Distribution Analysis of Impatiens glandulifera in Kronoberg County and a Pest Risk Map for Alvesta Municipality

Sammanfattning: The spread of invasive alien species poses great risks for biodiversity, human health and economies. Impatiens glandulifera, an invasive alien plant which has been listed in The European list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern, is widely spread in Sweden. Multiple studies have been made regarding the plant’s characteristics, spread and impacts on invaded areas. The purpose of this study is to identify areas of potential risk from invasion. For this, a distribution analysis of I. glandulifera, covering the county of Kronoberg in Sweden, is presented. The analysis has been made with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and is based on the records of actual observations of the plant between the years 2000 and 2021. The results indicate that observations of I. glandulifera is more commonly found in moist soil, in urban areas and close to roads and bodies of water. Soils made up by artificial fills, which are often found in urbanized areas, are also a significant indicator for the potential presence of I. glandulifera. The result from the analysis is compared with earlier research regarding habitat and spread preferences. A weighted overlay is made to produce a pest risk map for a minor area of the county of Kronoberg, covering Alvesta Municipality. The map depicts areas where it is more probable that I. glandulifera will occur.