Stakeholder discourse and opinion towards a charismatic non‐native lizard species: Potential invasive problem or a welcome addition?

Abstract

1. Analysis of discourse between stakeholders is becoming increasingly recognised for its importance in resolving conflicts of opinion regarding complex environmental issues such as the human-mediated spread of invasive non-native species-one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss world-wide. Species' attributes, stakeholders' level of knowledge, perceptions of threat, attitudes towards intervention and nature values all have subjective influence on opinion, often creating highly opposed interests and perspectives that can create barriers preventing effective management.2. Using a Q method approach towards analysis of subjective opinion among stakeholders, this study aimed to identify emerging viewpoints regarding the presence of Common Wall Lizards (Podarcis muralis) in the UK-an introduced, non-native species with which there are high levels of human interaction but low levels of knowledge regarding potential negative ecological impacts. It explores the ways in which different stakeholder groups (i.e., public, land managers, conservationists) might share views and the reasoning behind shared or opposing discourse between groups.

Climate and habitat configuration limit range expansion and patterns of dispersal in a non‐native lizard

“…To date, there is no empirical evidence of negative ecological impacts of P. muralis introductions in the UK, and there is mixed social perception and opinion toward the species’ presence (Williams et al. 2019). However, suspected declines in native lizards through interference and/or exploitation competition have been reported following introductions of P. muralis , to both Germany (Kühnis & Schmocker, 2008; Münch, 2001; Schulte, 2009) and the UK (Mole, 2010).…”

Climate and habitat configuration limit range expansion and patterns of dispersal in a non-native lizard

“…To date there is no empirical evidence of negative ecological impacts ofP. muralis introductions in the UK, and there is mixed social perception and opinion towards the species' presence (Williams, Dunn, Quinn, & Hassall, 2019). However, suspected declines in native lizards through interference and/or exploitation contest have been reported following introductions of P. muralis , to both Germany (Münch, 2001;Kühnis & Schmocker, 2008;Schulte, 2009) and the UK (Mole, 2010).…”

Gorgeous villains

“…Second, the management proposals have fueled a furious debate on social media, revealing two opposite postures: On one side, conservation biologists promote a technical decision that guarantees the protection of the native ecosystem and its species, and on the other side, animal activists demand a solution that avoids the suffering or dead of these sentient animals. These positions also correspond to two contrary viewpoints (Williams et al 2019): The first group is aligned with the 'Precautionary, informed concern' approach while the second group supports the "Innocent until proven guilty" approach. These opinions are defined by differences in levels of ecological knowledge, beliefs, and overall relationship with nature (Williams et al 2019), but are also likely determined by human perceptions such as a strong empathy for a charismatic animal.…”

“…These positions also correspond to two contrary viewpoints (Williams et al 2019): The first group is aligned with the 'Precautionary, informed concern' approach while the second group supports the "Innocent until proven guilty" approach. These opinions are defined by differences in levels of ecological knowledge, beliefs, and overall relationship with nature (Williams et al 2019), but are also likely determined by human perceptions such as a strong empathy for a charismatic animal.…”

“…Charisma affects the public support for IAS management, promoting conflicts among society sectors, and ultimately delaying or preventing the implementation of control actions (Jarić et al 2020). Furthermore, charisma has facilitated the invasion process across a wide range of taxonomic groups of IASs including birds (Avery et al 2012;Ellis & Elphick 2007), reptiles (Williams et al 2019), and mammals (La Morgia et al 2017).…”