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Exploring Public Perception of Non-native Species from a Visions of Nature Perspective

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Abstract

Not much is known about lay public perceptions of non-native species and their underlying values. Public awareness and engagement, however, are important aspects in invasive species management. In this study, we examined the relations between the lay public’s visions of nature, their knowledge about non-native species, and their perceptions of non-native species and invasive species management with a survey administered in the Netherlands. Within this framework, we identified three measures for perception of non-native species: perceived risk, control and engagement. In general, respondents scored moderate values for perceived risk and personal engagement. However, in case of potential ecological or human health risks, control measures were supported. Respondents’ images of the human–nature relationship proved to be relevant in engagement in problems caused by invasive species and in recognizing the need for control, while images of nature appeared to be most important in perceiving risks to the environment. We also found that eradication of non-native species was predominantly opposed for species with a high cuddliness factor such as mammals and bird species. We conclude that lay public perceptions of non-native species have to be put in a wider context of visions of nature, and we discuss the implications for public support for invasive species management.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Dr. Wiebe Lammers (Invasive Alien Species Team, Netherlands Food and Consumer Safety Authority, Wageningen) and Dr. Rob Leuven (Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen) for their comments on early survey drafts and data analyses, Drs. Chris Visscher (Department of Social Science Research Methodology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen) for statistical advice, Dr. Mirjam De Groot (Forest & Nature Conservation Policy, Wageningen University and Research Centre) for her advice on survey design and statistical analyses, and Jon Matthews (Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen) for his help with translating the questionnaire.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Philosophy and Science Studies, Institute for Science, Innovation and Society, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    Laura N. H. Verbrugge & Riyan J. G. Van den Born

  2. Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    Laura N. H. Verbrugge & H. J. Rob Lenders

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  1. Laura N. H. Verbrugge
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  2. Riyan J. G. Van den Born
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Correspondence to Laura N. H. Verbrugge.

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Verbrugge, L.N.H., Van den Born, R.J.G. & Lenders, H.J.R. Exploring Public Perception of Non-native Species from a Visions of Nature Perspective. Environmental Management 52, 1562–1573 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-013-0170-1

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