Large carnivores have been extirpated in almost all their former range on the European continent. The last century has seen a dramatic reversal, with populations recovering and bears, wolves and lynx returning to the areas they once inhabited. Their recovery impacts a range of human activities and interests, most pressing problems are attacks on livestock. Conflicts can lead to lower tolerance towards the species, and their long-term conservation depends mainly on their acceptance in the local environment. Large carnivores are charismatic species that can attract the attention of tourists and enrich existing tourism offer or enable the development of new tourism products. Large carnivore tourism can create economic opportunities for local communities and help to increase the value of the species locally. Tourism can act as an educational platform to increase public awareness about the ecology of large carnivores and effective measures of coexistence and stimulate conservation efforts at international level.
Although tourism activities can increase tolerance towards species, they can also have negative impacts on them and their habitat. All activities in the habitat of large carnivores should be carried out in such a way that disturbance to the animals is kept to a minimum.
If carefully planned, carnivore tourism can have multiple benefits for all parties involved.
GENERAL GUIDELINES for responsible large carnivore tourism
- TRAINED GUIDES
In order to achieve visitor satisfaction and to ensure that the tourist experience does not negatively impact the population or individual animals, it is important that all forms of such tourism are conducted with the assistance of well-trained and experienced guides who can y guarantee the safety and provide detailed and accurate information on the biology, ecology and behaviour of the species. - SECURITY and HEALTH
To experience the presence of wildlife in a genuine way and to ensure safety, we recommend one guide for a maximum of eight visitors. Visitors should always stay close to the guide and use well-established or marked paths. Security and education briefing should be considered the mandatory starting point of any wildlife experience. - AVOIDING HABITUATION TO HUMANS
It is essential to keep animals wild and to prevent habituation (loss of fear). Deliberate feeding for observation or photography should not be conducted, and the principle of do not approach or feed should be followed. Do not leave any food or other organic waste in the forest.
Marketing: Used as the core of a marketing strategy, carnivores can provide a strong marketing tool.
Education: Carnivores offer an exciting educational opportunity and carnivore visitor centres can heighten tourism experience.
Added value: Carnivores can add value to a tourism product by offering unique experiences.
Awareness: Tourism can raise awareness, both on a local and an international level.
Research: Tourism can generate much-needed income for facilitating baseline research on poorly-understood aspects of carnivore biology.
Finance: Tourism can finance and promote conservation efforts.
Business: Carnivore tourism can facilitate the development and/or diversify tourism opportunities.
Culture: Cultural heritage may be strengthened through the promotion of traditions such as traditional shepherding techniques.
Partnerships: The establishment of partnerships necessary for developing tourism enterprises may not only help reduce wildlife conflicts but also engage local communities in promoting carnivore conservation.
