Distribution mapping of major invasive plant species of India and their role in ecosystem alteration: a systematic review

Abstract Invasive plant species (IPSs) are highly dominant and spreading frequently due to their rapid growth, reproduction, broad tolerance range, and high dispersal ability. They are the second-most dangerous threat to the world's biodiversity and are of non-native origin. They are widely introduced, either intentionally or unintentionally, through anthropogenic activities throughout the world, which have an impact on a country's biological diversity and economic security. Rising IPSs have a significant negative impact on ecosystem goods and services provided by the agricultural, forestry, and aquatic sectors by disrupting habitat structure and function. These IPSs disrupt the biogeochemical cycle, the cycle of fire, the pattern of plant succession, the process of plant regeneration, and the overall forest dynamics. Remote sensing presents a significant potential for scientists and researchers working on invasive biology, resource executives, and policy planners to create prediction models based on invasive risk assessment and early detection methods. Substantial progress can be made in identifying, modeling, and mapping IPSs across various ecosystems and habitats by combining data from field sampling with remote sensing technologies. Various multispectral remote sensing tools are presently being used for IPS mapping and monitoring purposes, such as Thematic Mapper, Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus, etc., to record the current status of IPSs in forest ecosystems. Import restrictions, import tariffs, and risk management techniques are the three most commonly used policies for preventing trade-based introductions of IPSs. They can be managed and controlled in a variety of physical, chemical, biological, and cultural ways, but early detection and decisive action with species-specific eradication measures will be the best way to prevent the native plant species loss and to preserve biodiversity.