Assessing the Role of Invasive Lantana ( Lantana camara) in Disrupting the Native Biodiversity of Bangladesh

The overall objective of the study was to assess the impact of invasive lantana on the forest biodiversity, crops and livestock of Bangladesh. Both primary and secondary data were used in this study. It was found that lantana suppressed the natural regeneration of tree species through its competitive superiority over seedlings of native species. As a result, homogeneous and mono-specific invaded understorey in the forests. This invasive species covers created demographic instability among tree species, and reduced tree diversity potentially by changing the structure of the forest. Lantana interferes with agricultural harvesting and reduces the economic viability of certain crops. The soil has a lower capacity to absorb water in dense stands of lantana than in grass cover, increasing run-off and therefore soil erosion. The study recommended an integrated management approach to control biological invasion