Diversity and Typology of Land-Use Explain the Occurrence of Alien Plants in a Protected Area

Plant life history and functional characteristics play an important role in determining the invasive potential of plant species and have implications for management approaches. We studied the distribution of 24 alien plant taxa in a protected area in relation to different land-uses by applying ordination analyses and generalized linear models. Taxa richness is best explained by the presence of built-up areas, followed by residential areas, marshlands, and agricultural lands with semi-natural formations. The diversity of land-use within the grid cell proved to be an important explanatory factor, being the only significant variable explaining the richness of wood perennials and vines. The richness of annual herbs and seed-dispersed taxa is explained by a similar set of variables, with the exception of residential areas. The richness of invasive species is explained only by agricultural land and the diversity of land-use. The richness of taxa with predominant vegetative dispersal is best explained by built-up, marshland, and seminatural areas along with land-use diversity. When we consider only the presence of plant groups within grid cells, the results are similar. The results of similar studies may provide an important tool for defining sustainable practices and overall conservation management in protected areas.

Automated summary

Plant life history and functional characteristics are important factors in determining the invasive potential of plant species and guiding management approaches. A study on 24 alien plant taxa in a protected area found that taxa richness is influenced by the presence of built-up areas, residential areas, marshlands, and agricultural lands with semi-natural formations. The diversity of land-use within the grid cell is an important explanatory factor for the richness of different plant groups. The findings of similar studies can provide valuable insights for defining sustainable practices and conservation management in protected areas.