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Article
The Role of Trust in Public Attitudes toward Invasive Species Management on Guam: A Case Study
Iowa State University Summer Symposium on Science Communication
  • Dara M Wald, Iowa State University
  • Kimberly A. Nelson, Iowa State University
  • Ann Marie Gawel, Iowa State University
  • Haldre S. Rogers, Iowa State University
Editor
Kathleen P. Hunt
Proceedings Title
Understanding the Role of Trust and Credibility in Science Communication
Description

Public attitudes toward invasive alien species management and trust in managers’ ability to effectively manage non-native species can determine public support for conservation action. Guam has experienced widespread species loss and ecosystem transformation due to invasive species. Despite Guam’s long history with invasives and efforts to eradicate them, we know little about the sociological context of invasive species. Using focused group discussions, we explore public attitudes toward invasive species management. Respondents expressed support for management activities and a desire to participate directly in conservation actions. Participants also expressed frustration with government institutions and lack of confidence in managers’ abilities to control invasive species. Perceptions of managers’ trustworthiness, communication with managers, and positive personal experiences with managers were related to positive attitudes about management and support for existing initiatives.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.31274/sciencecommunication-181114-14
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0
Citation Information
Dara M Wald, Kimberly A. Nelson, Ann Marie Gawel and Haldre S. Rogers. "The Role of Trust in Public Attitudes toward Invasive Species Management on Guam: A Case Study" (2018)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/dara-wald/5/