People's knowledge and perceptions of Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese windmill palm) invasions and their management in Ticino, Switzerland

3Citations
Citations of this article
15Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

The introduction of alien plant species can lead to biological invasions, which have major impacts on people and the environment. Trachycarpus fortunei (Hook.) H. Wendl. (Arecaceae) is an alien plant (palm tree) that has been introduced as an ornamental into urban areas across the world, but in many regions, it has started invading forests and other natural environments leading to negative impacts. To improve understanding and guide management, this study sought to assess people's knowledge and perceptions of T. fortunei in Ticino, the region in Switzerland where invasions of the species are most common. To achieve this goal, an online survey was conducted, and a total of 487 responses were received. The formal name(s) (scientific or common names) of T. fortunei were unknown to almost all participants (89 %), and people mostly just called them "palm". Most respondents were familiar with the term invasive alien species (IAS) (88 %) and were aware of the invasiveness (spread) of T. fortunei (73 %). The study showed that although people like to see the palm in the region (51 %) and enjoyed the related sense of place it provides, respondents have become aware of the challenges associated with invasions and the majority (65 %) would like to see more done to control the spread of T. fortunei invasions within natural areas, particularly forests. To improve management, a large number of respondents (63 %) mentioned that education and awareness programmes should be implemented to provide people with knowledge on how to deal with invasive alien plants and thus prevent further spread. Almost a third of respondents supported (32 %) the regulated sale of T. fortunei in an effort to reduce invasions. Educational level, gender, and age affected response patterns, and this needs to be accounted for within strategic management planning, in particular, within education and awareness-raising initiatives. Tailored and targeted educational campaigns and management plans need to be established to prioritise and improve control of this invasive palm in Switzerland in the long term.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Genazzi, M., Guisan, A., & Shackleton, R. T. (2022). People’s knowledge and perceptions of Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese windmill palm) invasions and their management in Ticino, Switzerland. Geographica Helvetica, 77(4), 443–453. https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-443-2022

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free