Social perceptions of the impacts and benefits of invasive alien species: Implications for management

Abstract

Research on biological invasions has traditionally focused on the ecological component of invasive alien species, either without considering or by considering in a restringing way, the knowledge of the social component. Understanding the human dimension of invasions is critical to effectively tackling the problems associated with invasive species. We used questionnaires to evaluate the social perceptions and attitudes of different stakeholder groups affected by invasive alien species in the Doñana social-ecological system (SW Spain). Characteristics of respondents regarding their knowledge and attitudes toward biological invasions were categorized using hierarchical cluster and principal component analyses; while their potential support of eradication programs was assessed with a contingent valuation approach. Five stakeholder groups were recognized, differing in their degree of knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and willingness to pay for eradication. The fact that different stakeholders have remarkably different attitudes and perceptions about the impacts and benefits caused by alien invasive species should be considered in any decision-making process regarding their management, particularly for developing appropriate educational and informative programs.Public consultation with different stakeholders should also be encouraged from the beginning to avoid potential misunderstandings and to facilitate the implementation of management practices.

Stakeholder perceptions and practices regarding Prosopis (mesquite) invasions and management in South Africa

“…There is still much to be learned about factors that influence knowledge, perceptions and practices relating to biological invasions (García-Llorente et al 2008). One framework suggests that the abundance of invasions is the dominant factor influencing perceptions (Shackleton et al 2007).…”

“…Research on invasive species is normally approached from the domain of ecology, and more recently economics. Far less attention has been given to understanding the wider social dimensions of invasions (McNeely 2001;García-Llorente et al 2008, 2011. Insights on the human dimensions of invasive alien species are essential for effective decision making; in many cases, complex social issues delineate the full suite of benefits and costs associated with invasions (García-Llorente et al 2008).…”

“…Far less attention has been given to understanding the wider social dimensions of invasions (McNeely 2001;García-Llorente et al 2008, 2011. Insights on the human dimensions of invasive alien species are essential for effective decision making; in many cases, complex social issues delineate the full suite of benefits and costs associated with invasions (García-Llorente et al 2008). Research is needed to evaluate stakeholder knowledge, perceptions, practices, awareness, and wants and needs relating to biological invasions (Shackleton et al 2007;Eiswerth et al 2011;Kull et al 2011;Rai and Scarborough 2014).…”

Drivers of risk perceptions about the invasive non-native plant Japanese knotweed in domestic gardens

“…Another study found that older people, and those with higher levels of education were more supportive of higher levels of management intervention of INNP in parks (Sharp et al 2011). Conversely, other research has found that in south-west Spain younger people were more aware of concerns surrounding INNP (García-Llorente et al 2008). Ensuring communications about INNP are published in outlets accessible to a variety of age groups could help distribute knowledge more evenly.…”

Introdução de Espécies em Ecossistemas Aquáticos: Causas, Prevenção e Medidas de Controle

“…Pesquisas sobre invasões biológicas têm sido tradicionalmente centradas nos componentes ecológicos das espécies não nativas, sem considerar ou por considerar de forma restrita, o conhecimento dos componentes sociais. A compreensão da visão humana sobre as invasões é fundamental para resolver os problemas associados às espécies não nativas (GARCÍA-LLORENTE et al, 2008). Segundo Larson et al (2011), para ser sustentável, a gestão de espécies invasoras deve abordar os fatores ambientais, sociais e econômicos (ou "pilares") que influenciam as causas, impactos e controle de espécies não nativas em várias escalas espaciais e temporais.…”