Study on community knowledge and awareness of invasive species

Abstract

In a globalized world, invasive species (IS) have significant ecological and socio-economic impacts, emphasizing the need for public awareness and effective management. This work presents a study about environmental perceptions and biological invasion knowledge on both teacher and non-teacher communities, using a semi-structured, online questionnaire. Data on demographic profiles, perceptions of environmental impact and knowledge of biological invasions were compiled. Results revealed that teachers perceived higher environmental and biological invasion impacts than non-teachers. While most respondents acknowledged the high impact of IS, teachers exhibited higher levels of awareness and concern. The unintentional transport of IS was identified as the main threat, and human health concerns were the primary reason for species removal. This study highlights the importance of enhancing environmental education in both formal and non-formal settings to address the impacts of IS. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to raise public awareness and ensure sustainable management across diverse community sectors.