Revamping the Natural Habitat through Understanding and Managing the Invasive Species
Salim Omambia Matagi
*
Environmental Health Department, Kenya Medical Training College, P.O. Box 30195-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Invasive species represent one of the most significant drivers of global environmental change, posing substantial threats to native ecosystems and biodiversity across the world. Their spread contributes extensively to species decline, habitat degradation and the disruption of essential ecosystem services. Despite their destructive impacts, invasive species also provide valuable scientific opportunities to better understand ecological theory. This study sought to sensitize on how invasive species dynamics can inform strategies for revamping and restoring degraded natural habitats. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and a formal meta-analysis were applied among 250+ publications (2019–2026) on invasive species linkages. The study identified seven core domains: climate change, loss of biodiversity, environmental effects, eradicating invasive species at Nairobi National Park, prescribed burning, renewable efforts and conservation methods. Recognizing the widespread and increasingly acknowledged consequences of biological invasions, numerous multiscale management programs have been established globally to mitigate present and future impacts. There has also been a marked increase in scientific research aimed at guiding effective intervention strategies, with particular emphasis on risk assessment, pathway and vector management, early detection and rapid response mechanisms, as well as innovative mitigation and restoration approaches. The findings highlight that ecological challenges are occurring at present, rather than being prospective concerns that may arise in the next 5 to 20 years, and they are already the subject of extensive discussion and widespread recognition. Early identification, continuous monitoring, and coordinated management efforts are critical components in successful habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation initiatives. Consequently, the prescribed burning remains the most feasible initiative for Nairobi National Park. Revamping natural habitats by addressing invasive species is essential for restoring ecological balance. It involves understanding how these species establish and spread, allowing for targeted strategies to prevent ecosystem degradation. The focus is on reestablishing native vegetation and wildlife to enhance ecosystem integrity and resilience. The study concludes that a comprehensive understanding of invasive species ecology, coupled with strategic prevention and control measures, is essential for achieving sustainable environmental management and promoting long-term ecosystem resilience and recovery.
Keywords: Invasive species, alien species, prescribed burning, conservation efforts, biological invasions, biodiversity decline, nature-based adaptation