Invasive Alien Plant Species in Kotappakonda Hills, Palnadu District, Andhra Pradesh State

Kotappakonda Hills, also known as Trikutadri or Trikuta Parvatham, are located near Narasaraopet in Palnadu District, Andhra Pradesh. The name Trikutadri means "hill with three peaks," referring to its three prominent summits – Brahma Shikharam, Vishnu Shikharam and Rudra Shikharam. The hills are renowned for the ancient Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, making the site one of the most important Shaivite pilgrimage centers in Andhra Pradesh. Kotappakonda Hills (also spelled Kotappa Konda) in Palnadu District, Andhra Pradesh, are an ecologically important sacred hill ecosystem characterized by tropical dry deciduous vegetation, scrub forests, rocky outcrops and medicinal plant diversity. A recent floristic survey documented 439 vascular plant species belonging to 263 genera and 66 families, highlighting the area's rich biodiversity. However, increasing anthropogenic disturbances have facilitated the establishment and spread of several invasive alien plant species (IAPS), which threaten the native flora and ecological integrity of the hills. Kotappakonda Hills are situated approximately 20 km from Narasaraopet, 20 km from Chilakaluripeta and about 62 km southwest of Guntur City in Palnadu District, Andhra Pradesh. The hills form an isolated hill range of the Eastern Ghats landscape and are recognized as a sacred grove that supports diverse vegetation and medicinal plant resources. Near Narasaraopet, Palnadu District, Andhra Pradesh. Approximately 600–700 m above mean sea level with Brahma Shikharam forming the highest peak. Tropical semi-arid climate with hot summers, moderate monsoon rainfall and mild winters. Predominantly tropical dry deciduous forest, thorn scrub, rocky grasslands and sacred grove vegetation. Mainly red sandy loam and gravelly soils derived from granitic rocks. Although the recent floristic survey of Kotappakonda Hills documented rich plant diversity, invasive alien species (especially Lantana camara, Chromolaena odorata, Parthenium hysterophorus and Prosopis juliflora) represent significant threats to the ecological integrity of this sacred hill ecosystem. Effective management combining early detection, removal, habitat restoration and community participation is essential for conserving the native flora of Kotappakonda Hills. These species are among the recognized invasive alien flora of India and are widely distributed in Andhra Pradesh. Results: During study of sacred grove of Andhra Pradesh State, India various field trips were conducted and were GIS Photographic from various natural populations during the period 2018-2026. Plant Species Kotappakonda identifications activities data and plants specimens collected flowering or fruiting seasons. Specimens were critically observed and identified. In the present study, a total of 44 Invasive Alien species were founded from Kotappakonda, Palanadu District, Andhra Pradesh. These 439 wild and naturalized species belong to 263 genera and 66 families. Of the 44 Invasive alien species, 4 trees, 6 shrubs; 32 herbs; 1 Climber. Conclusion: Bhavani Island represents an ecologically important riverine ecosystem within the Krishna River basin. Invasive alien plant species, particularly Prosopis juliflora, Parthenium hysterophorus, Eichhornia crassipes, Ipomoea carnea, Lantana camara, and Hyptis suaveolens, pose significant threats to its biodiversity and ecological integrity. Regular monitoring, early detection, integrated management, and restoration of native vegetation are essential for conserving the Island's natural resources and sustaining its ecological and recreational values.