Why some exotic species are deeply integrated into local cultures while others are reviled

NUÑEZ, MARTIN A.; DIMARCO, ROMINA D.; SIMBERLOFF, DANIEL

From Biocultural Homogenization to Biocultural Conservation

SPRINGER

Año: 2018;

Management of invasive species presents several challenges. Among these challenges are technical ones on the specifics of how to manage or eradicate a given species. Because invasive populations of these species are prolific colonizers, various new methods of manual, mechanical, biological, and chemical control are constantly being developed. However, a main challenge often comes from local communities that, for various reasons, oppose managing the target invasive. Some of these invasive species become incorporated into local cultures, and it then becomes more difficult to obtain local support to control them, while others are fiercely hated and local populaces welcome management efforts. Although other factors can also play a role, we suggest that five key factors - arrival time, economic impact, aesthetic value, effect on human health, and origin of nonnative species and origin of human immigrants - can profoundly affect whether and when a species is reviled or prized by the people of its new residence. The matter of how exactly to engage stakeholders and mediate controversies is beyond the scope of this chapter, but it is apparent that integration of invasive nonnative species into local cultures will increase the management challenge. Certainly, substantial, publicly accessible educational programs explaining the problems that the species produce (economic and/or ecological) will be required.