Non-native creatures known as freshwater invasive alien species (IAS) were mistakenly or purposely discharged into nearby water bodies, where they disrupted the ecosystem and caused damage to the invaded habitat. Environmental deoxyribonucleic acid (eDNA) analyses have been utilised successfully in numerous research over the past few years to identify IAS. However, efforts to find IAS can be conducted more quickly and effectively with the aid of geographic information systems (GIS). In this article, we examine the history of IAS in Southeast Asia and management initiatives that involved the GIS mapping of known habitat-specific geographical features. This method makes it easy to detect and separate regions with IAS habitat traits from those without. Later, eDNA analysis can be used to validate the presence of IAS in places where it has been discovered, allowing for additional research and action. IAS can be used as an indicator to evaluate the environmental integrity of native rivers in certain places. This combined strategy is perhaps the first to be used to find freshwater IAS in nearby bodies of water. Integrating GIS and eDNA into the research of IAS not only improves the ecology and saves energy and resources, but also helps residents and authorities manage and take the required enforcement measures to stop its spread.
KeywordsInvasive alien species; Freshwater management; Environmental DNA; Geographic information system; Sustainability
Published Date: 2023-07-31; Received Date: 2023-07-01
