Public Awareness and Perceptions of Invasive Alien Species in Small Towns.

Nolwethu Jubase,John Measey,Ross T Shackleton

doi:10.3390/biology10121322

Abstract

Simple SummaryEvery year, the South African government spends approximately ZAR 2 billion to control invasive alien species (IAS) that are intentionally or unintentionally introduced into new areas by humans, and have a variety of social, ecological, and economic impacts. Given the link between people and the introduction and spread of IAS, it is important to understand citizens’ knowledge and perceptions of IAS to guide management. For this reason, we conducted a study in small towns of South Africa to assess (1) awareness of IAS by the general public, (2) local perceptions of the impacts associated with IAS, (3) if awareness of IAS is associated with demographic covariates and IAS density, and, (4) people’s willingness to detect, report, and support IAS management. We found that people were not aware of IAS and their impacts, and many perceived them as beneficial. We found that IAS density, education level, and gender influenced people’s knowledge and perceptions about IAS in the region. Some people showed interest and willingness to learn more about IAS. These results could help to inform outreach and educational programs to promote public awareness and engagement in IAS management.Invasive alien species (IAS) are a growing threat globally and cause a variety of ecological, economic, and social impacts. People can introduce IAS and facilitate their spread, and can also implement, support, or oppose their management. Understanding local knowledge, awareness, and perceptions are therefore crucial if management and policy are to be effective. We administered questionnaires to members of the public in eight small towns along the Berg River Catchment in the biodiverse fynbos biome of South Africa. We aimed to assess: (1) awareness of IAS by the general public, (2) local perceptions of the impacts associated with IAS, (3) whether awareness of IAS is correlated with demographic covariates and IAS density, and (4) people’s willingness to detect, report, and support IAS management. Overall, 262 respondents participated in the survey. Most respondents (65%) did not know what IAS are, and 10% were unsure. Many respondents also perceived IAS as beneficial. Using a logistic regression, we found that IAS density, educational level, and gender influenced people’s knowledge and perceptions about IAS in the region. There were a small number (4%) of respondents currently detecting and reporting IAS, but many respondents were interested to learn more. We concluded that people living in small towns in the Western Cape of South Africa remain largely unaware of IAS and their impacts. It is crucial to increase awareness-raising initiatives, and build support and engagement in management of IAS in small towns.

Highlights

Invasive alien species (IAS) are a major and growing threat, and cause different ecological, economic, and social impacts around the world [1,2]
Despite the threat rural areas pose for biological invasions, we expect that people living in small towns are probably still unaware of IAS, their negative impacts, and the role they can potentially play in preventing their spread or controlling them, as there is less engagement and awareness raising initiatives in these areas [23,24]
Our results demonstrated that the meaning of invasive alien species (IAS) is understood by a minority of people in small towns in the Berg River catchment of South Africa

Summary

Introduction

Invasive alien species (IAS) are a major and growing threat, and cause different ecological, economic, and social impacts around the world [1,2]. There are still gaps to be addressed with regards to assessing and understanding local knowledge and perceptions regarding IAS. These relate to research focusing on urban areas and small towns and comparing invasion densities with peoples’ knowledge and perceptions. Despite the threat rural areas pose for biological invasions, we expect that people living in small towns are probably still unaware of IAS, their negative impacts, and the role they can potentially play in preventing their spread or controlling them, as there is less engagement and awareness raising initiatives in these areas [23,24]

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