A study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution has found that invasive plants and animals have caused over $2.2 trillion in global economic losses since 1960, with costs likely underestimated by 16 times.

For India, the findings are striking. Researchers discovered the country has the highest percentage gap in reported management costs, a staggering
1.16 billion percent discrepancy suggesting huge unrecorded or underreported spending. Experts say the lack of centralised data, weak inter-agency coordination, and competing conservation priorities are major reasons.

Globally, plants emerged as the most damaging invasive species, followed by insects and mammals. Common lantana and Japanese knotweed are among the costliest to manage. Invasive species often spread through trade, travel, and globalisation.

Scientists stress that India needs better documentation and stronger strategies like prevention, control, and eradication. Otherwise, hidden costs will continue to drain resources, even as the country grapples with broader environmental and economic challenges.