Take ‘charisma’ into account when managing invasive species, scientists say

Researchers say popularity can mask threat to biodiversity

Scientists are calling on conservationists to take the "charisma" of invasive species such as the grey squirrel into consideration when managing the biological threat posed by them. (Peter Byrne/PA)

Conservationists should take into account the “charisma” of invasive species when managing their populations, a new study has argued.

Scientists use charisma in this context to refer to the popularity of non-native species in society and in the media.

The researchers say these species often affect the biodiversity of regions in which they appear, adding that they are the second biggest cause of recent extinctions.

Franck Courchamp, a researcher in conservation biology at the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) in Paris and one of the study’s authors, told The Independent that conservationists should be aware of a species’ charisma when managing the threat they pose.

He said bias could lead to conservationists “underestimating the threat of some charismatic invasive alien species”.

Mr Courchamp added: “Of course, action should be tuned to the damages caused by invasive alien species, regardless of their popularity.”

Past studies have noted that traits like big eyes and bright colours are likely to make one species more charismatic than another.

This study cites the North American grey squirrel in Italy as an example of a non-native species.

It also mentions the ruddy duck, introduced to the UK from North America, and the prickly pear, brought to Spain from Central America, as examples of non-native species that have found favour in new habitats.

In their paper, the researchers say that charisma is "a highly relevant concept for invasion science", which has "implications across all stages of the invasion process".