Opportunity’s for Wildlife Tourism in India

Exploring the Impacts and Potential of Wildlife Tourism in India

by Rajeev Mohan*,

- Published in Journal of Advances and Scholarly Researches in Allied Education, E-ISSN: 2230-7540

Volume 16, Issue No. 4, Mar 2019, Pages 1993 - 1996 (4)

Published by: Ignited Minds Journals


ABSTRACT

As regards environmental security, ecotourism is the most significant factor. In India, the tourism of wildlife is rising fast. It draws many visitors from home and abroad. Wildlife tourism is one of the major sources of revenue, considering the growing number of visitors. If ecotourism expands quickly beyond its boundaries, it can contribute to a variety of political, social and cultural issues. An growing number of visitors above the carrying capacity can deteriorate the areas as lodging, shopping centers and other leisure facilities in wildlife areas are increased. It is threatened by wiping plants and animals and may contribute to the artificial habitat substitution of the natural world. This research would allow sustainable wildlife tourism activities to be understood and adopted. Via financial contributions, non-financial investments, socio-economic benefits and education, sustainable tourism is having a positive impact. This fulfills the Reserve's intent.

KEYWORD

wildlife tourism, India, environmental security, ecotourism, revenue, carrying capacity, lodging, shopping centers, leisure facilities, artificial habitat substitution

I. INTRODUCTION

Wildlife tourism, particularly in emerging economies such as India, is a growing phenomenon. More tourist interest in and funding for conservation involves the alleged advantages of this increase in the tourism industry. Today, in India, there is no better way for the tourism industry to establish its Bonafede‘s than to locate itself some distance away from the boundary of a national park or sanctuary and then work assiduously with cooperatives formed by farmers and locals to ecologically restore the marginal lands between their lodges and the forest edge. It will welcome animals to its doorstep and provide its visitors with the opportunities "closed to nature," for which the majority of people pay a premium. As well as financial gains for local communities, reports of clashes between humans and animals that are mostly exacerbated by wildlife farming interactions will be greatly decreased. The average increase in wildlife tourism in India was 15 percent, representing several countries. The growth in visits to many Indian protected areas illustrates this increase. Wildlife tourism will also make a meaningful contribution to wildlife and the economy. Conservation must be encouraged indoors and outside, and incorporated with the reality of contemporary economies and address the demands of people, so that conservation is effective in the long run. Goodly controlled nature tourism produces profits for natural habitat protection and biodiversity and the economy as a whole. This research provides a significant and common draw for wildlife at one of the key points in ecology, tourism and management activities in National Parks. It explains existing practices and aims to draw up a strategy to support sustainable tourism. The study highlights the importance of collaboration between Reserve managers and corporate, researchers and public thereby maximizes the benefits of research, corporate responsibility and public participation and contribute to conservation and boost the economy.

II. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

• Analyze the existing trend of wildlife tourism • Identification of biodiversity and ecotourism vulnerabilities, capabilities and prospects • Specify ecological strategies for tourism.

III. METHODOLOGY

A proposed reserve management plan should concentrate on visitor plant management options, streams, ponds, footpaths, slides, camps, waste management, forestry management and visitor information and interpretation center operations. Another aspect of management is a biological census of flora and fauna as well as harmony with local populations. These components contribute to wildlife tourism in the Tiger Reserves and National Parks and were therefore studied and categorized into the following topics and evaluated. Knowledge and

IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Info and interpretation center for tourists: visitors are often left behind as to what to do and where to go. Prior information on the schedule of events at the camp will be released on site, online and by circulating brochures upon arrival of the tourists. The information counter at the reservation should be opened and sign boards and maps must be seen. Visitors want interpretation to become part of their wildlife experience and a high-quality interpretation contributes greatly to their satisfaction. Successful interpretation is beneficial for wildlife management attitudes and decreases littering, feeding and abuse behavior. The other near the Tourist Office offers an overview of the reserve and opens the eyes of floristic and faunal sections. There are three interpretive centers. The immersive play reflecting animals' sound should be kept sufficiently careful for the tourists to use it. The other recent Observation Center based on the elephant campsite also includes information on the different habitats and gives insight into some species classes. While these two centers are fitted with facilities, they do not have the input of specialists on wildlife. The new tourists will learn how they are doing well by offering a description of the reserve, its flora and fauna and the highlights as well as a short note on their behaviour. A slide show and pamphlet delivery may be applied to this. This science and friendly welcome will respond to visitors' understanding and cooperation and ensure their deception even though they don't see a lot of wildlife. As some of the resources must be managed technically and highly respected tracking is important. The centers must be built annually, whether or not tourists are present; after visiting the center closed, visitors return without visiting the center. There is space for instruction for the tribal groups. It will also mean that the center is opened at times. Vehicle Safari: The most popular vehicle Safari operation on the reserve. Tourist activities: One drawback is that travelers sometimes argue with tour drivers that they don't stay quiet when traveling or even staring at animals. This is because I am unaware that wilderness can be seen and spotted, and I am not profoundly conscious of the value of wilderness. And how much the visitor felt he knew about animals were factors leading to wildlife happiness. It is therefore necessary not only to prevent disputes between visitors, but also to increase visitor satisfaction. wide vehicles (16-32 seats). The safari will not be run for economic purposes until the vehicle is almost complete. The tourists are disgusted and not just about the visit but also about Nature and survival, which is intended to be an aim of wild animal tourism, end in complete disappointment. The officials are nevertheless gracious enough to carry out the safari when the tourists pay for any vacant seats at the additional fair. Safari period: The safari scope could be expanded to include 1-hour safari, 3-hour safari, full-day safari or night safari based on financial situation, purpose and interest. Quota system: Specific interested groups including researchers, survey groups, photographs and wildlife interested individuals may be given additional access to the central zone including tree tops, night stay and night stay at the Periyar Tiger Reserve or Waynad Wildlife Sanctuary. The following can be considered for special purposes: It will minimize overcrowding as well. Vehicle type: The smaller vehicles such as a modified and open seat jeep could be introduced to smaller groups and encourage concentrated research or photography (such as Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Kaziranga National Park). Elephant ride: the elephant ride is one of the most common activities for most visitors. However, it is the organizers' luck and wish that these trips are available. The purchase of tickets was once a nightmare as one had to purchase them from Ooty Forest Office which is 35km from this place. Now at least they are available in Teppakadu itself. If a large group of visitors had tried for it, then they will be denied. (So as to give others also a chance, the organizers would say). It is not on a first come first served basis. The availability of the number of elephants too is varied from one to four every day depending on the availability of the concerned mahout. There are no fixed duty days as such for specific elephants. As a result, if the mahout turns up with the elephant only rides are available and only after which tickets will be issued. Till then the visitor is left with uncertainty not even able to go for a vehicle safari /ride into the forest. If the mahout does not turn up and vehicle ride time is over, then the visitors who come go only with hard feelings and crying children who were lured to go for an elephant ride. That leads to dejection and distaste to nature and conservation. There are difficulties with elephants doing this task daily. This could be solved by allotting duty days for different elephants on different days. Likewise venture on the elephant should have different mode and time length.

Duration of the ride: A fast trip for less than fifteen minutes to support the needy, and the other ride could also go to the forest to watch nature for more than 15 minutes. In the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, you wander through the forest for about 45 minutes. The elephant safari, the elephant camp and vehicle safari are done almost at the same time. The timing of elephant safari should be extended or changed so that it does not conflict with the other programs in the reserve like vehicle safari and elephant feeding. Until booking, details and services should be seen and released at points of view. The safaris can be booked online in order to schedule the day well in advance, since most visitors from faraway sites are often visited by international tourists. Other conservation activities: one of the tourism goals is to admire, explore and rest in the wilderness and nature. This part is never satisfied so it is possible to enjoy pre-scheduled events alone. There are still no simple pleasures to sit on the lawn and sprinkling in ponds. The creation of a protective space for nature and relaxation and rejuvenation fulfills the purpose. Except for the feeding period, the Elephant Camp is always closed. This area can be used for recreational activities with appropriate modifications. The ban of photographs is another unusual limitation. Although most tourists just come to photograph animals, such a ban is particularly offensive. Several tourists paid even fines to take photographs of the car. Authorities must take into account the fact that tourists are permitted to exercise their right and such practice is not constitutionally forbidden. I once had the bitter moment of an authority threatening me with the confiscation of my camera. Rather than remembering happy experiences, tourists recollect bitter memories; this doesn't stop; it ends up with aversion to nature, conservation, the reserve and the property itself. Alternatively visitors should be encouraged to observe and photograph wildlife from the vehicle without hindering the wildlife and the traffic; and to mention this is mostly followed by the well behaved visitors. Other complementing activities like white water rafting, boating, trekking, canopy walkways and hanging bridges are other options the Reserve managers should plan of. At times especially during holidays and peak season the crowd is beyond manageable. By further widening the opportunities and giving more choices the crowds can efficiently be managed. The Wildlife Experience: Information: Opportunities to see wildlife are very important to international and domestic tourists and wildlife is amongst many factors in travel decisions. Visitor satisfaction in variety of species that are seen or encountered and the comfort, beauty and scenery of the setting. Added education and interpretation, and the level and quality of services and facilities also influence visitor satisfaction. To achieve maximal visitor satisfaction and better behavior preparation of visitors at arrival is recommended. They need to be explained of accurate expectations, describe the likely conditions, and explain any rules and guidelines for minimal impact behaviors. Networking: Improved networking between different safari vehicles will increase vision possibilities. This is achievable with increased car and road maintenance. This type of management is practiced by private tour operators in Nagarhole Tiger Reserve and Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Skilled Guides: Desired wildlife encounters with knowledgeable guides or staff present resulted in higher visitor satisfaction. This makes important that vehicle safari should be led by experts who are able to communicate well in local as well as English to cater to local as well as global tourists. Further they should be able to explain (through collar mike) the floristic components and faunal components while driving through the forest; The animal behaviour, problems and conservation strategies can also be shared with the visitors because visitors expect interpretation to be a part of their wildlife experiences and good quality interpretation is a major contributor to satisfaction. Effective interpretation with regard to wildlife viewing results in more positive attitudes towards wildlife conservation. Such good guidance would avoid conflict between visitors and forest officials even if they do not significantly see any wildlife of their choice. Often the desire for greater proximity is driven by the thirst for a close up photograph and is enabled by professional Guides. In this context sustainable tourism needs better training and salaries for guides. Using the tribes for such purposes should be avoided and they may be given other opportunities involving simpler jobs. Waste management: tourism waste must be handled by separation as non-biodegradable and biodegradable waste. Waste management Yet the waste collected in the sanctuary is just deposited outside the sanctuary and not isolated. Likewise, frequent and stringent inspection should preclude the use of plastics entirely. Hygiene: Poor toilet cleaning contributes to travelers' woes. Officials should maintain running water, appropriate ventilation and daily washing. Special Needs: There is no special facility like ramps, wheel chairs or rest rooms for physically Eco Shop: The common tradition among visitors is to take souvenirs home from the locations they visited. While an eco-store, range available and souvenir quality exist, the shop itself is often a topic of concern. It is also an economic opportunity to implement and still make available high quality eco-touring goods and timber products. Books can be made accessible on the reserve, flora and fauna. Crowding and traffic management: crowding may have a major effect on biodiversity and ecosystems. The possibilities for dispersal, rationing authorizations, walking charges and setting quotas can be alleviated by increasing.

V. CONCLUSION

Tourists have a critical role to play in India as wildlife tourism continues to grow in leaps and bounds. Visitors‘ concern and interest in Indian wildlife and parks along with financial prowess can become a boon or death knell for conservation. There is a critical need to encourage visitors to behave better inside parks (noise, clothing, trash), and respect the environment they are in. Interest in tigers is wonderful, but obsession with a single species can do serious harm to the other wildlife and wild places we are trying to conserve. There are major negative impacts of wildlife tourism as - causing behavioral changes, habitat alteration and causing injury or killing. Illegal hunting, logging, flood, forest fires, pollution, plastics and rubbish usages are some of the threats in Wilderness area. However, researches assert that controlled tourism would benefit economically as well as preserve natural resources and it can create awareness among local people and the tourists. Following participatory approach and integration of various stakeholders into Reserve activities would enhance the benefits. Collaborative and cooperative conservation efforts of the wildlife and habitat by various stakeholders – the Tiger Reserve managers, researchers, corporate, students and the public is the essential strategic approach. Further without giving an opportunity to visit, feel and experience the wilderness conservation cannot happen. As conservation needs the cooperation from every sector a well-planned tourism would steer to better ecological, economic and social Sustainability.

REFERENCES

[1.] Seemanta Kumar Deka, Sangeeta Kakoty Eco-Tourism: Its impact in the conservation and development of Kaziranga National Park, Assam, International Journal of Enhanced Research in Management & Computer Applications, Vol. 3 Issue 5, May-2014, pp. (17-21), Impact Factor: 1.147, Reserve, India. Journal of Zoology, 273, pp. 169-175. [3.] Curtin, S. (2011). Tigers and Tourism: Blessing or Blight? Presented at the Special Interest Tourism and Destination Management Conference, Kathmandu, Nepal. 27-30 April. [4.] Kumaraguru A., Saravanamuthu R., Brinda K. and Asokan S. (2011). Prey preference of large carnivores in Anamalai Tiger Reserve, India. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 57(3), pp. 627-637. [5.] Gianna Moscardo and Rebecca Saltzer (2005). Understanding Tourism Wildlife Interactions: visitor market analyses. Wildlife Tourism - Challenges, Opportunities and Managing the future, 10. [6.] Krithi K. Karanth, Wildlife Tourism – New Study, New Revelations http://www.conservationindia.org/articles/wildlife-tourism-new-study-new-revelations [7.] Lilieholm Robert J. and Lisa R. Romney (2009). Tourism, National Parks and Wildlife. http://www.forest.umaine.edu/files/2009/05/Tourism_National_Parks_and_Wildlife1.pdf. [8.] Wildlife tourists in India's emerging economy: Potential for a conservation constituency? https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259424331_Wildlife_tourists_in_India%27s_emerging_econo my_Potential_for_a_conservation_constituency

Corresponding Author Rajeev Mohan*

Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi rajeev.mta@gmail.com