Potential lantana invasion of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area under climate change.

A 2°C rise in temperature could make 94% of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area suitable for lantana invasion, up from just 8% under current conditions. Minimum temperature emerged as the dominant predictor, accounting for over 88% of the variation in potential lantana establishment, underscoring its critical role in the weed's expansion. The study used habitat suitability modeling to simulate future conditions, revealing that low-lying riparian areas pose significant risks as invasion pathways. These findings highlight the urgent need for proactive management to curb lantana's spread and protect the region's biodiversity.

Gold, A., Ramp, D., & Laffan, S. W. (2011). Potential lantana invasion of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area under climate change. Pacific Conservation Biology, 17(1), 54–67. https://doi.org/10.1071/pc110054