Abstract

Objective: To make a floristic inventory and determine of the invasive aquatic alien plant species found in the Malebo Pool and their behavior and impacts. Study design: The present study used a combination of reasoned sampling and simple random sampling to select different sites from which samples were have been taken. site and duration of the study: This study was carried out in three different islands as follow: Molondo island, Mipongo island and Japon island at the Malebo pool in Kinkole (Pool Malebo system) in the city of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Malebo Pool stretches along the Congo River. This study was conducted in August 2020. Methodology: The sample collection was carried out after direct observation. Using a motorized canoe, we docked on islands for sample collection as well as in the swampy areas of the Kinkole Islands. We also collected invasive species in the middle of the Congo River. The recorded species were classified either as alien species or as invasive alien species depending on the status in the study region. The botanical classification of the species was made according to APG III (2009). Environmental impacts have also been taken into account. Results: Among the collected specimens 12 species were recognized as exotic and 2 species were found to be invasive alien species. These are Echinochloa pyramidalis and Eichhornia crassipes. These species pose a serious threat from the erosion of aquatic biodiversity. These species form a monospecific mat and eliminate native or autochthonous species from the aquatic or riparian flora. Conclusion: the invasion of alien species is a consequence of human activities and a concern, as they affect all sectors of society. The invasion of these species presents a real challenge for environmentalists, economists, social scientists, agricultural engineers, and others. Hence the need to develop and implement robust risk analysis frameworks and environmental impact assessments.