*3.4.3 Invasive species*

The vehicular movement in the forest is believed to have introduced invasive species, particularly grass. There are progressive decreases in native species because of the increases in invasive species. The presence of *Panicum maximum* or Guinea grass, *Pennisetum purpureum* or elephant grass, and *Rottboellia cochinchinensis* or itchgrass is considered invasive because they are savanna species. Also, the key informant interviews and the farm visits reveal three other invasive weeds. The presence of any one of them indicates forest degradation. In addition to wildfire outbreaks, the traditional farming practices of slash and burn have supported the continuous migration and stay of such weeds. The weeds identified by farmers are *Pupalia lappacea*, *Ageratum conyzoides* (*Asteraceae*, Billy goat weed), and *Spigelia loganiaceae*. These weeds grow very fast, spread quickly, out-compete crops, and are successful invaders on native habitats [46].
