Quantitative analysis of research topics and public concern on V. velutina as invasive species in Asian and European countries

We analyzed the research topics and public concern on Vespa velutina as an invasive species in Asian and European countries quantitatively though digitized texts such as scientometrics and conservation culturomics. We collected 126 scientific publications of V. velutina published during the last three decades, and 423 news articles on V. velutina in South Korea. In total, 22 countries have contributed to scientific research on V. velutina. Research topics were clearly classified to studies on taxonomy and invasion of V. velutina. In South Korea, people have recognized the ecological and health impact of V. velutina. Although scientific and public interest in V. velutina has increased since 2000, research topics may be narrow and information of news articles may be simple. To achieve the sustainable management of V. velutina, multilateral studies including environmental, social, and economic research on V. velutina are necessary.