Skip to content

The Wild World of Ecotourism

The Allure of Wildlife Watching

Seeing the world’s most impressive wildlife in its natural habitat is a strong motivation to travel, and it provides an excellent chance to explore some of the world’s final untouched wildernesses. From the majestic elephants of Africa to the exotic birds of Asia, and from the grizzly bears of Alaska to the diverse species in Europe, there is a plethora of wildlife to be discovered. With such a vast array of animals on our planet, it can be challenging to decide where to begin.

Wildlife watching holidays are easier to organise than you might think. While specialist tour companies offer numerous wildlife trips, many experiences can be independently arranged with some planning and the cost of accommodations and flights.

Wild travel is a part of ecotourism, which also encompasses community ecotourism and conservation ecotourism. Despite their unique focuses, all share a commitment to sustainable and responsible travel.

Know Before You Go

While ecotourism has many benefits, it’s essential to consider its impact on wildlife behaviour. While it’s inspiring to see animals in their natural habitat, our presence can disrupt their routines and cause stress, especially when we get too close or make too much noise. Furthermore, the provisioning of food and water as tourist attractions can disrupt natural behaviours and diets. However, with proper management, the negative impacts of ecotourism can be minimised.

Balancing Ecotourism’s Impacts

Every year, millions of ecotourists contribute significantly to the global economy. Reputable ecotourism companies ensure that a portion of these funds goes towards conservation efforts, thus helping to protect the very ecosystems that attract tourists. The impacts of ecotourism are not limited to wildlife and their habitats. They also extend to local human communities. While ecotourism can bring economic benefits, it can also lead to cultural and environmental changes. It’s crucial to strike a balance that benefits humans, wildlife, and wild places alike.

The impacts of ecotourism are not black and white. It can provide locals with employment and education opportunities, and foster respect for local cultures. However, it can also lead to exploitation of locals, loss of traditional lifestyles, and infrastructure beneficial only to tourists. It can positively impact the environment by financially supporting preservation and discouraging deforestation, but it can also lead to resource destruction, overuse of areas, and pollution if not properly regulated. It’s a delicate balance that requires careful management.

Towards Responsible Ecotourism

The key to minimising the negative impact of wildlife watching and ecotourism lies in effective management. This includes establishing guidelines for tourist behaviour, limiting visitor numbers, and ensuring local communities benefit from ecotourism revenues. By doing so, we can ensure that our love for nature doesn’t become a burden on the very things we cherish.

Conclusion

Ecotourism offers a unique opportunity to explore the world’s natural wonders while contributing to their preservation. With careful planning and responsible behaviour, we can ensure that ecotourism continues to be a force for good in the world.

Photos of Wild Travel

Misty Sunrise In Tongass National Forest, Alaska by Tim Plowden

Sunrise illuminates the mist rising from the coastal rainforest of the Tongass National Forest, Southeast Alaska.

Coastal Brown Bear, Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park, Alaska by Tim Plowden

Coastal Brown Bear, Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park, Alaska.

Caribou, Alaska by Tim Plowden

A herd of caribou crossing the Alaska Range Mountains.

Steller Sea Lion Colony, Alaska by Tim Plowden

Steller sea lion colony in a remote island of the Alexander Archipelago in Southeast Alaska.

Northern Sea Otter, Alaska by Tim Plowden

Northern sea otter, Alaska.

Humpack Whale Fluking, Southeast Alaska

Humpack whale fluking, Sitka, Southeast Alaska.

The Alaska Range Mountains, Alaska by Tim Plowden

The Alaska Range Mountains, Alaska.

Black stork waking up to a misty frost at sunrise, Lake Napa, Yunnan.

Black stork waking up to a misty frost at sunrise, Lake Napa, Yunnan, China.

Black-necked crane foraging at sunset, Lake Napa, Yunnan, China.

Black-necked crane foraging at sunset, Lake Napa, Yunnan, China.

Close up of an adult male Yunnan Snub-nosed monkey resting in an alpine forest.

Close up of an adult male Yunnan Snub-nosed monkey resting in an alpine forest, China.

The Endangered Red-shanked douc is listed on CITES Appendix I and Appendix 1B of Decree 32 (2006) in Vietnam. However, enforcement of legislation against hunting is rarely carried out.

A male Red-shanked Douc Langur rests while three young play in coastal rainforest canopy in Son Tra Nature Reserve, Vietnam.

Coastal rainforest in Son Tra Nature Reserve, Vietnam.

Coastal rainforest in Son Tra Nature Reserve, Vietnam.

Male Proboscis monkey, Bako National Park.

Male Proboscis monkey, Bako National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia.

A female Bornean orangutan at Semengoh Wildlife Centre, Sarawak, Malaysia.

A female Bornean orangutan at Semengoh Wildlife Centre, Sarawak, Malaysia.

A male great hornbill foraging for fruit in the rainforest canopy at Gunung Raya, Langkawi, Malaysia.

A male great hornbill foraging for fruit in the rainforest canopy at Gunung Raya, Langkawi, Malaysia.

Langkawi panorama

Twilight silhouettes of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, Malaysia.

African Sunset, Botswana by Tim Plowden

Sunset, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana

African white rhino, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia.

African white rhino, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia.

Red Baobab Tree, Kubu Island, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana

Red Baobab Tree, Kubu Island, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana.

Close-up detail of an African Elephant drinking water, Botswana by Tim Plowden

Close-up detail of an African Elephant drinking water at a man-made water hole, Botswana.

Leopard Feeding On Elephant Calf, Botswana

Female leopard feeding on an elephant calf during a drought in Chobe National Park, Botswana.

Victoria Falls, aerial view from helicopter by Tim Plowden

Aerial view of Victoria Falls from helicopter, Zambia.

Grey seal courtship behaviour on the North Norfolk Coast, England by Tim Plowden

A pair of grey seals choose the surf for their courtship on the North Sea Coast, Norfolk, England.

Atlantic puffin, Treshnish by Tim Plowden

Atlantic puffin lands on clifftop breeding colony, Treshnish, Scotland.

Red deer during the annual rut, Bradgate Deer Park, England.

Red deer during the annual rut, Bradgate Deer Park, England.

Grey wolf, Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany.

Grey wolf, Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany.

White-tailed sea eagle, Isle of Mull, Scotland.

White-tailed sea eagle, Isle of Mull, Scotland.

Hebrides Sunset by Tim Plowden

Seascape sunset, Inner Hebrides, Scotland.

Back To Top
Search