If you have ever been to a zoo, you have witnessed the captivating wonders of wildlife that our world has to offer up close and personal. This enriching experience becomes even more breathtaking when you are viewing these unique species in their natural habitats. My experience driving through the Outback in Australia watching kangaroos bounce along in the distance would not have invoked such amazement if I were looking at a solemn kangaroo through a barrier at the zoo. Each of our seven continents are home to specific wildlife that have especially adapted to their natural habitats. Because these creatures rely on their surroundings, it is incredibly important to keep these areas protected, and one way to do that is with tourism. 

It might sound strange that visiting these natural areas and increasing human traffic would help protect them, but it is through ecotourism that we are able to provide funding to conserve wildlife. Ecotourism can be defined as tourism in natural environments with the intent to provide financial, political, and local community support for conservation efforts. Africa specifically is an example of an area that holds a tremendous amount of diverse wildlife that often faces threats of habitat loss and poaching. Many people feel passionately about the protection of endangered species, but by appealing to the potential for economic gain it is possible to pull in an even greater number of stakeholders with the interest of conservation. In other words, if not for the animals sake, then for the sake of the business opportunities that ecotourism presents. 

One study was done in South Africa to see if enough revenue from ecotourism was derived to offset the costs of conservation for a species of endangered wild dogs. The results indicated that the revenue made from tourism of these wild dogs was more than enough to offset the costs and holds the possibility of being used for further wild dog conservation (Lindsey, 2005). This study is pretty outstanding because the targeted species is not one commonly viewed with awe and wonder, unlike other African species such as big cats, elephants, giraffes, etc. The work that is being done right now to protect endangered species is incredibly important and is shown to benefit from tourist’s increased interest.

If it makes financial sense for wild dog conservation, imagine the possibilities that ecotourism holds for conserving the habitats and wellbeing of other species as well. With the funds generated from ecotourism, African conservation groups could have the potential to increase the prevention of poaching big cats and elephants, restore and reduce habitat loss, create incentive programs for wildlife conservation, and provide even more veterinary services for these animals. Overall, ecotourism holds great possibilities for not only the protection and conservation of wildlife, but also the promotion of local and national economies.

Author: Rebecca Scherr

References:

Lindsey, Peter A., Alexander, Robert R., du Toit, Johan T., Mills, M.G.L. (June, 2005) The potential contribution of ecotourism to African wild dog Lycaon pictus conservation in South Africa. Biological Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2004.12.002