A social–ecological systems approach to non-native species: Habituation and its effect on management of coqui frogs in Hawaii

Abstract

a b s t r a c tNon-native species introductions have the ability to affect both ecological and social systems, thus to address those outcomes both ecological and social influences on an invasion need to be understood. We use a social-ecological systems approach to investigate connections between human and ecological factors that affect efforts to control the non-native coqui frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui) on the island of Hawaii. The coqui frog is recognized as a 'pest' and 'injurious wildlife' by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. Because the coqui occurs on many small private properties across the island, it is necessary to enlist private citizens in control efforts. Control efforts can include direct chemical control of the coqui as well as landscape manipulations that reduce habitat quality for the frog. On 85 private properties in 12 communities across the island, we measured the relationship between coqui abundance, residents' attitudes toward the coqui, their reported participation in control activities, and environmental variables that affect habitat quality for the frog. Residents' attitudes correlated with coqui frog abundance, but in an unexpected direction: People with more frogs on their property and those who owned that property tended to have less negative attitudes toward the coqui. In addition, negative attitudes toward the coqui were not significantly related to participation in control activities. Coqui abundance was related to a habitat variable, canopy cover, which can be manipulated by residents to reduce habitat quality and discourage coqui occupancy. Tolerance for this non-native species is likely to hinder attempts to engage residents in control efforts as the species' range on the island continues to expand. If this pattern of habituation is manifested with other non-native species considered to have potentially negative effects on the ecological or social environment, it would be important to recognize as early as possible because managers may be most effective at engaging citizens in control efforts before habituation becomes widespread.

Motivating residents to combat invasive species on private lands: social norms and community reciprocity

“…This literature has typically focused on investigating resident involvement in IS control by understanding individuals' attitudes, values, behavioral control beliefs, and knowledge on how to control a species (Aslan et al 2009, Sharp et al 2011, Kalnicky et al 2014, McLeod et al 2015. Aslan et al (2009), for example, found that individuals' decisions to engage in control of yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis L.) across private lands were influenced by lack of knowledge of proper control techniques and perceptions of lack of money and time for engaging.…”

“…Furthermore, the existing literature on resident engagement in IS control has typically focused on understanding individuals' decisions to control IS on their own land (Aslan et al 2009, Kalnicky et al 2014). However, interventions may not reach all residents in a community, leaving many areas uncontrolled (Klepeis et al 2009, Epanchin-Niell et al 2010.…”

Ecology, Impacts, and Management of Invasive Rodents in the United States

“…From a social perspective, nonnative amphibians have been blamed for noise pollution (Kalnicky et al 2014) and producing toxic chemicals that harm humans and occasionally kill pets (Krakauer 1968;Reeves 2004). Because this book is focused on terrestrial species, this chapter will review nonnative amphibians that are primarily terrestrial.…”

“…These groups raised funds to rent or purchase control equipment, and invested endless hours of volunteer time monitoring and controlling populations (Anonymous 2010;Beard and Pitt 2012). Despite much local support in Hawaii for coqui suppression or eradication, there were also people that enjoyed the call of the coqui while others became accustomed to it (Kalnicky et al 2014). More speci cally, Kalnicky et al (2014) found that people with more frogs on their property and those who owned property tended to have less-negative attitudes toward the frog.…”

“…obs.). On the Big Island and Oahu, many landowners state that they started hearing coquis calling after they placed recently purchased nursery plants in their yards (Kalnicky et al 2014). There were also intentional introductions.…”