Which one of the following is not the invasive alien species?

The correct answer is Option (2) → Thylacine

An invasive alien species is a species brought from another region, on purpose or by accident, that spreads fast in its new home. It harms the native species and can make them extinct.

Option (1) Lantana — An invasive alien species. Lantana is a weed that came into India from outside. It has spread over large areas and harms the native plants and the environment.

Option (2) Thylacine — Not an invasive alien species. The thylacine (the Tasmanian tiger) was a native animal of Australia. It is one of the recent extinctions of the last 500 years, like the dodo and the quagga. An extinct animal is a victim of biodiversity loss, not an invader.

Option (3) Clarias gariepinus — An invasive alien species. This African catfish was brought in for aquaculture. It now threatens the native catfishes of Indian rivers.

Option (4) Parthenium — An invasive alien species. Parthenium (carrot grass) came into India as a contaminant with imported wheat. It has spread widely and also causes pollen allergy.