An inventory of invasive alien species in Anuvavi Hills, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Invasive alien species pose a significant threat to global biodiversity and ecological balance. This study aimed to document and assess invasive alien species' diversity, distribution, and potential impacts in Anuvavi Hills, Coimbatore district, India. Extensive field surveys were conducted within Anuvavi Hills from August 2023 to February 2024 to record invasive alien species. The collected specimens were identified, classified, and grouped based on their life forms and families. A total of 68 invasive alien species belonging to 29 families and 57 genera were documented. Dicotyledons were dominant, with 64 species, while monocotyledons comprised 4 species. The Asteraceae family had the highest species richness, followed by Amaranthaceae, Tiliaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Cleomaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae, and Mimosaceae. Herbs constituted the majority of life forms, followed by shrubs, climbers, and trees. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on invasive alien species in India. The findings suggest that Anuvavi Hills harbors a diverse array of invasive alien species, highlighting the need for effective management strategies to mitigate their potential impacts on native ecosystems. The documented species have various uses in traditional medicine, ornamental gardening, and fodder, but some may also pose threats to human health and biodiversity.