The vibrant Lantana camara may look attractive, but it is quietly harming Margalla Hills National Park near Islamabad. This invasive plant spreads rapidly across slopes and undergrowth, displacing native trees and grasses and changing the structure of local habitats.
As Lantana camara moves into new areas it chokes native vegetation, blocks wildlife paths and increases the risk of wildfires, making it one of the major threats to biodiversity and forest health in the Margallas. The cumulative effect undermines habitat quality for birds, mammals and native plant communities that define the park.
Saying no to Lantana camara means discouraging its use in gardens, promoting native species and sharing information so visitors and residents understand the risks. Public awareness and informed choices are essential to limit the spread and protect the park’s ecological balance.
Supporting native plant restoration, backing local removal efforts and spreading awareness can help keep the hills green, safer from fires and resilient for wildlife. Collective action by the community will be crucial to curb Lantana camara and preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Margalla Hills National Park.
