Distribution pattern and ecological determinants of an invasive plant Parthenium hysterophorus L., in Malakand division of Pakistan (original) (raw)

Parthenium hysterophorus, an invasive plant species, threatens biodiversity globally, particularly in developing regions such as Pakistan. This study investigates the distribution pattern of P. hysterophorus in the Malakand division, examining its relationship with environmental factors. Utilizing participatory mapping and ecological inventories across twenty-three sites, findings reveal the dominance of P. hysterophorus among 62 identified species, with significant ecological implications driven by factors like elevation, slope, and soil composition. The research underscores the urgent need for management strategies to mitigate this species' adverse effects on local ecosystems.