Cultural integration of invasive species

Abstract

Many invasive non-native species gradually become embedded within local cultures. Such species can increasingly be perceived by society as familiar or even native elements of the social-ecological system and become an integral part of local cultures. Here, we explore this phenomenon and refer to it as the cultural integration of invasive species. Although culturally integrated species can positively contribute to people's lives and well-being, and provide new or lost ecosystem services, their acceptance can also hinder the ability of conservation managers to successfully manage invasive species by reducing public support for their management. Cultural integration can infringe upon social values and cultural identities, and contribute to the erosion and homogenization of biocultural diversity. It can also modify or displace the cultural uses and values of native species, and may disrupt social-ecological legacies and dynamics. We present the main mechanisms of cultural integration, its drivers and major implications, and provide key recommendations for the management and conservation of biological and cultural diversity.

Fig. 1. Case examples of cultural integration of invasive non-native species.

A black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), an invasive non-native species in Hungary that causes conservation problems and is managed in protected areas, is widely perceived as one of the most traditional and useful Hungarian trees (Box 1; Photo: Zsolt Molnár). B Japanese tin toy turtles have experienced a notable shift over time from colors dominated by brown and black (left) to those dominated by red, yellow and green (right), which was potentially driven by the dominance of the invasive red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) over native turtle species, and their respective coloration; C many feral animals, such as feral pigs (Sus scrofa) in the USA, have been incorporated in local culture and economy (Photo: Pedrik); D once cattail (Typha domingensis) became commodified as a popular resource for handicrafts, local communities in Mexico started to intentionally facilitate its invasion, which is negatively affecting the native California bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus), another culturally valuable wetland plant (Photo: Steven J. Hall).

Fig. 2. Potential scenarios for interactions of a culturally integrated invasive non-native species (IS) with native species in the cultural space.

A Replacement of native species by an invasive non-native species within the cultural space, with the exclusion and/or societal extinction of the native species, and invasive non-native species taking over its roles in livelihoods, customs, and sense of place and identity; B coexistence of invasive non-native species and native species in the cultural space, leading to a reduction of the occupied cultural space by the native species due to competition; C addition of invasive non-native species in the cultural space that was previously vacant, either through establishment of novel human–nature interactions and cultural practices, or by occupying space of a previously extirpated species. The three archetypes represent only the main types of outcomes, and there are many other possible alternative scenarios and their combinations.

Traditional farm in the Hungarian Great Plain in 1930s, with a stand of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) visible in the background.

Images depicting the cultural integration of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) in various regions globally. A An isiXhosa woman collecting prickly pear fruits in South Africa (Photo: Ross Shackleton); B a stamp with prickly pear cactus from Egypt; C prickly pear cactus on a popular touristic beach in Sicily (Photo: Ross Shackleton); D local pottery in Sicily with prickly pear cactus cladodes (Photo: Ross Shackleton); E locations of numerous bars, restaurants and hotels named after prickly pear cactus in Sicily (Google Maps).

Fig. 3. The process and key factors affecting cultural integration of invasive non-native species (IS).

Following its introduction, an invasive non-native species can either remain culturally absent or enter the cultural sphere, where it can over time become fully integrated and perceived as being native, and an integral or even essential part of culture. Fields surrounding the central diagram present the key factors affecting the cultural integration process.