Invasive Alien Species as a Threat to the Sacred Groves of Bankura District, West Bengal

Abstract

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) have emerged as one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, second only to habitat destruction. Sacred Groves (SG), traditionally protected forest patches maintained by local communities, serve as vital refuges for rare and endangered species. However, their ecological isolation makes them particularly vulnerable to invasive species incursions, endangering native biodiversity. This study examines the diversity and distribution of IAS across ten sacred groves in Bankura district, West Bengal, based on extensive field surveys conducted from 2021 to 2024. A total of 53 invasive species, spanning 23 families, were identified, with Asteraceae and Fabaceae being the most dominant dicot families. Analysis of species nativity indicates that the majority of invasive species originated from Tropical America. Moreover, a strong negative correlation (r= -0.80) exists between IAS density per unit area and grove size, highlighting a pattern where invasions primarily occur along the periphery of larger groves. Among the recorded IAS, Mesosphaerum suaveolens and Parthenium hysterophorus exhibit the highest frequency, reinforcing their aggressive colonization ability. These insights underscore the urgency for conservation strategies tailored to mitigate IAS threats within sacred groves, ensuring long-term ecological balance and biodiversity protection.