| Abstract [eng] |
The penetration of invasive plants into natural habitats causes more and more worries. It is noted that the spread of non-native species and their invasion is second in importance (after direct habitat destruction) threat of these days to biodiversity, people and economic in many regions of the world. Invasive plants detected were described in this final work, as well as their spread habitats, abundance and a hazard to the environment studied. The aim of this work is to determine what invasive plants could be detected and how common they are on the river bank of Merkys; to assess the potential hazard of spread and abundance of invasive plants to the river bank of Merkys; to prepare recommendations on what means to use to stop the spread of invasive plant populations based on the results of the study. After analysing the spread of invasive plants on the river bank of Merkys in 2021, it was found that the most common plants include: Boxelder maple (Acer negundo), having the most locations of all detected invasive plants (52 locations), and Wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) was detected in almost a third of the surveyed areas (28 locations). During the research the territory of plant locations was noted as the river bank was observed and a distance from the water body of 15-30 meters. Invasive plant locations were similarly distributed: river bank location accounted for 55%, meanwhile locations found further accounted for 45%. Further from the river bank you could mostly find Boxelder maple (29%) and Wild cucumber (21%) locations; Boxelder maple (23%) was the most prominent one on the river bank. The area occupied by all detected plants was 14.2% (5751 m2) of all investigated territory, which occupies 40500 m2. It was found that the part of habitats of most species takes up to 5% in vegetation. Only Boxelder maple (Acer negundo) and Wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) occupied up to 30% or more (60–85%) of vegetation. Extermination of invasive species is most effective and economically viable as long as the species is sparsely widespread and there is scope for their complete eradication before much damage has been done. It is necessary to develop a long-term strategy for the control and eradication of invasive species, which should include priorities, measures for eradication, taking into account the environmental value of the ecosystem, the use and other circumstances. It is also important for the strategy to provide ways and means to prevent or at least reduce the risk of invasive species spreading from one country to another. Education of the population, awareness of the problems posed by invasive species and their potential contribution to halting the spread of such species and reducing their negative impact on the environment are of great importance. The strategy should provide for the long-term education of the population, the dissemination of information and, where possible, the promotion of destruction. |
