MIMOSA DIPLOTRICHA: THE DOMINANT INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES IN THE PALAKKAD GAP OF THE WESTERN GHATS IN SOUTH INDIA

The ecological phenomenon of bio invasion captures attention in the introduction and establishment of a species beyond its natural range, where it shows massive spread. Ecological and socioeconomic impacts of some invasions are enormous, which have provided much impetus for the study into this area. When all species compete to survive, invasive alien plant species (IAPS) tend to have specific traits or their combinations which allow them to outcompete the native species. In certain cases, the competition is about rates of growth and reproduction. In other cases, they may interact with each other more directly. This study on Mimosa diplotricha, IAPS in the Palakkad Gap of the Western Ghats in South India is intended to trace its dominance and invasion in the region and also to conserve the Palakkad Gap, which is a biodiversity hotspot.