Impact and Management of Invasive Plant Species in Champawat District, Western Himalayas: Community Awareness and Perceptions

Introduction

India is known as unique 17 mega biodiversity nation of the world. The country has a vast phytogeographical area and edaphic conditions that offers the lush growth for countless fauna and flora [1]. The Himalayas is known for its rich biodiversity and forest ecosystem that provides a high value of environmental service. The region has expanded landforms and climatic zones which uphold a wide range of vegetation [2]. The Himalayan Mountain range are one of the most endangered and exquisite habitats of the world, consisting of enormous biodiversity that provides significant ecosystem services. For last few years’ scientists and policymakers has noticed that native diversity is under pressure all over the globe due to foreign invaders which have become greatest threat. In fact, one sixth of the world’s ground surface habitat is enormously unsafe due to attack of alien species, which include large part of high income nations and global hotspots diversity [3]. Invasive species are regarded as one of the main causes of biodiversity destruction, altering environmental resources and socioeconomic environments through a variety of mechanisms [4]. The Convention on Biological Diversity identified biological invasion as a major cause of biodiversity loss, ranking second only to habitat depletion and ecosystem degradation [5]. It compiled the first catalogue of invasive alien plant species of India. It released a list of 1599 alien plant species belonging to 842 genera and 161 families with their native ranges and invasion status from India [6,7]. Himalaya is named one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots; however, they are currently under extremely high threat from biological invasion [8].

The Himalayan region, particularly the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot with its unique flora and fauna. The region's ecological diversity, however, is increasingly threatened by both natural and anthropogenic factors, with invasive alien plant species (IAPS) posing significant challenges. IAPS are non-native species that, when introduced into new environments, can disrupt the balance of local ecosystems, leading to reductions in native biodiversity and impairing vital ecosystem services such as soil fertility, water regulation, and pollination [9,10].

In the IHR, the spread of invasive species has been exacerbated by climate change, which alters environmental conditions in favor of these resilient plants. Moreover, human activities such as deforestation, land conversion for agriculture, and overgrazing have created disturbed habitats that facilitate the establishment and spread of invasive plants [11]. Among the most widespread and problematic species in the region are Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, Ageratina adenophora, and Bidens pilosa [12]. These species have become dominant in disturbed habitats, outcompeting native plants and altering ecosystem dynamics. Community awareness and perception are not well integrated into management strategies. However the gap needs more holistic approach on invasive plant that include local knowledge, social management, and economic consideration [13]. Despite the growing concerns surrounding invasive species in the region, limited research has been conducted on local community perceptions and management strategies to combat their spread.

The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the awareness, perceptions, and management practices of local communities in Champawat District, Uttarakhand, regarding the impacts of invasive plant species. The study aim 1) to understand the distribution, ecological effects, and socio-economic consequences of invasive species, and 2) to identify community-driven strategies for managing their spread. By doing so, the study seeks to contribute to sustainable conservation efforts and enhance the resilience of the region’s ecosystems.

Materials And Methods

Study Area

The research was conducted in the nine villages of Champawat District, situated in the state of Uttarakhand, covering an area of 1765.78 km². The total population of Champawat district as recorded in 2011 was 259648 of which male and female were 131,125 and 128,523 respectively. The studied villages in the champawat district have sloping and uneven topographical land with dense forest and spans at an altitudinal gradient of 700m–2200m above sea level (Figure 1).

Sal dominates the vegetation in lower altitude (700m-1200m) and chir-pine, banj-oak and Deodar tree in midlle and higher altitude (1200m-2200m) with other few trees like Myrica esculenta, Rhododendron arboreum, Quercus glauca, Pyrus pashia.

 

Figure 1: Study area map.

The climatic conditions of the study area vary within different altitudinal levels. Where lower altitudinal zone comes under the sub-tropical type with warm summer (March-June), rainy (June-September), and winter (November-February), and climatic conditions in the middle to higher altitudinal zone come under the temperate type with, short summer, wet, and moist rainy season and severe cold winters. The year is divided into 3 seasons – winter (October-March), summer (April-June), and rainy season (mid-June – September). Major anthropogenic activities in the study area are urbanization, deforestation, tourism due to the presence of historical monuments, overgrazing, and, climate change. Offering a unique opportunity to explore how altitude influences the distribution and impact of invasive plant species. The study focused on nine villages—Singda, Churani, Bhartoli Ghoonth, Gwenara, Gumaud, Bantoli, Chiriyadhunga, Banigaon, and Forti—chosen to represent three distinct altitudinal zones: lower (700–1200 m), middle (1200–1700 m), and higher (1700–2200 m) elevations. These zones were selected to assess the varying effects of invasive species across different altitudes, providing insights into how these species interact with the local ecosystem at different elevations

Table 1: Showing the overview of study villages in Champawat district.

Village	Altitude (m)	Latitude	Longitude	Total Households	Total Population	Respondents Surveyed
Singda	731	29°29'49.60"	80°06'55.74"	157	772	47
Churani	1034	29°29'21.96"	80°05'41.61"	53	231	15
Bhartoli Ghoonth	1118	29°28'42.72"	80°05'36.29"	8	40	3
Gwenara	1323	29°27'24.96"	80°05'30.15"	65	282	20
Gumaud	1431	29°26'53.12"	80°04'35.37"	234	52	17
Bantoli	1587	29°26'55.17"	80°05'19.10"	313	68	51
Chiriyadhunga	1725	29°23'40.18"	80°05'04.16"	127	26	8
Banigaon	1837	29°23'16.55"	80°04'58.15"	176	44	14
Forti	2044	29°22'46.56"	80°04'16.87"	828	175	53

Data Collection

Data for this study was collected over a two-month period (August–September 2023) using a combination of questionnaire surveys, personal interviews, and non-invasive field observations to ensure a comprehensive understanding of invasive plant species and their impacts. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to 268 respondents across nine selected villages, including farmers, community leaders, elders, and other stakeholders involved in land use. To supplement survey responses, face-to-face interviews were conducted in the local language, allowing participants to share their experiences, perceptions, and management strategies regarding invasive species. The questionnaire focused on identifying invasive plant species, assessing their perceived impacts on agriculture, forests, and livelihoods, and documenting local control measures and management strategies. These interviews provided a deeper understanding of local knowledge and practices.

 Participatory field observations were also carried out where community members and farmers guided to their agricultural land to showcase the presence and impact of invasive plant this provide direct evidence of their spread and their competition with native crops which verify the presence and distribution of invasive species in various habitats, such as agricultural lands, roadsides, and forest edges, ensuring that the data collected was representative of the actual environmental conditions. Field notes and personal interviews supplemented a research in qualitative perspective.

Data Analysis

Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify key trends in community knowledge, attitudes, and the spatial distribution of invasive species. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) was applied to quantify the awareness of specific invasive species among respondents, helping to determine which species were most recognized and discussed by the community. Additionally, Geographic Information System (GIS) tools were utilized to map the altitudinal distribution of invasive species across the study area. Firstly GPS essential app was used to record the coordinates and altitude to map the distribution pattern of invasive species in different elevation. And then by integrating survey data with GIS, the spatial patterns of species distribution could be visualized and analyzed, and also revealing how these species vary in prevalence at different elevations and environmental conditions. This combination of statistical analysis and spatial mapping provided a comprehensive understanding of both community perceptions and the geographical spread of invasive species.

Relative Abundance calculation

Relative abundance was calculated for different species in different altitudinal zone by the given formula [14]-:

 

                                                                     Number of individuals of a species

     Relative abundance   =                                                                                                                   × 100

                                           

                                                            Total no of individuals of all species

This is how Relative abundance was calculated for each species in the study area

 

Result

Demographic profile

 The study area consists of 51.4% male and 48.6% female respondents, with a higher proportion of male participants in the survey. Awareness of invasive species was observed across different age groups, ranging from 18 to above 60 years. The dominant age group in terms of awareness was 45 years and older.

The literacy rate in the surveyed villages was 84.9%, while the illiteracy rate stood at 15.1%. Among the literate population, men were found to be more highly educated.Regarding occupation, 60% of the respondents were engaged in agricultural farming, 19.5% worked as daily wage laborers, and 20.5% were employed in government jobs.

Distribution Patterns of Invasive Species

The survey results reveal a distinct altitudinal gradient in the distribution of invasive plant species across the study area. At lower altitudes (700–1200 m), Lantana camara and Parthenium hysterophorus were the most prevalent, particularly in agricultural lands, roadsides, and disturbed areas. These species were observed to outcompete native vegetation and are often associated with land-use changes such as deforestation and agricultural expansion. In contrast, Ageratina adenophora and Bidens pilosa were more dominant at higher altitudes (1200–2200 m), where they were particularly noticeable along forest edges and disturbed habitats. These species, though less widespread in the lower zones, were increasingly common in higher elevations, where they thrive in disturbed or less-managed landscapes. Agricultural fields, roadsides, and forest edges were identified as the most affected habitats by these invasive species, indicating that areas of human activity and disturbance are particularly vulnerable to invasion (Figure 2).

 

1. Lower Zone (700–1200 m):
• Dominated by Lantana camara (40%) and Parthenium hysterophorus (30%).
• Together, these two species account for the majority of invasive species in this zone, reflecting their adaptability to warmer and lower-altitude conditions.
2. Middle Zone (1200–1700 m):
• Ageratina adenophora (30%) and Bidens pilosa (35%) are more prominent.
• Parthenium hysterophorus and Lantana camara show reduced abundance, indicating a shift in species composition as elevation increases.
3. Higher Zone (1700–2200 m):
• Ageratina adenophora (40%) and Bidens pilosa (45%) dominate, while Lantana camara (10%) and Parthenium hysterophorus (5%) are minimally present.
• This highlights how invasive species vary in prevalence based on their ecological adaptability to cooler, higher altitudes

Implications

The figure underscores the distinct distribution patterns of invasive species across altitudes. Warmer, disturbed low-altitude zones support Lantana camara and Parthenium hysterophorus, while cooler, higher altitudes are more favorable for Ageratina adenophora and Bidens pilosa. These variations emphasize the role of climate, altitude, and habitat type in determining the spread of invasive species. This visualization aids in understanding species-specific dynamics and can guide targeted management practices for each zone.

Community Awareness and Perceptions

The survey revealed notable differences in community awareness regarding invasive species across age groups and altitudinal zones. Elderly respondents (aged >60 years) demonstrated a higher level of knowledge about invasive species, often due to their long-term observation of ecological changes. In contrast, younger participants were generally less aware of the ecological threats posed by these plants, reflecting a gap in education and exposure to environmental issues.

Key impacts of invasive species identified by the respondents included

Biodiversity Loss: Many respondents noted that invasive species replace native plants, leading to a decline in local plant diversity and the loss of animal species that depend on native vegetation for food and shelter.

Agricultural Damage: Invasive species were recognized as competitors with crops for nutrients, water, and space. This competition resulted in reduced agricultural productivity and increased labor required for manual removal of these species from farmland.

Health Issues: Particularly concerning was the impact of Parthenium hysterophorus, which was linked to respiratory problems and allergies. Local populations reported that exposure to this invasive plant caused significant health issues, highlighting the broader social and health implications of invasive species.

Drivers of Invasion

Respondents identified several drivers that contributed to the spread of invasive species, with climate change being the most frequently cited factor. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns were perceived to favor the establishment of these species. Additionally, deforestation, forest fires, and grazing were recognized as major contributors to the spread of invasive plants, as these activities create disturbed habitats ideal for the proliferation of non-native species.

Management Practices

A variety of community-driven management strategies were reported, with early detection and manual removal being the most commonly practiced methods across all altitudinal zones. Other management techniques included controlled burns (especially in the middle zone), chemical control through limited herbicide application, and the use of livestock for grazing invasive plants. Despite these efforts, respondents emphasized the need for external support, including training and resources, to enhance the effectiveness of these strategies.

Table 2: Population response in (%) for management strategies for invasive species

Management Practice	Lower Zone (%)	Middle Zone (%)	Higher Zone (%)
Early Detection & Manual	24.3	30.3	28
Controlled Burn	17	22	19
Chemical Control	11	9	12
Herbicide Application	3	3	1.5

 

Discussion

The findings from this study align with previous research on the impacts of invasive species in other regions of the world [15,16]. The prevalence of Lantana camara and Ageratina adenophora in disturbed habitats in Champawat is consistent with their ability to thrive in environments altered by human activity and climate change. The community's recognition of the negative impacts on biodiversity, agriculture, and human health underscores the urgent need for integrated management approaches that combine ecological restoration and socio-economic interventions.

Species like Ageratum conyzoides, Lantana camara and Parthenium hysterophorousare the established invasive alien species that have flourished and effecting the biodiversity from Western to eastern Himalayan regions of India. The species including Argemone Mexicana, Ageratina adenophora, Cassia tora, Rubus neivus and Sapium sebiferum persist and proliferative in a larger area of western Himalayan regions. Invasive alien species cause a wide range of impact on different classes of diversity, richness, crop fields, loss of nutrient component and environmental services to larger extent [17]. Some of the studies have also shown that due to growth and development of invasive species can lead to genetic variation in regional populace through hybridization and also often obstructs in plant pollination interaction [18]. The studies done globally on invasive plants has revealed that there is low richness and diversity of local plants in the invaded occupied sites but on other hand it is also increased the primary production in those localities. It was reported that previously, the invasive alien plant species proliferate mainly along way side or open forest cover areas or boundaries in the Indian Himalayan region [19]. In the last few decades it has been seen due to fast urbanization through forest range so many of alien species have started occupying woodland and mountainous ecosystems. The current distribution of A. adenophora invasion is found maximum within the mid-altitudinal Chir-pine forest, while L. camara was usually found below 1900 m. From the reports, the changing temperature and growing anthropogenic pressure make the lower and middle ecosystems within the mountains more susceptible to invasion by exotic plant species [20]. The presence of A. adenophora within the large proportion at mid to higher elevation confirmed these species are spared rapidly in that forest [21]. A. Adenophora is rapidly moving towards the inner range of the forest and therefore the native shrub species are under displacement due current existence of invasive species in the forest communities. 

Community-driven strategies such as manual removal and controlled burns reflect the local knowledge of these plants, but these practices are often limited by resources and expertise. To effectively combat the spread of invasive species, it is critical to incorporate advanced management techniques, such as biological control and habitat restoration, into existing efforts. Furthermore, policies at the regional level.

Conclusion

Invasive plant species in Champawat District pose a serious threat to local biodiversity, agriculture, and human health. This study highlights that Lantana camara and Parthenium hysterophorus were abundant in the lower altitudinal zone (700m–1200m), while Bidens pilosa and Ageratina adenophora were more prevalent in the middle altitudinal zone (1200m–1700m). In the higher altitudinal zone (1700m–2200m), Ageratina adenophora and Bidens pilosa were found in abundance.

Overall, Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, Ageratina adenophora, and Bidens pilosa dominate across different altitudinal zones, causing significant disruptions to ecosystems and local livelihoods. While community-driven management practices—such as manual removal and controlled burning—are already being implemented, these efforts alone are insufficient to control the spread of invasive species. Additional support and resources are needed to enhance management strategies and mitigate their impact effectively.

To effectively address these issues, a more integrated approach is needed—one that combines ecological restoration, advanced management techniques, and policy interventions. Awareness campaigns, capacity-building programs, and long-term monitoring systems will empower local communities to better manage invasive species. Furthermore, greater policy support is essential to incorporate invasive species management into broader regional conservation efforts. The success of these strategies hinges on collaboration between local communities, researchers, and policymakers. By integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research, it is possible to mitigate the negative impacts of invasive species and ensure the preservation of the ecological integrity of the Western Himalayas. This holistic approach offers the potential to restore and protect the unique ecosystems of the region for future generations.

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