Plural values and perceptions for an invasive alien species: The case of rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri) in Türkiye

Rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri) – RRP – are considered one of the most invasive species at a global scale, but despite their negative impacts over native ecosystems, efforts to control their populations are regularly met with strong public backlash across many countries. In 2022, preliminary attempts to regulate RRP populations in Türkiye was met with a similar resistance. The present study attempted to illuminate the underlying causes of these clashes. 160 face-to-face surveys were conducted with park visitors in select urban green spaces in İstanbul and Ankara to (1) determine prominence of different environmental values (intrinsic, instrumental, relational and ecological values), (2) examine the level of awareness, as well as the perceptions and attitudes towards RRP, and (3) offer insight on how these are shaped by socioeconomic factors and ecological knowledge. The findings showed that relational value – which highlights emotional, cultural, and inter-generational components in human-nature relations – dominantly informs the participants' perceptions and attitudes towards nature. Findings also revealed that the park visitors in İstanbul and Ankara have overwhelmingly positive perceptions and attitudes towards RRP and are mostly against any interventions to the species' continued existence. Our findings confirm existing studies on charismatic invasive alien species, where attitudes remain positive as long as there is no perceived trade-off for humans (such as noise pollution). We also found some tentative evidence that higher ecological awareness and knowledge reduces support towards the species, which signals that successful awareness raising campaigns may lead to behavioural change, but further research is needed to confirm this.