Community structure, edaphic drivers and ecological impacts of invasive plant species in Margalla Hills National Park, Pakistan: implications for biodiversity conservation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22849068Keywords:
Vegetation analysis, Parthenium hysterophorus, Edaphic factors, Geographical Information system (GIS), Himalayan ecosystemAbstract
Invasive plant species pose a significant threat to global biodiversity. This study investigated the diversity, community structure and distribution pattern of invasive plants in Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP), Pakistan. Field surveys were conducted using a systematic quadrat-based approach along 300 m transects. Separate quadrats for trees (10x10 m), shrubs (5x5 m) and herbs (1x1 m) were used. Vegetation parameters, including density, frequency, cover, Important Value Index (IVI) and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, were calculated alongside soil physicochemical analysis. The survey identified 26 invasive plant species comprising 12 trees, 8 shrubs and 6 herbs. Sophora japonica exhibited the highest tree density (26.54/quadrat), while Tecoma stans dominated shrubs (20.90/quadrat) and Silybum marianum led herbs (5.58/quadrat). Herbs recorded the highest mean cover (24.99±6.61%) and relative density (24.99±1.30%). Parthenium hysterophorus recorded the maximum IVI, confirming its dominant invasive status. Biodiversity indices were highest for herbs (H = 0.33), followed by shrubs (0.29) and trees (0.21). Soils were neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.63-7.22) with low organic matter (0.13%), conditions that favour disturbance-adapted invaders. These findings confirm active invasion across all growth forms in MHNP. The low tree diversity suggests that native woody communities face a significant risk of displacement. This study establishes a baseline for targeted management interventions and highlights the need for monitoring programmes to prevent further ecosystem degradation in this protected Himalayan ecosystem.
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