Wildlife tourism: a geographical perspective

Wildlife tourism is increasingly becoming a popular recreational pursuit, even though it raises major concerns because of its impact on wildlife species and their immediate habitats.  However, less intrusive form of wildlife tourism involves wildlife-independent recreation activities wherein sightings or hearing the noises made by the wild species in their natural setting is opportunistic or incidental rather than intentional.

On the other hand, a wildlife-dependent recreation model is generally more disruptive although outdoor activities are usually planned rather meticulously since a visitor’s satisfaction relies on the presence of the exotic wildlife species.  The wildlife-dependent activities involve,

·         Leisure tracking of wildlife

·         Photographing and videotaping

·         Sport hunting and fishing

Wildlife tourism is a controversial issue.  Many conversationalists and natural resource managers believe that wildlife tourism can jeopardize the integrity of the ecosystems, in general, and the wildlife population dynamics and behavior in particular.  However, others contend that if properly managed, wildlife tourism can be a tool for biodiversity conservation.  Furthermore, the tourism industry as well as some other sectors of the government views the economic and educational benefits of wildlife tourism.  In Kerala holiday package that involves a visit to a wildlife sanctuary involves certain procedures that need to be strictly followed.

However, the understanding of wildlife tourism may be broadened to include encounters with semi-captive or captive wildlife species in zoological gardens, aquaria and ‘stock farms’.  It is better to focus only on tourist encounters (both intentional and incidental) with free-roaming vertebrates.  When analyzing the basic elements of wildlife tourism from a geographical perspective, it must include the impacts and benefits from wildlife tourism and the major issues and challenges relative to sustainable wildlife tourism.