The distribution and role of an invasive plant species, Lantana camara, in disturbed roadside habitats in Moorea, French Polynesia

Invasive species are known to displace native habitat and threaten biodiversity. Lantana camara has invaded over 60 countries and island groups and is one of the top invasive plant species in French Polynesia. Few studies discuss the relationship between L. camara and anthropogenic disturbances, though it is known to be associated with disturbance. I surveyed the major roadsides of Moorea, French Polynesia for L. camara cover in association with environmental factors, resulting in an estimated L. camara roadside area cover of 1.99%. L. camara presence was significantly correlated to roadside habitat types, highest in areas of agricultural disturbance. L. camara presence and area cover were positively correlated to soil moisture and slope. Faunal species richness was higher in areas where L. camara was present. Germination experiments reared no results over six weeks. However, in a vegetative growth experiment, cuttings had greatest height growth over two weeks under the heaviest shaded light treatment. I predict that the current range of L. camara on Moorea could expand to shaded areas with sufficient soil moisture, slope, and intermediate disturbance, conditions typical of higher elevation habitats on Moorea