Authors : Pavan L. Jadhav, Anil C. Shinde, Pooja V. Patil, Rajendra P. Mali
Page Nos : 106-113
Description :
The adverse effects of invasive species on local ecology remain the part of investigation due to a huge research gap.
This study focused on how an invasive species such as Lantana camara adapted itself and showing near-native species
characteristics due to the dependency of about 33 native species of organisms. Shifting of resource preference by
endemic organism may result in directional selection of Lantana against the native plant species over a period of time.
Increasing interaction of native organisms with Lantana camara may alter the habitat irreversibly and outcompete
local plant species eventually. This research includes observations and results highlighting that, an invasive species
like Lantana camara is contributing its role to native ecology. Generally, native organisms do not prefer to feed, or use
exotic plant species as their nesting site during this study, this is concluded that total 33 species are directly or
indirectly dependent on L.camara for their sustenance. Lantana helps these organism species to sustain during the
food scarcity period and in return L. camara being preferred by native organisms for their requirements. This study
was conducted around Nanded city and neighbouring villages, forest areas nearby, and nearby waterbodies. The study
falls under the Marathwada region of Maharashtra (Fig. 1 to 6) where there are dry and deciduous forests with
relatively less precipitation and water availability, due to which it becomes dire difficult to find greenery in the summer
season. Such arid condition results in scarcity of food and shelter during the summer season when perennial shrub-
like L.camara plays an important role and help native species for sustenance by providing enough resources.
