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Positive Effects of Wildlife Tourism on Wildlife
Abstract
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... The roles they play are: management and protection of cultural heritage, conservation of wild flora and fauna, conservation education and awareness campaigns, and management of waste at their tourist facilities campsites, along the nature trails. These findings are similar to those reported by other researchers (Giampiccoli & Mtapuri, 2015;Ruiz-Ballesteros & Cáceres-Feria, 2016;Günlü, 2009;UNWTO, 2012;Higginbottom et al., 2001;Marschall et al, 2017;UNWTO, 2017;and Varsi, 2012). ...
... Tourism may help restore or safeguard intangible cultural treasures like music and oral traditions (UNWTO, 2012). The public appears to be more willing to support the preservation of a region to safeguard charismatic animal species than eco-system conservation in general (Higginbottom et al., 2001). Educating tourists to obey restrictions such as behavioural guidelines or codes of conduct for animal interactions is vital (Marschall et al, 2017). ...
... Setting factors in the mindfulness model are not only important for contributing to visitors' level of mindfulness. They can also, in turn, result in more responsible visitor behaviour towards the natural environment, minimising visitors' negative effects in the area where they visit and leading to more involvement in wildlife conservation, including advocating conservation, passing messages related to conservation to others and applying increased political pressure on governments to achieve conservation objectives and protection of local communities (Higginbottom et al., 2001). Hence, as the interview participants in this study are all associated with providing these setting factors to visitors, their perceptions were analysed under the special themes. ...
Purpose
This study explores stakeholders’ perspectives on sustainability at a nature-based tourism destination in the UK, approached through the lens of socio-cognitive mindfulness theory. Specifically, this study attempts to find out how stakeholders work with special qualities of place to engage with visitors to contribute to their level of mindfulness.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs a qualitative exploratory research design using semi-structured interviews that were conducted with 19 stakeholders associated with key authorities, businesses and charities in Dartmoor National Park. Thematic analysis of the semi-structured interviews with the key stakeholders is included. Nvivo was employed to categorize the complex process.
Findings
Several crucial findings emerged. Stakeholders revealed how Dartmoor’s special qualities, visitor control, novelty, and connecting with visitors, not only contributed to local and business development but also promoted mindfulness and sustainable practices. Businesses, organisations, administrative bodies and charities work closely with each other to protect both nature and local communities in the area. However, they are faced with some existing challenges relating to a lack of information.
Originality/value
This study offers an original and innovative application of mindfulness theory to the consideration of supply-side perspectives on sustainability in visitor–environment relations. In doing so, the research provides new insights into these relationships that can help to promote positive engagement with natural settings.
... On the positive side, wildlife tourism can provide economic benefits to local communities, which can lead to increased conservation efforts and better protection of wildlife habitats [39,40]. Additionally, wildlife tourism can provide opportunities for researchers to study wildlife behavior and ecology, which can lead to a better understanding of how to protect and conserve wildlife [41]. However, on the negative side, wildlife tourism can have significant impacts on the behavior and habitat of protected wildlife [14]. ...
Most people who live near elephant ecosystems view elephants as aggressive, dangerous animals and pests as if the ecosystem disservices them. Interaction between humans and elephants living outside protected areas inevitably leads to conflict that causes agricultural land damage and wild elephant killings. The human-elephant conflict would become more complex because there are many stakeholders involved with various influences and interests, which makes human-elephant coexistence difficult to achieve. This paper aims to review wild elephant-based ecotourism challenges and formulate the challenges of ecotourism outside protected areas. The results of the challenges are reviewed in the constructions of socioeconomic and ecology. Such knowledge can be used to evaluate the applicability of potential technical solutions to reshape the negative interactions of humans and wildlife into opportunities for ecosystem services.
... The involvement of animals in tourism has a long history and sadly, various studies expose endemic exploitation and deceptive practices (Cohen, 2013;Moorhouse et al., 2017;Shani, 2012). While the negative impacts of animal-based tourism dominate the work, a smaller body of literature assesses the positive results of wildlife tourism, including financial and in-kind contributions for conservation, socio-economic incentives for communities, as well as educating visitors to increase their awareness of conservation and/or animal welfare issues (Higginbottom et al., 2001). Although there are exceptions, including recent studies that cyber-activism can support animal welfare in tourism settings (Mkono, 2018;Shaheer et al., 2021), media reports and other studies often highlight the harmful impacts of when social media, tourism and animals collide. ...
This case focuses on domesticated animals in tourism and explores how animal rescue organisations can engage voluntourism to promote animal welfare and rights in the digital age. A key issue addressed is how social media can be both harmful and beneficial for animals in tourism. In terms of the latter, the case shows how an animal rescue organisation in India has leveraged social media to heighten awareness and engagement in animal welfare and rights through tourism. Rather than partake in harmful wildlife selfies or unwittingly support cruel industry practices, voluntourists actively help to rescue and rehabilitate injured and ill street animals and further promote the cause by sharing their experiences online. Through detailing a real-world example of an organisation that promotes animal rights while simultaneously providing voluntourists with meaningful experiences, this case study encourages reader reflection on animal ethics in tourism. Interested stakeholders, including other animal rescue organisations, can use and adopt the lessons learnt to achieve similar positive outcomes.
Information
© The Author 2023
... The UNESCO World Heritage status granted to nominated heritage sites enhances their value and recognition, signifying their 'outstanding universal significance' (Lähdesmäki et al., 2019). Nature and wildlife-based tourism generate revenues to support the management of PAs in Africa, providing economic incentives for governments and local communities to preserve their wildlife heritage (see Higginbottom et al., 2001;Mutanga & Gandiwa, 2023). In addition, where local communities recognise the economic benefits of living with wildlife, they actively participate in sustaining ecosystems (Mwaura, 2016). ...
... A perception gap could lead to conflicts between stakeholders during collaborative wildlife management (Kato et al., 2019). Higginbottom et al. (2001) note that very little is known about the characteristics of tourists seeking wildlife encounters or the demand levels for different types of wildlife encounters. Over the past 5 years, Thailand's national park management has been guided by the integrated national park master plan (2017-2021) of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation. ...
The objectives of this study are to (1) classify wildlife tourists' behaviors and attitudes toward wildlife tourism; (2) analyze expectations of wildlife tour programs in the Dong Phaya Yen‐Khao Yai World Heritage Site in Thailand. The data collection methods were: questionnaires and focus groups conducted from September 2021 to February 2022. A path analysis model analyzed factors influencing wildlife tourists' decisions. This study proposed four wildlife tourist groups: true wildlife, researchers, generalists, and tag‐along. Tourists' wildlife tourism programs and models have been proposed to respond to the needs of each wildlife tourist with mindfulness and conservation as the focus. The results indicated that the wildlife tourism development in this area must use value‐creation with conservative wildlife activities and attractions. Based on these results concerning tourism development, wildlife tourist types should be considered significant concerns of wildlife tourist activities. For effective tourism development, priority should be given to developing facilities and providing quality services.
... The perceived upsurge in illegal harvesting of faunal and floral resources at Mahenye was due to reduced ecosystem monitoring by the anti-poaching personnel and ecotourists who make available an extra eye (Higginbottom et al., 2001). Escalations in the illegal harvesting of biophysical resources have presented more fodder for the global anti-consumptive safari lobby against hunting ecotourism (Machena et al., 2017). ...
Tourism in South Africa and Zimbabwe grew exponentially before the outbreak of
COVID-19 in early 2020. Among other things, the sector has been battling disease
outbreaks, political instability and, in recent years, the threat of extreme weather
events attributed to climate change. Despite these challenges, the sector has made
modest contributions to the lives and livelihoods of many rural and urban popula�tions, offering hope to millions of people suffering from poverty and inequality. The
sector’s growth rate has always surpassed national economic growth rates. Tourism
also provides revenue for threatened natural resources and heritage. Regardless of
these successes and achievements, the sector was ill-prepared for the catastrophic
outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020, which forced border closures disrupting the
sector’s supply and demand for destinations. This book emerges from the desire to
examine and document the impact, recovery and resilience of the tourism industry
from COVID-19. The book takes learnings from close to 45 leading academics
across the length and breadth of South Africa and Zimbabwe’s Higher Education
system. These leading and top-ranked authors provide a comprehensive picture of
the sector during and post the height of COVID-19 infections. Diverse as the num�ber of authors, the book covers a diversity of topics from tourism sectors and sub�sectors, and it is a must-have for tourism practitioners and role players as it provides
a comprehensive picture of the tourism sector from a COVID-19 perspective. This
is the frst comprehensive compilation on a region to date
... The perceived upsurge in illegal harvesting of faunal and floral resources at Mahenye was due to reduced ecosystem monitoring by the anti-poaching personnel and ecotourists who make available an extra eye (Higginbottom et al., 2001). Escalations in the illegal harvesting of biophysical resources have presented more fodder for the global anti-consumptive safari lobby against hunting ecotourism (Machena et al., 2017). ...
The sustainability of ecotourism in Zimbabwe is under strain due to shocks, including the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The contagion can potentially hinder the efforts the ecotourism sub-sector has been making towards the realisation of Sustainable Development Goal 15 on promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and halting land degradation and biodiversity loss. The study’s main aim was to develop a management intervention framework for biophysical resources to cope and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic at the Mahenye ecotourism project. Qualitative research methods were adopted, incorporating data mining, key informant interviews, and researchers’ prior knowledge about Mahenye. The COVID-19 contagion has led to perceived biodiversity losses and a heightened risk of wild animals contracting the virus from humans at Mahenye. Therefore, a resilience-based management intervention framework is needed to enable biophysical resources to recover from these negative impacts to ensure that the project remains attractive to ecotourists. The proposed management intervention framework highlighted the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic shocks on ecotourism biophysical resources. The framework also underscored possible management coping and recovery strategies for the impacts of COVID-19 contagion shocks and livelihood outcomes.KeywordsCOVID-19 pandemicEcotourismRecovery strategiesSustainable managementVirtual ecotourismMahenye
... Dengan pesatnya perkembangan teknologi dan perubahan industri perkotaan yang semakin modern, kegiatan wisata berbasis alam menjadi pilihan yang sering diambil oleh kaum urban. Hal ini dikarenakan daya tarik yang berupa panorama alam dan kegiatan interaksi dengan kehidupan liar terbilang unik dan berbeda dengan kehidupan perkotaan yang modern (Higginbottom et al., 2001;Buckley, 2003). ...
Kecamatan Rancabali merupakan wilayah yang mempunyai daya tarik wisata alam terbanyak dan menjadi kawasan yang diprioritaskan untuk pariwisata di Kabupaten Bandung. Namun di samping itu, kejadian bencana alam longsor dan pergerakan tanah sering terjadi setiap tahun membuat Kecamatan Rancabali termasuk daerah yang rawan dan berpotensi bencana longsor. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi tingkat dan sebaran kesesuaian lahan untuk kawasan wisata alam. Dalam penelitian ini terdapat tujuh faktor lingkungan fisik lahan yang menjadi indikator kesesuaian lahan wisata di Rancabali diantaranya adalah kemiringan lereng, fungsi lahan, jenis tanah, jenis batuan, kedekatan dengan sumber air, kedekatan dengan jaringan jalan dan kedekatan dengan pemukiman. Pengambilan data dilakukan dengan studi dokumentasi, studi literatur dan pembagian kuesioner kepada pada ahli dibidang pariwisata dan geografi. Penelitian ini menggabungkan dua metode analisis yaitu metode overlay (tumpang tindih), skoring dan pembobotan dengan Sistem Informasi Geografi (SIG) dan metode Analysis Hierarchy Process (AHP) untuk penentuan bobot dari setiap indikator. Hasil dari analisis ini membagi wilayah Kecamatan Rancabali menjadi lima kelas kesesuaian terhadap kawasan wisata alam dimana kelas lahan sangat sesuai (S1) dengan luas 3.006,11 Ha; kelas lahan sesuai (S2) dengan luas 4.470,43 Ha; kelas lahan cukup sesuai (S3) dengan luas 6.406,11 Ha; kelas lahan tidak sesuai (N1) dengan luas 895,30 Ha; dan kelas lahan sangat tidak sesuai (N2) dengan luas 22,19 Ha. Penelitian ini dapat menjadi referensi dan acuan perencanaan, pengembangan dan pengawasan kawasan wisata alam di wilayah Kecamatan Rancabali bagi pemerintah daerah, pengelola maupun praktisi pariwisata di kemudian hari.
Anthropogenic activities often lead to changes in the distribution and behavior of wild species. The mere presence of humans and free‐roaming domestic cats (Felis catus) can affect wildlife communities; however, responses to these disturbances might not be ubiquitous and may vary with local conditions. We investigated European pine marten's (Martes martes) distribution on Elba Island, Italy, where the species is the only wild carnivore. In this system, pine martens act as the top predator, and human presence is mostly driven by seasonal tourism. We evaluated (1) pine marten's occurrence in relation to vegetation type and elevation and the potential effects of proximity to settlements, (2) whether pine marten's distribution was associated with the co‐occurrence of humans and domestic cats, and, if so, (3) whether these co‐occurrence patterns were associated with proximity to anthropogenic infrastructures. Additionally, we explored similarities in activity patterns between pine marten and the other two species. We collected camera‐trap data at 77 locations throughout Elba Island in February–July 2020. Using single‐season multistate occupancy models, we found evidence that pine martens' occupancy was generally high across all vegetation types and elevation, and proximity to settlements was only weakly associated with the species occurrence. Contrary to expectations, we found no evidence of an association between pine martens' distribution and the presence of either humans or free‐roaming domestic cats on Elba Island. Opposing activity patterns might have facilitated pine martens' co‐existence with humans, with pine martens being active at ground level almost exclusively during nighttime. On the contrary, cats and pine martens showed similar activity patterns, and further studies are needed to define the co‐existence mechanisms. These findings have important management implications and suggest that response to direct and indirect anthropogenic pressures can be highly context‐dependent and mediated by the availability of resources and competition mechanisms.
There is increasing environmental concern in East Africa that the wildlife is being treated almost as a free resource and that tourism is not helping local economies. Studies at the Social and Economic Research on the Global Environment at University College, London, have suggested that the self-sufficiency and finances of local people could be significantly improved if the wildlife parks were turned over to wheat fields. The revenue that could be raised from the tourist parks is examined. Threats to the plains' vegetation from the wildlife are discussed. -P.M.Taylor
Many rural communities, particularly those in the western United States, are undergoing rapid social and economic change as they shift away from economies based on resource commodities (particularly wood products). As these changes occur, commu-nities are searching for ways to maintain their viability. Protected natural areas represent potential economic development, either through the influence their presence has on business location decisions, or through their potential to provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. In this latter role, entrepreneurs can capitalize a growing market that is willing to spend money on information and wildlife-viewing supplies, equipment, and expertise. The example of Montana demonstrates the significance of wildlife viewing in terms of tourism and potential economic impact.
This chapter introduces some basic principles of economics that are relevant to wildlife and natural habitat preservation and management. As the main theme of this book is to illustrate that conservation of wildlife and natural habitat has economic value and a role to play in development, a brief review of this economic argument serves as an important introduction to subsequent chapters. This chapter has introduced some of the important economic principles underlying management of the wilds in developing countries. The main message has been to emphasize that wildlife and wildland management decisions are essentially "economic' choices that have important implications for the allocation of resources, and as a consequence, economics has an important role to play in determining appropriate management decisions for the wilds. Moreover, if wild resources are important to the economic development and welfare of developing countries, then more effort is required to ensure that proper economic analysis of this role is taking place. -from Author
In the African context, Zimbabwe has been one of the most aggressive promoters of the sustainable use philosophy. In contrast to the fact that the world’s biodiversity is shrinking daily, Zimbabwe’s wildlife management practices, both in the Parks and Wildlife Estate (PWLE) and the communal/private land sector, are expanding. More than 30% of the country’s land mass is now under some form of wildlife use. Few countries in the world can match this trend. There are greater numbers of several wildlife species, including the elephant, than at any time in the country’s history, despite human population growth and land tenure problems. A marked exception to this is the black rhinoceros. It is possible that if innovative wildlife management practices were introduced into the conservation of this species (including consumptive use) several years ago, the black rhinoceros’s status would have been very different today.
Why are land areas for wildlife increasing? Zimbabwe boasts several progressive and innovative conservation initiatives, including the Communal Area Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE), the Conservancy concept, Intensive Protection Zones (IPZs) for the rhinoceros and detailed evaluation of multi-species (cattle and/or wildlife) production systems. Within these initiatives, sport hunting and live sales of wild animals are generating considerable income to both the private sector and communal wildlife programmes. Other innovative research programmes include use of electric fencing in control of problem animals. This chapter presents information on these initiatives and challenges the view, from an African perspective, that exploitation (sustainable use) of wildlife is negative and may only achieve short-term economic objectives.
Ecotourism has played an important role, along with education and anti-poaching patrols, in conservation projects for mountain gorillas. Small groups of tourists are taken by trained guides to visit habituated groups of gorillas. This chapter examines the available evidence on the effects of tourism on the gorillas, both advantageous and deleterious. Tourism has provided a valuable source of income for the national parks in both Rwanda and Zaire, as well as benefiting the national economies and giving the local governments a strong incentive to protect the gorilla population. In addition, the gorilla groups visited by tourists and the areas of the forest which they inhabit are monitored daily and probably receive improved protection. The levels of illegal human disturbance in areas visited and not visited by tourists are compared. Over half the population is now in groups monitored for research or tourism. However, these visits could cause disturbance and stress to the gorillas and greatly increase the risk of human diseases being introduced into the population. Census results show that the proportion of immature animals in monitored groups is higher than in other groups, suggesting that any adverse effects of human visits are outweighed by the protection received. Civil war in Rwanda has demonstrated how political stability is crucial for successful ecotourism programmes.