Nile perch introduced to Lake Victoria destroyed about 200 native fish species
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims·
Invasive species and biodiversity loss: a GS3 and Environment case study on ecological trade-offs.
Why in news
The National Invasive Species Information Center reported that the 1954 introduction of Nile perch into Lake Victoria led to the destruction of approximately 200 native fish species.
Background
In 1954, fisheries managers introduced Nile perch into Lake Victoria, a water body shared by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The introduction aimed to create commercial opportunities but resulted in the loss of hundreds of native cichlids due to predation and competition.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentNile perch: An invasive predator species introduced to Lake Victoria in 1954.
- FactApproximately 200 native fish species were destroyed in Lake Victoria due to the Nile perch introduction.
- PlaceLake Victoria: A water body shared by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
- BodyNational Invasive Species Information Center: The body reporting the biodiversity loss.
Prelims practice question
Which countries share the water body where the Nile perch was introduced?
- (a)Brazil, Argentina, and Chile
- (b)Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia
- (c)Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda
- (d)India, Nepal, and Bhutan
Show answer
Answer: (c) Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda — The note states Lake Victoria is a water body shared by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the ecological and economic trade-offs involved in introducing non-native species for commercial purposes in shared water bodies.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Ecological imbalance: Rapid decline of endemic cichlid populations due to niche competition and predation
- Transboundary management: Complexity of regulating invasive species in shared water bodies among Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda
Keywords: Invasive species · Biodiversity loss · Ecological impact · Commercial fisheries · Cichlids
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.