Explaining people's perceptions of invasive alien species: A conceptual framework

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Conservation Biology
• Social Science

Background:

• Human perceptions of nature are vital for environmental management and conservation.
• Understanding these perceptions is crucial for predicting behavior and developing effective strategies for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize key factors influencing human perceptions of invasive alien species.
• To develop a conceptual framework ordering these factors for better understanding and management.

Main Methods:

• Interdisciplinary synthesis of existing knowledge.
• Identification and categorization of influencing dimensions.
• Development of a conceptual framework.

Main Results:

• Six broad-scale dimensions influencing perceptions were identified: individual attributes, species characteristics, invasion effects (costs/benefits), socio-cultural context, landscape context, and institutional/policy context.
• Underlying and facilitating aspects for each dimension were discussed.
• A conceptual framework was established to order these complex factors.

Conclusions:

• Synthesizing factors influencing perceptions aids future research and guides policy and management for invasive alien species.
• This understanding facilitates dialogue, negotiation, conflict mitigation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Improved perception management supports prioritization and effective control measures for invasive species.