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ASC (Rakashi or devil fish) was introduced in India for its unique appearance and its ability to clean algal growth in tanks and aquaria, however, now they have grown exponentially.
- It is native to South America, and belongs to the largest catfish family.
- Scientists used the Environmental DNA (eDNA) approach for mapping spread of the invasive species.
- eDNA is organismal DNA that is released in the environment from cellular material shed by organisms (via skin, excrement, etc.) into aquatic or terrestrial environments.
- Unlike conventional methods, eDNA approach is reliable, and accurate, can be done a low cost.
About Invasive species (IS)
- Definition: As per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended in 2022), IS are non-native species whose introduction or spread poses a threat to wildlife or its habitat.
- Threats
- Their presence can lead to changes in food chains, disturbances in ecological balances, and competition with native species for resources.
- Put human health, food security and livelihoods at risk.
- 1 in 10 species on the IUCN Red List species are threatened by IS (IUCN).
- Resulted in loss of at least USD 1.288 trillion from 1970 to 2017 (IUCN).
