Invasion of Alien Species in Wetlands of Samaspur Bird Sanctuary,Uttar Pradesh,India

Abstract

The expansion of invasive alien plants in wetlands leads to loss of native plant diversity. Invasive weeds are also responsible for shrinking of water bodies and becoming a severe environmental problem. In this context, plant diversity of wetlands in Samaspur Bird Sanctuary, Rae Bareli district, Uttar Pradesh, was surveyed. 149 species of higher plants have been listed of which 108 were dicots followed by 40 monocots, and one pteridophyte. Species are distributed in 129 genera and belongs to 60 families. Poaceae is the dominant family with 28 species followed by Euphorbiaceae (9), Papilionaceae (8), Asteraceae (7) and Mimosaceae (7). Various members have been categorized into nine morpho-ecological groups. Out of all species, planted species (48), dry bank species (46) and wetland hydrophytes (38) contribute to the high diversity. Of the 101 natural species, alien plants represent 41.6% of the flora. Habit-wise analysis of natural flora shows that herbs are occupying higher proportion (86.1%) with 87 species followed by shrubs (6.9%) and climbers (4%). Among the 48 planted species, 25 are alien ones. The presence of Eichhornia crassipes, Typha angustata, Prosopis juliflora and Ipomoea carnea are considered as one of the most serious threat to the Samaspur wetlands. Effective steps are to be taken for conserving these wetlands.