Abstract
Biological invasions are considered a major problem for nature conservation globally. Natural resource managers make immense efforts to control invasions. However, many management strategies depend on public support. In this study, we assessed how recreational users perceive the conservation level of a protected area where the native forest has been altered by the introduction of the fire-adapted Pinus radiata, wildfires and the resulting invasion. We also analyzed how users’ definition of exotic species related to their perceptions and support for management actions. We found that 75% of respondents perceived the area to be well conserved, although 76% provided the correct definition for exotic species. Local, overnight and exotic-species knowledgeable users perceived the area’s conservation level to be lower than their counterparts. Also, local and knowledgeable people reported more support for management strategies. We interpret that the public’s positive perception of a heavily invaded landscape can be linked to bio-cultural homogenization.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Veronica Nuñez, Mariano Varela, Juan Salvador Mirabete and Liliana Barbosa for their help in designing, conducting and transcribing the questionnaires. We thank El Hoyo Tourism Bureau and the Forest Bureau of Chubut for providing the necessary information and permits.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).