DISTRIBUTION OF INVASIVE PLANT Ulex europeus IN HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK

Abstract

One of the most sensitive problems facing the conservation and management of HortonPlains National Park is the spreading of Ule.r europeus (gorse), an invasive plant species.To effectively manage and control this species it is necessary to have a sound knowledge ofits distribution within this park.

This study was carried out to find the extent and distribution of Ulex CUUiPl'llS in the parkand finally to prepare a map showing the extent and distribution. The percent coveragewas assessed using 2m x 2m quadrats. In each quadrat percentage cover of reproductivesand non-reproductivcs were measured.

According to the results of this study, about 6ha of the area is covered by Ule .r curopeus.Total amount of the area which covers more than 80% of Ulex europeus is 2.4ha. The areawhich consists of less than 8OCYr, of Ulex europeus is 3.3Iha. The extent of reproductivcsand non rcproduciivcs are also presented in the paper. Findings on the distrihution patternor the species show that the area around the main gate and Farr Inn guest house is themost densely and continuously distributed area with more than 80% coverage of Ulexcuropcus. Except this there arc a few isolated patches on either side of the road and trailwith more than 80% coverage of Ulex europeus. The distribution of the Ulex europeusplants arc mainly restricted along the stream from Black bridge to Gem pit pool. Thedensity of the species gradually decreased from up stream to down stream hut it was higherin the areas where water is stagnated along the stream. It is interesting to note that therearc no plants of Utes europcus found inside the natural forest except at the margins of theforest.