Impact of Invasive Alien Plant Species on Native Vegetation of Chhatrakot Rural Municipality, Gulmi District, Lumbini Province

A study conducted in Chhatrakot Rural Municipality, Gulmi District, Lumbini Province, identified 10 invasive alien plant species (IAPS) affecting native vegetation. Key findings include the dominance of Bidens pilosa in agricultural areas and Ageratina adenophora along grasslands and forest borders, with significant impacts on local flora from species like Ageratum conyzoides, Ageratum houstonianum, and Oxalis latifolia. The research used checklists and semi-structured questionnaires to document IAPS distribution and management practices, such as ploughing, picking, burning, and composting. Notably, Ageratina adenophora was introduced around 20–25 years ago with road development, highlighting human activity as a driver of invasion. The study underscores the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate ecological disruption in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Singh, A. G., & Ghimire, R. K. (2022). Impact of Invasive Alien Plant Species on Native Vegetation of Chhatrakot Rural Municipality, Gulmi District, Lumbini Province. Butwal Campus Journal, 5(1), 123–142. https://doi.org/10.3126/bcj.v5i1.50193