Assessment on the invasive alien plant species Cirsium vulgare in selected districts of East Gojam Zone, Ethiopia

Invasive Aliens Species (IAS) has been introduced to Ethiopia intentionally and unintentionally and posing particular problems on biodiversity of the country. Cirsium vulgare was one of the IAS affecting the ecosystems. In Ethiopia, it has a high distribution status, but little is known about its distribution, impact, traditional management and mechanisms of invasion. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the impact, distribution pattern, trend status, management practices and controlling mechanisms of Cirsium vulgare in selected district of East Gojam Zone. The data were collected through structured questionnaires using interview and field observation. All respondents were aware about the invasiveness of Cirsium vulgare. Among these (88.4%) agreed that the spread level of Cirsium vulgare invasion have been increased time to time as compared to the past invasion. Respondents (90%, 78.3% & 68.3%) informed farm land, communal land and road side were the main infested area on Cirsium vulgare. Moreover, they described the negative impact level of Cirsium vulgare on biodiversity were increased slightly (45.8%), increased sharply (35%) and decreased slightly (12.5%). 95% of the respondents reacted dig out this weed at young stage and burn it, repeated tillage and eradicating through campaign at young stage before fruiting were the appropriate controlling methods. This assessment shown Cirsium vulgare invasion was increased time to time in the study areas. Therefore, communities, governmental and nongovernmental organizations should work together and find a mechanism to eliminate this invasive plant and save the farm and grazing lands before becoming uncontrolled.