Mangrove forests are highly dynamic coastal ecosystems that provide essential ecological, economic, and environmental services, including biodiversity conservation, shoreline stabilization, and carbon sequestration. However, invasive alien species pose a significant threat to these fragile habitats, leading to biodiversity loss, altered ecosystem functions, and structural degradation. This study systematically assessed the spread, density, and ecological impact of invasive plant species in the Gowthami River mangroves in Kakinada and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema districts, Andhra Pradesh, India.

A comprehensive field survey was conducted from June 2022 to May 2024 across 20 mangrove sites, employing randomized quadrat sampling. A total of 48 invasive plant species from 43 genera and 25 families were recorded. The most dominant species were Prosopis juliflora, Pontederia crassipes, and Derris trifoliata, which exhibited high invasion intensity in disturbed sites along riverbanks. The study found a strong correlation between human disturbances and invasive species density, with aquaculture zones and urbanized areas exhibiting the highest invasion rates.