Sithole et al Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 2 (7), pp.334-339, November 2012 ISSN: 2276-7770 Research Paper Manuscript Number:102312127 An assessment of alien plant species in Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe Daniel Sithole, Patience Zisadza-Gandiwa and Edson Gandiwa Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Private Bag 7003, Chiredzi, Zimbabwe. * Corresponding author: Email: egandiwa @ gmail.com, Mobile: +263773490202. Abstract: This study investigated the occurrence of alien plant species in Gonarezhou National Park (GNP), Zimbabwe. We focused on two main habitat types, namely riparian areas of the major rivers and dry land areas. Sampling was carried out from 42 sampling plots in both habitat types. Variables studied included the numbers of alien plant species per plot, density, frequency and diversity. A total of 15 alien plant species were identified in GNP. Our results indicate a high density of forbs and shrubs in riparian areas as compared to dry land areas. Similarly, riparian areas had higher species diversity than dry land areas. Our study represents the first step to monitor alien plants which includes the identification of alien plant species and basic information on their distribution in GNP. This is important for enabling effective monitoring of both new introductions and the distribution of species already present. Keywords: Alien plant species, dry land, ecosystem, native species, protected area, riparian. Return to Content View Reprint (PDF) (301KB)
