Towards a societal discourse on invasive species management: A case study of public perceptions of mink and beavers in Cape Horn

The management of biological invasions is a complex and often controversial issue reflecting a diversity of values. Research and public policy on invasive species have concentrated on their ecological and economic impact, most frequently overlooking the social component. In this paper we examined the public perceptions of invasive species of high conservation concern in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, Chile, for which management plans are forming: the American mink (Neovison vison); and, the North American beaver (Castor canadensis). Two native species served as counter-examples, the guanaco (Lama guanicoe) and the upland goose (Chloephaga picta). Qualitative semi-structured interviews covered three areas: conceptualisation and knowledge of invasive species; values associated with invasive and native species; and acceptance of control measures. We found differentiated knowledge and high awareness of invasive species among the public. Interviewees attributed utilitarian, aesthetic, and humanistic values to all four species; however, negativistic values were attributed only to invasive species, and moralistic values only to native species. Our results further revealed key issues explaining tolerance towards invasive species, and different positions of acceptance for management. To include a broader public participation in the design and management of responses to biological invasions we suggest: (1) considering local knowledge as a source of information, and vice versa, providing the public with scientific information; (2) evaluating the tolerance level towards invasive species and negotiating conflicting values; (3) clarifying the perspectives of economic income through invasive species management; and, (4) employing compromises on the basis of suggestions from the public.