Status of Ageratina adenophora Invasion in Radhi Locality of Trashigang District, Bhutan

Abstract

Ageratina adenophora (Sprengel) King and Robison, commonly known as Mexican devil, is considered as one of the aggressive species, which invades almost all parts of an ecosystem. Particularly, people who rear livestock and depend on naturally available fodders have a great concern over the invasion of this species. Therefore, this study was conducted to generate knowledge on current status of A. adenophora invasion and its potential impact on livestock and fodder species of Radhi Gewog (Village block) under Trashigang district of Bhutan. The study recorded the total of 14 fodder species distributed in both open and undisturbed forest, and Artemisia sp. was the most abundant fodder in the sampled site. We learnt that the livestock mainly used the open areas for grazing and browsing, but 87.5% of sampled plots in this area was invaded by the A. adenophora, affecting the growth of fodder species. Due to this reason, a strategic management plan needs to consider the eradicating or controlling the invasion of A. adenophora across the country, particularly at grazing sites and places where people depend on livestock for their livelihood.