Changjie Zhao

Studies on the Invasion Patterns of Alien Crofton Weed and its Impacts on the Local Ecosystem and Communities in Liangshan Yi People Autonomous Prefecture

Native Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta ) in the habitat invaded by Croftonweed in LYPAP.

Croftonweed (Eupatorium adenophorum) (Photo by Zhao).

The alien crofton weed (Eupatorium adenophorum) has invaded into Liangshan Yi People Autonomous Prefecture (LYPAP) of Southwest China. Through extensive sampling in area, this project is to study the invasion patterns of croftonweed, and its ecological, social and economical impacts on local area. The diversity of native species (plants and landed vertebrate wildlife including amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) will be calculated to quantify the ecological impacts. Moreover, habitat sampling will be conducted to decide the characteristics of invaded habitats and the most important influencing variables.

Furthermore, through social-economical surveying, the social and economical impacts of invasion upon the local communities will be quantified. Based on the collected data, the potential measures to prevent and control its invasion will be decided. The extensive public presentations and environment educations will be hold to improve the knowledge about the alien species invasion and nature conservation.

For more information contact croftonweed@163.com