Co-occurrence of Leucanthemum vulgare and Lupinus polyphyllus in Gulmarg Region of Kashmir Valley will Accelerate the Depletion of Native Diversity?. Field Investigations are Need of the Hour

摘要

Kashmir valley ot India is a part ot the north western extremity of Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, bestowed with unique and incredible floral wealth. On the other hand, recent investigations established that the unique floral diversity of this regioncontinually facing multitude of threats due to the invasion of exotic species especially by some ornamental plants. Recently a survey was carried out by Centre for Biodiversity Policy and Law (CEBPOL), National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) in Gulmarg and Tangmarg area to study the occurrence of Lupinus polyphyllus and Leucanthemum vulgare (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum). CEBPOL found that L. polyphyllus and L. vulgare coexist in several areas/habitats. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to critically investigate the mode of mutualism between L. polyphyllus and L. vulgare and its future impacts on the native plant species of Kashmir meadows. Ironically, till date, there is no study about the invasion meltdown phenomenon among Indian invasive species and its deleterious impacts on native diversity.