Invasive Plants Species Diversity in Nanggala III Nature Tourims Park of Palopo City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

South Sulawesi, located in Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, is recognized for its high biodiversity, endemicity, and plant diversity. However, these unique plant species are currently undergoing significant structural and compositional changes, attributed largely to human activities and natural disasters. These changes have facilitated the introduction of invasive plant species, posing severe threats to the existence of endemic plants in the region. These invasive species have been observed to detrimentally impact local plant species, habitats, and ecosystem functions, thereby leading to imbalances and a reduction in genetic diversity. Furthermore, they utilize native plant resources, causing species extinction and substantial economic losses. In this study, three transects intersecting contour lines at different locations were established. Along each transect, five observation plots were created at 25-m intervals, yielding a total of 15 plots. The investigation revealed that the Nanggala III Nature Tourism Park, located in Wara Barat District, Palopo City, South Sulawesi, harbors invasive plants from 11 families comprising 19 species at the seedling and understorey levels. The sapling level included 4 families with 4 species, while the pole level consisted of 3 families with 3 species. The tree level comprised 2 families with 2 species. The invasive plant with the highest Important Value Index (IVI) at the seedling or understorey level was Drymaria cordata Willd with an IVI of 29,189. Calliandra calothyrsus exhibited the highest IVI of 119,088 at the sapling level, whereas Poronena canesceus dominated the pole and tree levels with an IVI of 184,178 and 272,332, respectively. The diversity of weeds (H') was recorded as medium at the seedling or understorey level (2.772) and the sapling level (1.311), and low at the pole level (0.924) and tree level (0.308). The findings from this study provide critical insights that could inform the development of a scientifically-based management strategy. This strategy could assist administrative institutes in the ecological restoration of degraded habitats in the area under investigation.