Data from: Urban residents impressions of Invasive Alien Plants in South African towns

Invasive alien species are considered a major contributor to biodiversity
loss. Yet many are favoured for particular ecosystem services that they
provide. This is often so in urban environments experiencing rapid
environmental and social change and land transformation. Public support is
viewed as critical for invasive alien species prevention and management.
Furthermore, it is assumed that local citizens are more likely to be
willing and ready to engage if they are informed about the costs and
benefits associated with invasive alien species. However, the use of, and
attitudes towards, invasive alien species in urban areas is poorly
understood, especially regarding urban gardens under private ownership and
control. This lack of understanding is likely to compromise potential
management interventions. Here we report on a survey of 240 people across
12 small towns in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa to determine
their knowledge and perceptions regarding woody invasive alien plants
(IAPs), their willingness to engage in control, and how these vary in
relation to respondent attributes. The findings indicated that respondents
have low levels of knowledge about woody IAPs despite 84 % of them having
at least one woody IAP species in their garden. Nineteen different woody
IAPs were noted across the sample of 240 households. A wide range of
ecosystem services and disservices from woody IAPs were mentioned. Because
of the benefits provided, or the effort required to remove them, only 56 %
of respondents were willing to have the woody IAPs removed from their
gardens, with most considering it the responsibility of government
agencies to do so. There was a positive association between the levels of
education, income, and the impression that woody IAPs pose a problem and
being aware of the term, but not willingness to remove them. 
Synthesis & implications: These results reveal the complex
relationship that urban citizens have with IAPs in gardens settings, and
for authorities to consider appropriate and targeted awareness campaigns
if control strategies are to be successful.