Ecological impacts of the invasion of five invasive plant species in agroecosystems of the Lôh-Djiboua region (Côte d’Ivoire)

Biological invasions represent an environmental issue associated with the movement of species beyond their natural distribution range. This phenomenon has intensified with the increased transportation of species over long distances, the intensification of trade, and the development of botanical gardens, horticulture, forestry, etc. This study aims to assess the potential impacts of Chromolaena odorata, Euphorbia heterophylla, Fleischmannia microstemon, Porophyllum ruderale, and Synedrella nodiflora on the plant communities of agroecosystems in the Lakota department (Côte d’Ivoire). Floristic inventories revealed that all these plants significantly influence the diversity of the agroecosystems they invade. However, this impact is more pronounced for plant communities invaded by C. odorata and S. nodiflora. Furthermore, the analysis of the current potential distribution shows that C. odorata, E. heterophylla, and P. ruderale have a high probability of presence across almost the entire Ivorian territory, while F. microstemon and S. nodiflora are confined to the ombrophilic regions of the country. Nevertheless, the distribution range of all these invasive species is projected to shrink by 2050.