Biology and anthropology of plant invasions - Invasive Plants: Ecological and Agricultural Aspects - page 216

cies disperse. The direct effects of human activity are also more discernable
than the indirect effects. Of critical importance is the role human perception
plays in selection and creation of opportunity space for invasive species.

The perception of plant invasion

A species succeeding in occupying a locality must be perceived by humans as
being problematic for it to be labeled invasive. The perception of a plant spe-
cies as invasive by humans is a complex, often highly subjective process.
Despite this, there are several systematic ways to understand how human per-
ception and cultural values create selection pressure and opportunity spaces
conducive to plant invasions. They include insights gained from public policy
and reflection on human values. These social and perceptual factors are inher-
ently anthropological and anthrocentric in nature, and need to be understood
in those contexts for a complete understanding of the forces of selection con-
ducive to invasion.

Anthropology 1. The scientific study of human beings, their origins,

distribution, physical attributes and culture [3].

2. The study of man, his origins, physical characteris-

tics, institutions, religious beliefs, social relation-
ships, etc. [2].

Culture 1. The skills, arts, etc., of a given person in a given

period [3].

2. The entire range of customs, beliefs, social forms,

and material traits of a religious, social, or racial
group [3].

3. The total of the inherited ideas, beliefs, values, and

knowledge, which constitute the shared bases of
social action.

4. The total range of activities and ideas of a group of

people with shared traditions, which are transmitted
and reinforced by members of the group [2].

Anthrocentric Centering in man [3].

Anthropocentric Regarding man as the most important and central factor

in the universe [2].

Public policy

Public policy can provide a starting point to determine human perceptions of
invasive species, an expression of human values. Of particular interest is pub-
lic policy on invasive species promulgated by the US Federal government in
Executive Order 13112 of 3 February 1999 [9, 10]. Research, management and