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Introduction of species beyond their native ranges is a major concern for communities in the native ecosystems, ecosystem dynamics, protected areas and species of conservation interest. Invasive plants have been identified as one of the major threats to ecosystem functioning and biodiversity. Invasive plants colonize areas, which are fragmented or prone to disturbances. The study examines the relationship of Prosopis juliflora, an invasive species, with native species in Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary (ABWLS) Delhi. Also to assess the impact, if any, of the invasive species Prosopis juliflora on native ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity.
Vegetation analysis, for tree and shrubs, of the study area was carried out to assess the diversity, density and regeneration of all the species present. Global Positioning System was used to record the locations of the sampling units. Correlation analysis exhibits a significant and negative correlation, among Prosopis juliflora and tree species diversity, native species like Butea monosperma, Balanites aegyptica etc. Population structure analysis reveals absence of seedlings/ saplings of some native tree species. The absence may be attributed to a higher Prosopis juliflora density, as revealed by the results, however detailed study is required to establish P. juliflora as the causal factor. The study concludes that Prosopis juliflora does have a negative relationship with the native species and species diversity, and that the negative impacts might be minimized by controlling the density of this species to a certain threshold level recommended in the study.
Keywords: Invasive species, Native species, Prosopis juliflora, Minimum threshold density, Negative impact.
