INVASIVE ALIEN PLANT SPECIES: COMPOSITION, DISTRIBUTION, IMPACT AND MANAGEMENT IN SHEKA FOREST BIOSPHERE RESERVE, SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Understanding the types, distribution, ecological and socio-economic impacts of invasive alien plant species in infested and susceptible areas is very crucial. The objective of this study was, therefore, to assess the types, distribution, ecological and socio-economic impacts of invasive alien plant species in the Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve. In this cross-sectional study, both primary and secondary data sources were used. Primary data sources were collected through household survey, focus group discussions key informant interviews, observation and plot based field experiment. Both invasive alien and native plants species were scientifically identified. MS excel software was used for data organization, and statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, version 27) was used for data data analysis. The result of study revealed that 14 invasive alien plant species were recorded including Lantana camara; Parthenium hysterophorus; Psidium guajava; Ageratum conyzoides; Mimosa diplotricha; Amaranthus spinosus; Senna didymobotrya; Cuscuta campestris; Sida acuta; Jatropha gossypiifolia; Datura stramonium; Ricinus communis; Euphorbia platyphyllos and Solanum incanum. Yeki woreda is highly by IAPS than Masha and Anderacha woredas. There was a lack of awareness among the rural community regarding the species, its impacts, origination, and spread mechanisms. The findings of this study were prepared in three independent manuscripts: 1) Invasive Alien Plant Species and Management Practices at Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve, Southwest Ethiopia; 2) Socioeconomic Impacts of Alien Invasive Plants in Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve, Southwest Ethiopia, and 3) Impacts of Alien Invasive species on ecosystem and floristic richness and abundance in Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve, Southwest Ethiopia. The infestation of invasive plant species mainly occurred following roadsides. Due to limited access to and movement of animals and humans in forested areas, the expansion of IAPS into natural forests is not frustrating, however, it is inevitable to expect the spread of IAPS to forest areas and its socioeconomic impacts on forest-dependent communities. This needs urgent attention to create awareness and manage IAPS to minimize its impacts