Impact of invasive species on biodiversity: Acase study of Lantana Camara L. in the city of Latakia.
Keywords:
Invasive species, Lantana camara L, plant diversity, spontaneous plants, urban environment.Abstract
Invasive plant species are one of the most prominent threats to biodiversity in local ecosystems due to their ability to compete with and displace native species. This study aimed at assessing the impact of Lantana camara L. on the diversity of herbaceous plants in the urban environment of Lattakia city. The study was conducted during 2024-2025, and included 30 samples (3*3 m). The Brown- Blanquet method was used to conduct plant surveys. The results showed statistically significant differences in the values of biodiversity indices (Richness, Shannon index, Evenness index) and Sorenson index for similarity in samples invaded by L. camara L. compared to those not invaded by it.
A strong inverse correlation was found between the percentage of coverage of
L. camara L. and Shannon index values. The study revealed that the significant impact of L. camara L. on biodiversity begins at 54% coverage. Similarity analysis also showed that plant communities not invaded by L. camara L. were more diverse than those invaded by it. These results confirm the significant negative impact of L. camara L. on native plant diversity and highlight the need for serious procedures to manage and limit its spread in order to protect native plant species and ecosystems.