Importantly, ‘approximately 42% of the threatened or endangered species are at risk primarily due to invasive species,’ yet it is shocking that many people do not know what an invasive species actually is. But how exactly did the term ‘endangered species’ become so well-known to the modern society? Creating campaigns, adverts and videos that directly get the public involved has created a social impact that has resulted from commercial interest towards endangered species. This has allowed significant awareness to be raised. Letting the public understand the risks associated with invasive species would definitely allow these species to become recognised. A news article on invasive species stated “neither the public nor conservation managers are fully aware of the different risks posed by invasive alien species.” It also explained that public support is needed to allow a scheme to be successful. It is obvious that a lack of knowledge can result in conservation practises that are not effective, and so media must be used effectively. This in turn could help to advance management strategies because once people are aware that they are in danger and there is a potential threat to their environment, they would be more willing to actively help in removing the …show more content…
This leads to the theory that commercial interest could itself act as a management strategy for invasive species. In 2012, the cost of saving endangered species approached a value close to £50 billion, which has contributed massively to the discovery of over 16,000 species that are threatened with extinction. Comparatively, it is much harder to differentiate invasive species from non-native species, and therefore difficult to place a number on how many invasive species have actually been identified. Many efforts have been made in an attempt to protect endangered species, and to raise public awareness about the need to protect them. The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry had founded a campaign, ‘United for Wildlife,’ in which two important aims, were to improve law enforcement and to engage with young people on the topics surrounding conservation. This effort alone is one of many that have sparked great interest and aid from communities to improve their efforts in supporting endangered species. Yet, as stated previously, 42% of these endangered species are at risk due to invasive species, so it is surprising that this term, ‘invasive species’ is not at the forefront of many public campaigns. The answer is simply that not enough is known about invasive species for there to be significant commercial contribution