Popular knowledge and perceptions of invasive exotic species in Acre, Brazil

Abstract

Invasive exotic species (IES) have the potential to promote biological invasions (BI), impacting environmental, economic, and social dimensions, and have increased in the last centuries, due to human activities. In order to efficiently prevent and manage IES, the participation of society in the formulation of public policies is pivotal. However, the popular perception of these subjects (IES and BI) is not commonly integrated into public policies. In this study, we investigated the popular perception and knowledge of IES, BI, their impacts, and awareness of public policies involving IES of residents of the state of Acre, in the Southwestern Brazilian Amazon. We used a questionnaire form distributed online to the 22 municipalities of the state. We obtained a sample of 302 responded questionnaires. Objective responses were analyzed by comparison of frequencies, and open-ended responses were submitted to a textual analysis by hierarchization and similarity. Higher education levels amongst respondents were positively related to the level of understanding on the topic. Most respondents reported possessing knowledge on issues involving IES and BI and about both negative and positive impacts caused by IES. More than 70% of respondents reported a lack of awareness of public policies to prevent or eradicate IES. Our pioneering study presents evidence that the popular perception of IES and BI is complex. It provides relevant material showing the importance of understanding popular perception and assimilating this perception into the development of effective strategies to prevent IES in the future.