The contribution of wildlife tourism to tiger conservation (Panthera tigris tigris)

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Bandana Thapa - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Achyut Aryal - , University of Sydney, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Federation University Australia (Author)
  • Mechthild Roth - , Chair of Forest Zoology (Author)
  • Craig Morley - , Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology (Author)

Abstract

Wildlife tourism (WLT) in Nepal flourished after the establishment of Chitwan National Park (CNP) in 1973. Each year CNP receives a large number of international tourists wanting to observe a Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). As tiger numbers are relatively high within CNP, our study was aimed at assessing the impact of WLT on tiger conservation. A total of 151 locals, tourists, tourism operators, park officials and wildlife experts were interviewed. We used the wildlife tourism research framework model developed by Higginbottom and Tribe and found that WLT is the main source of revenue and employment for the local people around CNP. In addition to the economic benefits and financial security gained by the local community, these employment opportunities also provided motivation for them to participate in conservation activities, ultimately helping tiger conservation. Similarly, the WLT in CNP plays a significant role in conserving tigers.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)168-174
Number of pages7
JournalBiodiversity
Volume18
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • Chitwan National Park, Panthera tigris tigris, Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife tourism