Population Study of the African Orchid Eulophia maculata in the Monserrat Biological Reserve, Honduras

Abstract

Invasive exotic species are defined as those introduced by anthropogenic activities. Eulophia maculata is native to tropical Africa and has been introduced and naturalized in the Neotropics. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the populations and abundance of the orchid species Eulophia maculata in the Monserrat Biological Reserve (MBR) in Honduras. Twelve populations were identified in three different zones: non-protected, buffer, and core zones. The populations exhibit an aggregated dispersion pattern, with the highest number of individuals recorded in the unprotected area. Significant differences in individual abundance were observed between the unprotected area and the buffer zone, as well as between the unprotected area and the core zone, A negative correlation (R = −0.854) was found between altitude and abundance, indicating that the number of individuals decreases as altitude increases. The unprotected and buffer zones promote the expansion of E. maculata due to habitat fragmentation and land-use changes. Human activities, such as agriculture and urbanization, along with the unintentional dispersal of seeds, further contribute to its spread. Therefore, sustainable management of these areas is essential to mitigate the impact of invasive species while balancing conservation and development goals.