A species that reaches its location without assistance from human activity is called native plant. A non indigenous or non native plant or animal is referred as exotic and introduced into a new location by activity of human, either with any objective or by accident. A non native species that is able to move aggressively into a habitat and monopolizing resources such as light, nutrients, water and space to the detriment of other species is called invasive species. An invasive species typical of forest ecosystem is referred as Forest Invasive Species (FIS).  

Forest Invasive Species are a threat to natural forest areas. They displace native plants, eliminate food and cover for wildlife and threaten rare plant and animal species. These species can change the functions of ecosystems and increase loss in forestry and natural resource management costs.  FIS pose a danger to the biological diversity and other human enterprises as well as on human health. Many of invasive species have naturalized in India. Few of them are being used for various purposes such as making medicinal uses, furniture making and composting etc.

Through this portal we are beginning with brief information on some forest invasive species of flora and fauna with a view to drawing attention towards the scientific and common name, origin, introduction, likely pathways of spread,  vectors, distribution patterns, threat level and a photo image of species. Viewers are invited to send any additional information, images of FIS on any aspect for incorporation at  nautiyals@icfre.org  or devendra@icfre.org. This can be done by post to Dr. Subhash Nautiyal, Organizer, FIS Cell, Forest Research Institute, P.O. New Forest, Dehradun-248006, Uttarakhand.