Do alien species matter? Impacts of invasions in Indian freshwater systems and challenges in management

Alongside anthropogenic activities and habitat destruction, invasions are regarded as one of the most influential components of global change. India as a growing economy and rapidly developing nation has been constantly engaged in infrastructure development which consequently has led to depletion of natural resources and declining quality of habitats aquatic systems in particular. Invasions that have established from the introductions in past during the colonial era and recently spread species are great challenges that hamper survival of aquatic resources. As of 2015, 20 plants, one mollusc and 37 fishes are known to have naturalized in Indian water bodies. Awareness on the invasive species along with detailed information on the ecosystem-wide impacts is essential for management.