Effect of Land Use Dynamics on the Distribution of Chromolaena Odorata (Asteraceae) and Mesosphaerum Suaveolens (Lamiaceae), Two Invasive Alien Species in Benin, West Africa

Abstract Invasive plants are now a major threat to biodiversity, agriculture and natural habitats around the world. It is now increasingly recognized that land uses are linked to invasion processes. Despite the various mutations and land cover changes observed in Benin, the expansion of invasive alien species in relation to land uses is poorly documented. This study, through systemic analysis and remote sensing, aims to investigate the link between land uses and the spread of Chromolaena odorata and Mesosphaerum suaveolens, two dominant invasive alien species in Benin, West Africa. This study sheds light on the structure of the different land cover classes and establishes the link between the distribution of invasive alien plants and the dynamics of land use in the study environment. A mapping of land use by object-oriented approach, a typology of landscape elements by a systemic analysis and verification on the ground were carried out. We noted that agricultural practices and the exploitation of natural resources are the main drivers of land use. Several land use units have been identified. It appeared that mosaics of crops and fallow land are the most dominated by invasive plants, followed by open forest, wooded and shrubby savannahs. The study also revealed that the degree of invasion is linked to antropic disturbance. This suggests that managed land should be reforested, and that heavy thinning in forests and savannahs should be avoided.