Invasive Plant Species in Mangrove Wetlands: Patterns of Spread and Ecological Threats
Chandramohanan K T1, Swedha Madhavan M2, P Sreeja3, Sharfa Usman4
1Dr. Chandramohanan K T, Professor, Krishna Menon Memorial Government Womens College, Kannur, Kannur University, Kannur (Kerala), India.
2Swedha Madhavan M, Scholar, Department of Botany, Government Brennen College, Thalassery, Kannur University, Kannur (Kerala), India.
3Dr. P Sreeja, Associate Professor, Sir Syed College, Thaliparamba, Kannur University, Kannur (Kerala), India.
4Sharfa Usman, Department of Botany, Sir Syed College, Thaliparamba, Kannur University, Kannur (Kerala), India.
Manuscript received on 01 October 2025 | Revised Manuscript received on 08 October 2025 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 October 2025 | Manuscript published on 30 October 2025 | PP: 43-47 | Volume-5 Issue-2, October 2025 | Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijb.B106605021025 | DOI: 10.54105/ijab.B1066.05021025
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© The Authors. Published by Lattice Science Publication (LSP). This is an open-access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Biological invasions pose a serious threat to natural ecosystems. Mangroves are vulnerable to invasion by salt-tolerant aquatic and terrestrial plants, such as epiphytes, despite their extremely saline and intertidal habitat. The present study examines the invasion rates and assesses the ecological impacts of invasive plant species on the mangrove flora of Kannur District, Kerala. Extensive field visits were conducted in the selected study stations to analyse plant species using the line transect method. A total of 21 plant species, including 7 true mangroves and eight mangrove associates, were recorded from the study areas. Out of the identified plant species, 11 are invasive, belonging to 5 families and 11 genera. The highest invasion rate was observed in Ipomoea cairica (1.203) at site-2, followed by Volkameria inermis (4.404×10-1 ). The competition between invasive plants and native species for light, nutrients, and space impacts the growth, development, and diversity of mangroves. Well-framed policies and effective management strategies are vital to curb invasive plant spread and safeguard the long-term conservation of mangrove ecosystems.
Keywords: Invasive Plants, Invasion, Mangroves, Wetland.
Scope of the Article: Plant Ecology