Analysis of the Status Quo of Invasive Alien Plants and Their Control Strategies in Jiuzhaigou County, Sichuan Province

To comprehensively understand the current status of alien invasive plants in Jiuzhaigou County, Sichuan Province, a field investigation was conducted from April to September 2023 using the transect method to study the species, spatial distribution characteristics, and harm extent of alien invasive plants.The findings were as follows:（1） A total of 37 alien invasive plants belonging to 26 genera within 14 families were recorded in Jiuzhaigou County, all of which are herbaceous.The Asteraceae family was the most represented, comprising 14 species across 8 genera.The distribution patterns of families and genera of alien invasive plants exhibited a mix of tropical and temperate elements.（2） These plants primarily originated from Europe and North America, and were mainly transmitted by human, with the proportion of unintentional and intentional transmission being 56.76% and 37.83%,respectively.The reproduction was mainly sexual, and 9 species could also reproduce asexually.（3） The species exhibited high levels of invasiveness, with 9 species classified as Grade 1（malignant invaders）,11 species as Grade 2（severe invaders）,3 species as Grade 3（local invaders）,and 14 species were either general invaders or required further observation.（4） The current status of plant invasions varies across different protected areas.Specifically, the Giant Panda National Park（Jiuzhaigou section）,Jiuzhaigou National Scenic Area, and Jiuzhaigou National Geopark, all experiencing significant human disturbance, harboured the highest number of invasive plant species（14 species each）,whereas the Baihe National Nature Reserve, which was less disturbed by human, had only 3 invasive plant species.To protect the biodiversity of this region, it was recommended that a risk assessments of alien invasive plants should be conducted to identify the most harmful species and the priority control areas requiring urgent management.Timely species control measures and intensified field monitoring should be implemented, accompanied by effective public education and awareness campaigns.The findings of this study can provide a solid basis for relevant authorities to formulate management strategies and take early preventive actions.