Get started
Work

A Study on the Occurrence and Spread of Invasive Plant Species in Maha Kshetram Hill (Tothadri), Mangalgiri, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Maha Kshetram Hill (Tothadri), popularly known as the Panakala Narasimha Swamy Hill at Mangalagiri in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh is an ecologically and culturally significant sacred hill that supports rich floral diversity. However, increasing anthropogenic disturbances, habitat modification, pilgrimage-related activities, urban expansion and changing climatic conditions have facilitated the establishment and spread of invasive alien plant species (IAPS). These non-native species threaten native vegetation by competing for light, water, nutrients and space, thereby reducing biodiversity and altering ecosystem structure and function. Recent floristic studies of the hill have documented more than 500 vascular plant species, including several invasive alien taxa that have become naturalized in disturbed habitats. During study of sacred grove of Andhra Pradesh State, India various field trips were conducted and GIS Photographic from various natural populations during the period 2018-2026. Plant Species Maha Kshetram Hill (Tothadri), at Mangalagiri in Guntur District identification activities of plant specimens collected (flowering or fruiting) from different seasons. Specimens critically observed and identified. In the present study, a total of 45 Invasive Alien species were founded from Mahakshetram Hill, Andhra Pradesh. These 45 Alien Species belong to 40 Genera and 16 familes. Previously reported, a total of 452 Species were recorded from Maha Kshetram Hill (Tothadri), Mangalgiri, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. Of the 452 Species, 68 are cultivated or planted in different parts of the study area and the remaining are wild and naturalized. These 452 wild and naturalized taxa belong to 272 genera and 67 families, the latter taxa identified following APG IV Classification. (M.C. Naik & Kishore, edt. 2026). The present study aims to document the invasive alien plant species occurring in Maha Kshetram Hill, assess their distribution, growth-habits, nativity and ecological impacts and suggest suitable management strategies. Field surveys conducted across different seasons and recorded several invasive species belong predominantly to the following, families Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Verbenaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Convolvulaceae and Amaranthaceae. Prominent invasive species include Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, Neltuma juliflora, Chromolaena odorata, Calotropis procera, Leucaena leucocephala, Mesosphaerum suaveolens, Argemone mexicana and Opuntia stricta. These species are mainly distributed along roadsides, temple pathways, degraded forest margins, rocky slopes, abandoned lands and open scrub habitats. The study highlights that invasive alien plants are emerging as one of the major threats to the ecological integrity of this sacred hill ecosystem. Effective conservation requires continuous monitoring, early detection, mechanical removal, habitat restoration using native species, public awareness among pilgrims and active participation of forest and temple management authorities. Long-term management of invasive alien plants will contribute significantly to conserving the unique biodiversity and ecological stability of Maha Kshetram Hill.
DOI: 10.59324/stss.2026.3(9).05
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7211995907
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: