Scottish public generally positive about controlling alien invasives, survey shows

When it comes to halting the spread of invasive non-native species, things can get a little unpleasant, and although researchers and policy makers are mindful of the evil necessity, the wider public can be less sympathetic. (For example, legal action in Italy once delayed a grey squirrel control program for so long that it was later abandoned: the population had since grown too large to make eradication feasible. Doh!). Education is crucial, yet surprisingly few soundings are taken of how people actually feel about control measures that can involve the sticky demise of cuddly little mammals. However, a recent questionnaire-based survey carried out by the University of Stirling’s Alison Bremner and Kirsty Park suggests that Scots people — older, better educated ones at least — are generally appreciative of the need to take active steps to protect native wildlife. The findings, published in Biological Conservation, support the idea that given sufficient information about a biological invasion, most people are okay about blamming aliens, even if pesticides and poisons aren’t exactly popular. Source: Bremner A & Park K (2007) Public attitudes to the management of invasive non-native species in Scotland. Biological Conservation DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2007.07.005

Image © Brent Melton

Filed Under Community-based conservation, Endangered species, Invasive species, Monitoring, Restoration, Socio-political issues |
Source:
http://journalwatch.conservationmagazine.org/?p=162