The aim of wildlife tourism “is to visit a destination in order to see and gain an understanding of the local fauna without harming the natural environment“ (Mintel, 2006). Duffus & Dearden (1990) developed three dimensions of wildlife – human interaction which are illustrated in Figure 1. This study focuses on non-consumptive wildlife tourism. This form of niche tourism includes observing and interacting with animals without harming them with a special interest in wildlife conservation (Higginbottom 2004, Duffus & Dearden, 1990). The future for wildlife tourism is predicted to grow rapidly within the next 10 years. A shift away from the single adventurers to a more general target group is forecasted (Mintel, 2006) leading eventually to mass tourism and more negative impacts.
The question is where the desire, to be close to nature, comes from. One view is, that “humans evolved in the natural environment, changing in response to it” (Knopf, 1987). Animals have provided much of the food supply for most societies (Orams, 2002). Furthermore, the every day life of the human being demands directed attention and full power. There is the desire to be ‘free’, unconventional and enjoy life (Newsome, 2005).
Furthermore, Kim & Jamal (2007) introduce that the today’s society is inauthentic and isolated, driving people to travel in search for an authentic experience. This could take the form of staged authenticity - making a product out of it (Goffman, 1963 cited in Kim & Jamal, 2007). The desire to experience nature is stimulated through the media (Orams, 2002). In addition a growing concern for the environment, visible e.g. through the Kyoto protocol, enhances this phenomenon (Mapleweb, 2005). Fredrickson & Anderson (1999: 30) found that a close relationship to animals leads to a decrease in depression and stress enhancing social interaction as the natural experience enables the tourist a “step away from the stresses of life.”
Table of Contents
Introduction
Discussion of positive impacts
Discussion of negative impacts
Possibilities to alleviate negative environmental and social impacts
Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This study explores the multifaceted nature of wildlife tourism, specifically focusing on non-consumptive interactions. It examines the dual outcomes of such tourism, analyzing both the economic and psychological benefits for tourists and destinations, as well as the significant environmental and social challenges that arise from human-wildlife encounters. The research addresses how management strategies can balance these conflicting impacts to foster long-term sustainability.
- The psychological and health benefits of human-wildlife interaction.
- Economic implications for local communities and destination development.
- Ecological threats, including habitat disruption and behavioral changes in animals.
- Management strategies for mitigating negative environmental and social impacts.
Excerpt from the Book
Discussion of negative impacts
Newsome (2005) identified three categories of negative impacts: access, observation and close contact feeding. Access to wildlife can occur through foot, road, plane or boat. A direct impact is also death through vehicles (Reynolds & Braithwaite 2001). Burger (1981) examined the effects of humans on birds at Jamaica Bay by foot. Birds were flushed from their ponds when people made rapid movements. Fewer birds were visible when people were present. The major problems of access via road are clearing, construction of the road, barrier effects, noise and road kill. This can result in stress, disorientations and avoidance of the animals (Newsome, 2005). Davis et al. (1997) considered whale sharks. Diving or observing them from a boat caused health problems in the population or aggressiveness.
Food is used to attract animals, enabling the tourist to a close view and interaction with the animals. Orams (2002) particularly investigated the impacts of feeding on dingoes on Fraser Island, Australia. Changes in breeding or group size occurred. Animals got dependent on the food received and used to a close contact with humans. Therefore they are in danger of losing the ability and skills to forage for their selves and are seeking to areas where many humans are, incorporating higher risks due to for example roads. The species amongst each other became more aggressive in their procedure of getting food. The health of the animals is threatened through artificial food leading to injury and diseases (Orams, 2002) as there are not enough
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter defines wildlife tourism and its three primary dimensions, emphasizing the study's focus on non-consumptive interaction while highlighting the growing trend toward mass tourism.
Discussion of positive impacts: This section explores the benefits of wildlife tourism, including psychological health improvements for tourists, economic development for local communities, and increased awareness for conservation efforts.
Discussion of negative impacts: This chapter analyzes the various threats wildlife tourism poses, such as direct ecological harm through human access, feeding-related dependencies, and social conflicts involving local indigenous populations.
Possibilities to alleviate negative environmental and social impacts: This chapter outlines various management strategies, such as zoning, visitor education, and the implementation of responsible tourism policies, to minimize the adverse effects of human-wildlife interaction.
Conclusion: This final chapter synthesizes the findings, reiterating that while wildlife tourism offers significant benefits, active management and increased tourist awareness are essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of natural environments.
Keywords
Wildlife tourism, non-consumptive, conservation, human-wildlife interaction, sustainability, ecotourism, visitor management, environmental impacts, social impacts, animal behavior, stakeholder engagement, habitat protection, biodiversity, tourism economics, ethical tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on wildlife tourism, specifically non-consumptive interactions such as observation and photography, and the subsequent impacts these activities have on animals, environments, and local communities.
What are the central themes discussed in this work?
The central themes include the dual nature of tourism impacts, the definition of wildlife-human relationships, economic benefits, ecological disruption, and management strategies for sustainable tourism.
What is the core research objective of this study?
The objective is to examine how wildlife tourism serves as a tool for economic growth and conservation, while simultaneously addressing the need to mitigate the negative environmental and social consequences inherent in such activities.
Which scientific approach does the author use?
The author employs a comprehensive literature review, synthesizing research findings from various international case studies and theoretical frameworks to provide a balanced discussion of wildlife tourism.
What topics are covered in the main body of the document?
The main body covers the definitions and dimensions of wildlife tourism, the positive and negative impacts on diverse stakeholders, and specific strategies for alleviating environmental and social harm.
What are the defining keywords for this research?
The research is characterized by keywords such as wildlife tourism, conservation, sustainability, environmental impact, stakeholder engagement, and management strategies.
How does tourism contribute to conservation efforts?
Tourism can help by providing economic incentives for habitat preservation, funding research, and increasing public awareness through educational guided tours and codes of conduct.
What are the main risks associated with feeding wild animals?
Feeding disrupts natural foraging behaviors, alters breeding patterns, creates dependency on humans, increases animal aggression, and can lead to the transmission of diseases and injury.
Why is stakeholder involvement important for wildlife tourism?
Local community involvement is essential because they are directly impacted by resource usage and can play a critical role in the successful management and protection of wildlife habitats.
What does the author propose to reduce the negative impact of tourists?
The author suggests implementing management principles such as separation, integration, participation, and education, alongside regulatory measures like entry quotas, codes of ethics, and infrastructure improvements.
- Quote paper
- Janine Paul (Author), 2007, Positive and Negative Impacts associated with Non-Consumptive Wildlife Tourism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/92283
