A framework for managing the negative impacts of wildlife tourism on wildlife

Abstract

Effective management of the negative impacts of wildlife tourism on wildlife is critical to sustainability, yet apparently is often deficient. This article presents a simple framework to provide guidance on how to set up an effective program for managing such impacts. This includes consideration of an appropriate overall management framework, how to choose appropriate management actions, and how to design a monitoring program. Examples are drawn principally from Australia to illustrate some of these approaches. It is concluded that greater commitment is required to raising the resources required to undertake effective management, supported by research to fill the significant knowledge gaps in this area.