Snakes Pose a Rising Risk of Snakebites
The alarming potential for exotic venomous snakes to increase the existing snakebite crisis in India is a serious concern, warns Avinash Visvanathan, general secretary of FoSS. He explains that when exotic species are set free into the wild, they can drastically upset delicate ecological balances by outcompeting or preying on native species. This problem is particularly acute because many of these exotic animals have no natural enemies in India, allowing them to multiply unchecked. Numerous cases have been documented where exotic creatures, including various snakes and reptiles, have either escaped from private collections or been intentionally released into the wild.
Competitive Exclusion: A Looming Threat to Local Species
Native species, which have adapted to their local environments over many years, become incredibly vulnerable when exotic species arrive and prove to be better adapted, leading to fierce competition for resources. Professor Chelemla Srinivasulu, a Zoology expert at Osmania University in Hyderabad, emphasizes that this ‘competitive exclusion’ phenomenon could push indigenous species towards extinction.
The Persistent Problem of Water Hyacinth
This ecological disruption isn’t limited to animals. Take the water hyacinth, for instance. Originally brought to India during the colonial era for its aesthetic appeal, it has since become an aggressive invasive species. It spreads rapidly, suffocating water bodies and continues to be a persistent environmental challenge to this day.
Sucker Fish: From Aquariums to Ecosystems
Another example is the sucker fish, not native to India. Initially imported by aquarium enthusiasts to keep tanks clean by consuming algae, many were later released into natural water bodies when they grew too large or became less desirable as pets. Now, these fish are widespread in several local aquatic environments.
Giant African Land Snails: A New Agricultural Challenge
Even snails pose a threat. The Giant African Land Snail, which has caused significant agricultural problems in parts of neighboring Andhra Pradesh, was recently discovered in Nizamabad, Telangana, with photographs shared among naturalist groups confirming its presence. To effectively tackle this escalating threat, the government must vigorously enforce new wildlife protection laws. Authorities need to intensify efforts to curb the illegal trade of exotic species, imposing harsher penalties on those involved in trafficking these animals. Additionally, increased vigilance over online platforms, where much of this trade occurs, is crucial.