Checklist of Alien Plant Species in Tuaran, Sabah

Abstract

Alien plant species (APS) pose a significant threat to native biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, particularly in tropical regions. This study presents a comprehensive checklist of APS in Tuaran, Sabah, based on field surveys conducted across multiple sites. A total of 123 specimens were collected, representing 82 species from 32 families. The most represented families were Asteraceae and Fabaceae, followed by Lamiaceae. Several species, including Chromolaena odorata, Lantana camara, Miconia crenata, Mikania micrantha, and Sphagneticola trilobata, are listed among the 100 worst invasive alien species globally, highlighting a high invasion risk. The distribution of APS varied across surveyed sites, with certain zones exhibiting higher species richness. The inclusion of the Sulaman area, Tuaran in the proposed Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark expansion underscores the need for targeted monitoring and management strategies to prevent further spread of APS, restore disturbed habitats, and protect native biodiversity. This checklist provides a baseline for future studies and conservation planning in the region.