The role of species charisma in biological invasions

Abstract

Species charisma, understood as a set of species characteristics and their perception that affect people's attitudes and behaviors, is a highly relevant concept for invasion science, with implications across all stages of the invasion process. However, the concept of invasive alien species (IAS) charisma has not yet been systematically investigated. Here, we discuss this concept, provide a set of recommendations for further research and highlight management implications. We review how charisma affects the processes associated with biological invasions and IAS management, including: effects on species introductions and spread, media portrayals, public perceptions of species management, research attention, and active public involvement in research and management. Explicit consideration of IAS charisma is critical to improve understanding of the drivers of people's attitudes towards particular IAS and planned management measures and strategies, and to implement programs aiming to influence stakeholder perceptions and behavior and to strengthen public engagement. In a nutshell • We discuss the concept of charismatic invasive alien species (IAS), highlight management implications and provide a set of recommendations for further research. • The charisma of IAS might influence all stages of the invasion process, and both charisma and its influence can vary over time and space. • It is a potential hindrance to management actions by affecting public support and contributing to conflicts. • We explore the concept of IAS charisma and its effects on biological invasions and management, including species introductions, media portrayal, public perceptions, opposition to management, research effort and public participation in research and management.

What Will the Future Bring for Biological Invasions on Islands? An Expert-Based Assessment

“…Additionally, cultivation of alien species near tourist accommodations and in public green spaces further increases the probability that these species might jump the fence and establish new populations outside gardens (Cowie et al, 2008;van Kleunen et al, 2018). In several instances, charismatic alien species have as well adopted an economic value for the local community because they attract tourists (Jarić et al, 2020). The relevance of both drivers is in agreement with our study results.…”

“…Nowadays prickly pear occurs across all islands and is even used to advertise the beauty of the islands to tourists. Another aspect related to peoples' values toward alien species might lie in their perception of a species based on its charisma (Jarić et al, 2020) and in several instances, alien species management plans have failed due to strong opposition of the general public and activist groups (e.g., Bertolino and Genovesi, 2003;Verbrugge et al, 2013). Finally, there can be important discrepancies in the perception of alien species between archipelagos and even between islands within an archipelago, with people in more remote islands tending to see more benefits in alien species (Meyer and Fourdrigniez, 2019).…”

The potential current distribution of the coypu (Myocastor coypus) in Europe and climate change induced shifts in the near future

“…Urban feeding sites and easily accessible agricultural areas may suffer from high coypu abundances (Walther et al 2011, Scheide 2013. Managing urban populations is aggravated by the fact that the general public is often against lethal control methods of charismatic species, such as furry mammals (Walther et al 2011, Jarić et al 2020. Feeding bans, in combination with educational measures, such as awareness campaigns in such areas, are thus essential and have multiple positive benefits.…”

From the Andes to the Apennines: Rise and Fall of a Free-Ranging Population of Feral Llamas

“…As a consequence, early management actions and eradications are highly recommended by the Convention on Biological Diversity and by guidelines of the Invasive Species Specialist Group of the IUCN. However, management activities toward free-ranging domestic species and pets, particularly if they involve a direct action on animals (e.g., direct killing or surgical sterilization), are often unpopular and can be opposed by the public opinion [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ]. Therefore, human attitudes need to be assessed to avoid protests or to limit negative responses to management actions [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ].…”