A recent scientific study by researchers from Mizoram University has revealed that climate change is significantly accelerating the spread of Lantana camara, one of the world’s most dangerous invasive plant species, across the Central Himalayan region.
The study, titled “Spatiotemporal Pattern and Climate Change Impact on Current and Future Invasion of Lantana camara in the Central Himalaya”, has been published in the international journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment.
The research was conducted by Prof. Vishwambhar Prasad Sati, senior professor, and Surajit Banerjee, research scholar, from Mizoram University, Aizawl.
The study focuses on the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and examines how changing climatic conditions are enabling the aggressive expansion of Lantana camara into higher altitudes and ecologically sensitive mountain landscapes.
Speaking with EastMojo, Prof. Sati explained that the motivation behind the research was the plant’s “visibly rapid expansion beyond its traditional low-altitude range into ecologically sensitive mountain landscapes that were previously unsuitable for the species”.
As an environmental researcher working extensively in the Himalaya, he observed the increasing dominance of Lantana camara across forest fringes, agricultural lands and abandoned terraces, raising concerns about long-term ecological and livelihood impacts.
“The Central Himalaya, particularly Uttarakhand, is already highly vulnerable to climate change, making it a critical region to understand how invasive species respond to warming trends. The research was conducted over several years and combined long-term field observations, spatial data analysis and climate-based modelling, with the core analytical phase taking approximately three to four years to complete,” he explained.
The research shows that climate change plays a decisive role in facilitating the spread of Lantana camara.
Rising minimum temperatures have reduced the frequency of frost and snowfall at middle and higher altitudes, creating conditions suitable for this frost-sensitive, heliophilous shrub. Increased variability in rainfall and more frequent dry spells disadvantage native plants that are less drought-tolerant, while Lantana camara, being highly resilient to drought, gains a competitive advantage and rapidly outcompetes native vegetation.
Using long-term field observations, spatial data analysis and climate-based modelling, the researchers examined historical distribution patterns and projected future invasion trends. Native to Latin America, Lantana camara has spread rapidly across India, threatening native vegetation, forest health and ecosystem stability.
The study warns that climate change is creating favourable conditions for the plant to thrive at higher elevations and in previously unaffected areas. With no natural predators, high adaptability and prolific seed production, Lantana camara establishes quickly, altering habitats and impacting biodiversity.
The ecological consequences are significant, including the loss of native species, disruption of forest regeneration, habitat modification and long-term impacts on ecosystem functioning in one of the world’s most fragile mountain regions. The study received international recognition and was reviewed and featured by Science magazine.
Prof. Sati highlighted that effective management requires “an integrated and coordinated strategy rather than sporadic removal efforts”. Mechanical removal alone is insufficient, as the plant regenerates quickly if roots are not fully removed and cleared biomass is improperly disposed of.
He recommended landscape-level management combining mechanical removal with ecological restoration using native species to prevent recolonisation.
Stressing the importance of local participation, the professor said, “Community participation is essential, particularly by involving local people in monitoring, removal and utilisation strategies where feasible.
Additionally, forest and rural development policies must regulate forest clearing, road construction and waste dumping, which create ideal conditions for lantana invasion. Given its strong link with climate change, invasive species management must also be mainstreamed into climate adaptation planning at the state and regional levels.”
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