Introduced and invasive species

Introduced and invasive species   Foreign species introduced from other  areas often compete with the local species or their niche may overlap. This competition sometimes  results in loss of original or endemic species, because the newcomer may out-compete the native species. Islands are most susceptible to such invasions. At present, several countries have already imported many exotic species, particularly agricultural and ornamental plants that their won indigenous fauna/flora may be outnumbered.    

 Genetic pollution  This term is used for uncontrolled gene flow into wild populations. This process alters the genetic pool. Endemic species can be threatened with extinction through the process of genetic pollution; uncontrolled hybridization, genetic modification through genetic engineering and genetic swamping are the main factor responsible for genetic pollution. Some degree of gene flow is normal adaptation, but hybridization with or without check on gene flow threatens a rare species existence.

Climate change   Global warming is a major factor in the loss of biodiversity. Climate change impacts will  be more  significant in the coming decades. The ice in the Arctic region thaws and refreezes each year, but the pattern has changed in the recent years. In terms of biodiversity, the ice free summers in the  Arctic oceans implies the loss of ocean life. Coral reefs will be lost in 20- 40 years if global warming continues at the current rate.

Overpopulation  From 1950 to 2011, world population has increased from 2.5 million to 7 billion.

 Patents  Intellectual Property Rights (IPR’s) and patents have become a matter of concern; megamerger of multinational companies in monopolization of various life forms and biological resources are becoming a major threat to biodiversity. WTO agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) was negotiated Article 27.3 relates the provisions of TRIPS to biodiversity. In envisages the protection of plant varieties either by patents or by effective sui Generis 9unique or of its own kind) system or by a combination thereof. The two main issues involved being  the patenting of life forms and the protection of plant varieties. The patenting of life form is related to bio-piracy, i.e., the stealing of resources and traditional knowledge from developing countries. A US patent on the use of turmeric for healing wounds is an example of bio-piracy. The the issue of IPR protection of the genetically engineered crops is also very important . the International Union for Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) held its first convention in 1961 , which has been revised several times. In 1991 revision, the breeder, who registers rights over varieties, can claim full commercial control over the seed or propagating material of their protected varieties. To control the ownership over the diversity, using genetic engineering, terminator seeds have been developed. Terminator technology generates infertile seeds; it forces the farmers to purchase seeds for every growing  season. Hence this technology offers an inbuilt protection without the need of patenting. This issue is a matter of concern for developing countries; monopolization of life and biological resources would adversely affect the development, food security, livelihood of farmers and the environment. Such patents are also being opposed by the people on ethical and moral grounds.