important at a national level, but also internationally, where it has strongly shaped
the development of invasion science (Pyšek et al. 2006; Pouris 2007; Abrahams et al.
2019). It works closely with the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, WfW and many other partners. A
recent bibliometric review of research sponsored by WfW shows that people with
CÁIÁB affiliation—closely overlapping with a Stellenbosch affiliation—(co)authored
almost half of this work; and that a small number of Stellenbosch-based CÁIÁB
researchers are core authors who play a strong role in maintaining, mediating, and
perhaps even controlling relationships and networks in the field (Abrahams et al.
2019). The CÁIÁB is built upon local expertise in forestry and botany, and previous
programs in biological control and plant protection, and as a result has strongly
emphasised, until recently, ecological research over other disciplines (Abrahams
et al. 2019; Kull 2018).
This illustrates that specific contexts and events can shape the way people think
about invasions. South Africa has a unique story where one region, the Cape, has
really shaped what is thought and done today. This suggests that maybe some of the
knowledge and theory that is accepted as normal might need to be adapted for
different contexts to ensure relevance.
24.3.2 Proposition 2b: Knowledge and Awareness of Invasive
Alien Species is Low Amongst the General Public
Globally, a growing body of research has focussed on understanding factors that
influence people’s knowledge and awareness of invasive species. This is an important component in building educational plans and adaptive management strategies
(Cole et al. 2019). By knowledge and awareness, we mean what people understand
and recognise biological invasions in general but also have knowledge about specific
invasive species.
Studies assessing knowledge and perceptions of invasive species in South Africa,
display varying results. Despite South Africa being a leading country in terms of
policy, outreach and management of biological invasions (Byrne et al. 2020,
Chap. 25), 77% of people in a small city (Makhanda (Grahamstown)), did not
know that they had one or more listed invasive alien trees in their garden (Shackleton
and Shackleton 2016). A similar number could not name a single invasive plant. Of
those who did, they mainly knew of Acacia species or Jacaranda mimosifolia
(Jacaranda). This study also suggested that people with higher education and
incomes had a broader understanding and knowledge of invasive species. Potgieter
et al. (2019), working in Cape Town, highlighted a stark contrast in knowledge
levels across different socioeconomic groups, largely as a result of the legacy of
apartheid, with more affluent and well-educated citizens having a better knowledge
of invasions.
710
R. T. Shackleton et al.
the development of invasion science (Pyšek et al. 2006; Pouris 2007; Abrahams et al.
2019). It works closely with the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, WfW and many other partners. A
recent bibliometric review of research sponsored by WfW shows that people with
CÁIÁB affiliation—closely overlapping with a Stellenbosch affiliation—(co)authored
almost half of this work; and that a small number of Stellenbosch-based CÁIÁB
researchers are core authors who play a strong role in maintaining, mediating, and
perhaps even controlling relationships and networks in the field (Abrahams et al.
2019). The CÁIÁB is built upon local expertise in forestry and botany, and previous
programs in biological control and plant protection, and as a result has strongly
emphasised, until recently, ecological research over other disciplines (Abrahams
et al. 2019; Kull 2018).
This illustrates that specific contexts and events can shape the way people think
about invasions. South Africa has a unique story where one region, the Cape, has
really shaped what is thought and done today. This suggests that maybe some of the
knowledge and theory that is accepted as normal might need to be adapted for
different contexts to ensure relevance.
24.3.2 Proposition 2b: Knowledge and Awareness of Invasive
Alien Species is Low Amongst the General Public
Globally, a growing body of research has focussed on understanding factors that
influence people’s knowledge and awareness of invasive species. This is an important component in building educational plans and adaptive management strategies
(Cole et al. 2019). By knowledge and awareness, we mean what people understand
and recognise biological invasions in general but also have knowledge about specific
invasive species.
Studies assessing knowledge and perceptions of invasive species in South Africa,
display varying results. Despite South Africa being a leading country in terms of
policy, outreach and management of biological invasions (Byrne et al. 2020,
Chap. 25), 77% of people in a small city (Makhanda (Grahamstown)), did not
know that they had one or more listed invasive alien trees in their garden (Shackleton
and Shackleton 2016). A similar number could not name a single invasive plant. Of
those who did, they mainly knew of Acacia species or Jacaranda mimosifolia
(Jacaranda). This study also suggested that people with higher education and
incomes had a broader understanding and knowledge of invasive species. Potgieter
et al. (2019), working in Cape Town, highlighted a stark contrast in knowledge
levels across different socioeconomic groups, largely as a result of the legacy of
apartheid, with more affluent and well-educated citizens having a better knowledge
of invasions.
710
R. T. Shackleton et al.