Public perceptions of non-native plant species on a Chilean sub-Antarctic island. (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crête, Gaëlle; Herrmann, Thora Martina; Fortin, Cloé; Schüttler, Elke
• Is Part Of: Polar geography. Volume 43:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 46
• Page End: 63
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Biological invasions -- co-management -- community -- protected areas -- subpolar regions -- values; Geology -- Periodicals; Polar regions -- Periodicals; 910.91105
• DOI: 10.1080/1088937X.2019.1707321
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1088-937X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Humans are the main drivers of the introduction, establishment and spread of non-native species worldwide but they have traditionally been excluded from management. Nowadays, the social component of non-native species is increasingly considered. In this paper, we investigated understanding, perceptions and attitudes towards management of non-native herbaceous plant species on Navarino, a remote Chilean sub-Antarctic island. Overall, our study showed a general understanding of the non-native species concept among the interviewees but revealed a lack of consciousness regarding non-native plants species in the local context. Interestingly, our study also revealed many positive values associated with non-native plants species on Navarino, particularly the esthetic value. Whilst some non-native plants were strictly associated with positive values, such as common daisy ( Bellis perennis ) and white clover ( Trifolium repens ), most species were associated with conflicting values. As a key result, our study lastly showed that most interviewees were indifferent about the management of the non-native herbaceous plant species. We, therefore, suggest (i) increasing the awareness of stakeholders with respect to non-native plants, (ii) incorporating stakeholder's values into future management decisions and (iii) considering the strategic location of Navarino Island as a potential stepping stone for the dispersion of non-native plants species towards the Antarctic.