Impact of Mikania micrantha H.B.K. Invasion on Diversity and Abundance of Plant Species of Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Mikania micrantha H.B.K., an invasive alien plant, significantly reduces plant species richness and abundance in Chitwan National Park (CNP), Nepal. Research found that as Mikania cover exceeds 35%, native plant diversity declines sharply, with invasion intensity inversely related to tree crown cover. The study used stratified sampling and nested quadrats to compare invaded and non-invaded sites in July 2011, revealing that higher tree canopy coverage inhibits Mikania dominance while its biomass does not necessarily correlate with reduced species richness.

Shrestha, B. K., & Dangol, D. R. (2015). Impact of Mikania micrantha H.B.K. Invasion on Diversity and Abundance of Plant Species of Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 19(2), 30–36. https://doi.org/10.3126/jist.v19i2.13849