Biological invasions are widely acknowledged as a serious threat to biodiversity, global economies, and a good quality of life. Yet, they are not universally perceived as a nuisance and are sometimes gaining – often unexpectedly – cultural acceptance in local communities around the world. The consequences of this acceptance are not trivial for invasive species management.

A new study, published in npj Biodiversity by a large international team of researchers, reveals how some invasive species may be embraced by local populations as familiar or even beloved elements of their local environment, often complicating efforts to manage them. “This represents a phenomenon of ‘cultural integration’ – a process where invasive species become embedded in local traditions, identities, and everyday life”, says Ivan Jarić, researcher from the University of Paris-Saclay in France and the Czech Academy of Sciences, and lead author of the study. “Over time, they may become increasingly familiar to people and eventually get to be perceived as native elements of the environment, or an integral part of local culture.”

Whether it is a plant used in traditional recipes, or an animal celebrated in local festivals, the cultural acceptance of these species is reshaping the way people relate to nature. For example, the prickly pear cactus, originally from the Americas, is now a familiar sight across parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe. In many rural areas, people rely on it for their livelihoods – gathering and selling its fruit, which shows up in local dishes and recipes, and using it as a fodder plant during dry months. But over time, it has become more than just a useful plant. In some places, people have forgotten it ever came from somewhere else. It is woven into folk tales, art and crafts – and even taken on the role of a local symbol in some areas.

While this integration can bring some benefits – including new sources of food, recreation, or ecological services – it also comes with significant challenges. Once a species is culturally accepted, it becomes much harder for conservationists to control or remove it. Public resistance can stall or even block crucial management interventions. “The cultural integration of invasive species can lead to the erosion of local traditions tied to native species and associated local knowledge, a loss of biocultural diversity, and to conflicts”, explains Susan Canavan from the University of Galway, another author of the study. “It may also modify or displace the cultural presence and identity of vulnerable native species and change what people perceive to be a ‘normal’ or desirable state of the environment.”

However, eradicating such culturally integrated invasive species is not always the best answer. In some cases, removing them can trigger unexpected damage to ecosystems—and disrupt local cultures, livelihoods, and economies where these species have become embedded.

To manage invasive species wisely, we need more than just biological science. A fuller, more inclusive approach must also draw from social sciences and the humanities. “Conservation efforts should not only be scientifically sound but also socially and culturally aware”, suggests Jonathan Jeschke from the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) and Freie Universität Berlin, another author of the study. Ivan Jarić adds: “Decisions should be based on solid science and include the voices of local communities, stakeholders, and rights holders. Bringing everyone to the table early—especially those with first-hand knowledge—helps build trust, reduce conflict, and create solutions that balance ecological, cultural, and economic needs.”


For more detailed information, check the article published in npj Biodiversity:
Jarić, I., Fernández-Llamazares, Á., Molnár, Z., Arbieu, U., Canavan, S., Correia, R.A., Essl, F., Kamelamela, K.L., Ladle, R.J., Maurice, A.C., Meinard, Y., Novoa, A., Nuñez, M.A., Pyšek, P., Roll, U., Sbragaglia, V., Shackleton, R.T., Shani, L., Sherren, K., Teff-Seker, Y., Vaz, A.S., Wehi, P.M. and Jeschke, J.M. (2025). Cultural integration of invasive species. npj Biodiversity https://doi.org/10.1038/s44185-025-00097-3