Unwelcome Guest: Impact of Invasive Senna Spectabilis on the Life and Livelihood of the Kattunayakan Tribe in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala, South India Keywords: Kattunayakan, Senna spectabilis, Non-Timber Forest Products, Traditional knowledge, Cultural practices This study aims to understand the impact of an invasive tree species known as Senna spectabilis on the lives and livelihoods of the Kattunayakan, one of the forest-dwelling tribal communities residing in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala, South India. S. spectabilis was first introduced in Wayanad WLS in 1986, and despite the relatively short period since its introduction, the invasion of Senna spectabilis, an alien tree species native to Central and South America, poses multifaceted challenges to the Kattunayakan. This research, part of my Master's degree dissertation at IGNOU, was conducted from November 2023 to April 2024. By employing ethnographic methods such as participant observation, interviewing, and case study, this research investigates the impact of this invasive tree on the traditional collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) by the Kattunayakan community. It examines alterations in resource availability, accessibility, and quality resulting from the invasion, with a specific focus on identifying the most affected NTFPs. Additionally, the research delves into the broader implications for the traditional forest-based livelihoods of the Kattunayakan. This involves analyzing shifts in income generation, alterations in employment patterns, and changes in socio-cultural practices triggered by the invasive species' presence. Furthermore, the research endeavors to investigate the intricate relationship between invasive plants and the socio-economic status of Kattunayakan reliant on NTFP collection. It explores how these changes affect community well-being, social cohesion, and resilience. Additionally, it seeks to elucidate local perceptions of the impact of invasive plants on NTFP collection practices and community dynamics. Moreover, the study aims to identify and analyze potential economic opportunities associated with the invasive tree species, Senna spectabilis, in the Kattunayakan community. Thus, this research contributes to the broader discourse on invasive species management, indigenous resource use, and community resilience in the context of anthropological sciences. By highlighting the complex interplay between invasive plants and indigenous communities, it offers insights into sustainable conservation strategies and community development initiatives in similar ecological settings.