Invasive Plant Species Altering Habitat Use, Foraging Behaviour and Population Density of Small Mammals

Abstract

Invasive plants are becoming a more common and significant threat in native communities and influencing wildlife ecology. The effects of the introduced vegetation on habitat use, foraging behavior, and population density of small mammals in invaded and non-invaded ecosystems are examined. Systematic sampling plots were created in Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, and Prosopis juliflora-dominated habitats, and subsequently, field investigations were carried out. Population levels of small mammals were quantified by live trapping and capture-mark-recapture methods, and the use of habitat and foraging behavior was examined with camera trapping, burrow surveys, and giving-up-density experiments. Canopy cover, understory density, and native plant richness were also measured. Results showed that there were significant differences between invaded and control habitats. The mean capture frequency was 28.4 ± 3.2 individuals per plot in control plots and 16.7 ± 2.5 individuals per plot in invaded plots. The population density in non-invaded habitats was 42 individuals/ha compared to 18 individuals/ha in highly invaded habitats, and a one-way ANOVA showed statistically significant differences between the habitat categories (p < 0.05). Changes in foraging behavior were also observed, with the feeding duration averaging 14.8 minutes in control sites, but 8.6 minutes in invaded habitats, and a significant increase in vigilance frequency and interruption of movement. Giving-up density values were significantly higher in invaded areas, indicating lower foraging efficiency and higher perceived predation risk. The study concludes that invasive plant species dramatically change the structure and functioning of the habitat, which has a detrimental impact on small mammal survival and behavior. The results highlight the need for invasive species control and restoration efforts to promote biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Long-term ecological recovery and species-specific adaptive responses in invaded ecosystems should be explored in future studies.