Impacts of Lantana camara Invasion on Native Woody Species and Soil Nutrients in Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, Zimbabwe

Invasive alien species such as Lantana camara L. have ecological impacts that affect native species and soil conditions in different areas. The context specific ecological effects of L. camara on native woody species and communities remain poorly understood, yet such understandings are essential to maintain biodiversity. Therefore, we assessed the ecological impacts of L. camara on native woody species and soil nutrients in protected and communal areas in the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) in Zimbabwe. Stratified random sampling was used to sample 60 plots in invaded and uninvaded sites in the separate Communal and Park of the KAZA TFCA. In each plot, woody vegetation was assessed with respect to species composition and richness, stem density, canopy diameter, height and diameter at breast height. Soil samples were collected and analysed for nitrogen, organic carbon, phosphorus, potassium, and pH. The results showed that L. camara negatively affected the native species, with a significant decrease in species richness, density, height, and canopy cover in invaded plots relative uninvaded plots. However, invaded plots had lowest pH (6.1) and soil nutrients such as phosphorus and organic carbon than uninvaded plots. However, some vegetation and soils changes were likely the result of land uses and land use intensities which promote the invasion of L. camara. We conclude that L. camara invasion negatively affected native vegetation diversity and growth, which necessitates the implementation of appropriate control and the management strategies for L. camara in this species rich transfrontier conservation area. Such strategies need to be suitable for the area based on current land uses in the area.