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A peak into public awareness of ias plants in Croatia

To get some insight into public awareness of invasive alien plants in Croatia, we have conducted a public survey using direct interviews with structured questionnaire. 107 interviews were performed from May-September 2018 on several locations in the city of Zagreb, including Maksimir park on May 19th during event dedicated to the day of biological diversity (35 interviews), and Bundek during the “FloraArt” trade expo (Maj 28 – June 03) dedicated to horticulture (36 interviews). Overall, 64% of participants declared that they are aware of invasive plants, which is a increase in comparison to 40% in 2013 survey conducted by former State Institute for Nature Protection. However, when analysed at subsamples level (Maksimir vs. Bundek vs. other), this percentage varied from as much as 91% at Maksimir respondents, to 44% at random participants interviewed through the City. Latter indicates that in general public there is still a serious lack in the awareness of this problem. Most frequently known invasive plants were ragweed, tree of heaven and black locust. Less than 25% of the paricipants grow plants in their apartments, while the rest grow them in their gardens, balconies and terraces from where plants can escape and spread. Among those who grows plants, as much as 44% of respondents recognised at least one invasive alien plant shown on photos as those they have in their gardens and not being aware that those are invasive plants. Plant nurseries were most frequently (38%) reported as a source of plants, while exchange with other people were reported in 26% of cases. Based on these preliminary results, it is obvious that there is still huge challenge in raising public awareness on IAS in general, and in educating people involved in horticulture.

Zagreb, public survey, ornamental plants, invasive plants

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