Public awareness and perceptions of invasive alien species in small towns
Date
2021-12-14
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
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.
Description
CITATION: Jubase, N., Shackleton, R. T. & Measey, J. 2021. Public awareness and perceptions of invasive alien species in small towns. Biology, 10:1322, doi:10.3390/biology10121322.
The original publication is available at https://www.mdpi.com
The original publication is available at https://www.mdpi.com
Keywords
Invasion biology, Introduced organisms -- Control, Environmental education, Volunteer workers in environmental education, Working for Water Programme, Restoration ecology -- South Africa
Citation
Jubase, N., Shackleton, R. T. & Measey, J. 2021. Public awareness and perceptions of invasive alien species in small towns. Biology, 10:1322, doi:10.3390/biology10121322.