Patterns and consequences of invasion of tropical montane forests by Cestrum aurantiacum Lindl. in the Western Ghats

In the montane forest-grassland mosaics of Western Ghats, land cover conversion to silviculture and agriculture over last five decades has resulted in both loss natural habitats widespread invasion remnant habitat patches. While grassland mosaic been relatively well studied, there have few attempts understand extent which forest (locally known as sholas ) affected by spread exotic species. Here we examine patterns impacts shola understoreys Cestrum aurantiacum Lindl., an shrub At landscape scale, demonstrate that presence abundance this invasive understories is negatively related distance from tea plantations. Further, intensity higher areas with greater seasonality temperature lower mean annual precipitation. patch greatest at edges away stream courses. We find C. regeneration native tree species understorey shrubs. Fifty three percent invaded plots had no shrubs present. where were present large enough numbers, found evidence negative spatial dependence between stem locations Our findings important implications for management conservation these mosaics.