Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) in the eastern region of Kosovo: a preliminary list

This paper presents a preliminary checklist of the invasive alien plant species (IAPS) in eastern Kosovo. This list was compiled based on a literature review and field surveys in the period between 2020-2022. The list includes 20 plant taxa with information on taxonomic affiliation (Family), life form, native range and type of habitat(s) they invaded. Most species belong to Asteraceae family, followed by Fabaceae and Balsaminaceae. Therophytes are the predominant life form. There are two genera, each with two species: Erigeron L. (Erigeron annuus (L.) Desf., Erigeron canadensis L.) and Impatiens Riv. ex L. (Impatiens balfourii Hook.f. and Impatiens glandulifera Royle), while others are represented by only one species. The majority of IAPS in the eastern region of Kosovo are from North, Central and South America (65%), followed by Asia (30%) and with only one species from Africa (5%). The habitats most heavily colonized by IAPS are the areas along roads, waste places, riverbanks and cultivated areas.