What are exotic species?

• They are opposite of native species.
• They are animals and plant species introduced from other countries and which are not otherwise found locally are termed exotic.
• These introduced or exotic species can adversely affect the ecosystem.

Alligator Gar

• Alligator gar are naturally found in freshwaters of North America. It can grow upto 10 feet.  
• They are brought here in India for sale as aquarium species. 
• Although they may look ferocious, alligator gars pose no threat to humans and there are no known attacks on people.
• Adult alligator gars primarily prey on fish, but they are opportunistic feeders who also eat blue crabs, small turtles, waterfowl or other birds, and small mammals.

Red eared Terrapin

• Read more about it at https://officerspulse.com/red-eared-turtle/

Neknampur Lake

• Neknampur Lake is a lake in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Often in news for its pollution, it is one of the prominent lakes where the restoration of biodiversity and aquatic health is taking place.
• It is also famous for its floating water treatment.

Why in the news?

• Alligator gars and red eared terrapins have been found at the Neknampur lake.
• Alligator Gars are predatory in nature, and can wipe out the entire lake of its biodiversity.
• Red eared terrapins are aggressive in nature and kill other pond turtles such as pond terrapins and flapshell turtles.
• There is no control over which kind of fish are being brought from outside and where they are being left.

References:

1. https://officerspulse.com/exotic-species/
2. https://lakesofindia.com/2020/11/05/neknampur-lake/
3. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/exotic-aquarium-fish-species-threatening-lake-biodiversity/article34135579.ece