Abstract
An increase of biological invasion in developing countries is threatening smallholder’s livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, agroecosystems and rangeland productivity. In Tanzania, the exotic invasive plant <i>Parthenium hysterophorus</i>, which is rapidly spreading in Arusha region, threatens wildlife conservation, human well–being and food security in the country. This study was conducted to assess the current distribution of <i>P. hysterophorus</i> and its associated soil properties within the Arusha National Park (ANP) and in adjacent villages at the park’s border zones using road surveys. <i>Parthenium hysterophorus</i> density was visually estimated as high, medium, and low when the invasive individuals were > 4, 3–4, and 1–2 in 1 m<sup>2</sup> quadrats, respectively. The results showed that albeit some adjacent villages are invaded, ANP is yet not affected. <i>Parthenium hysterophorus</i> was observed growing in grazing areas, maize and banana fields in villages, and along road verges, with particularly high densities in maize fields, along roadsides, and at lower altitudes. Moreover, analysis of soil chemical properties showed that <i>P. hysterophorus</i> was associated with soils of higher Manganese and cation exchange capacity. We recommend that <i>P. hysterophorus</i> surveys within the ANP and other protected areas in Arusha region should be carried out regularly as the rapid expansion of <i>P. hysterophorus</i> threatens ANP’s ecology and biodiversity.
Highlights
Invasive plants are defined as exotic plant species that when released into novel environments establish, grow, reproduce and sustain self–replacing populations without human intervention [1, 2]
Our study reveals that P. hysterophorus is spreading in some villages closest to the border zones of Arusha National Park (ANP)
We have shown that currently P. hysterophorus is at initial invasion or spread stage towards the borders of ANP
Summary
Invasive plants are defined as exotic plant species that when released into novel environments establish, grow, reproduce and sustain self–replacing populations without human intervention [1, 2]. Invasive species are characterized by a longer life span and fruiting period, greater seed yield, smaller seed size, easy dispersal by wind, human or animals, stronger vitality, and higher biomass than native species [4]. These characteristics facilitate the spread and invasion of many alien species [5]. Anthropogenic activities resulting in alteration of habitats promote invasion and dispersal of invasive plant seeds [6]
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