Wildlife Tourism

Wildlife tourism is a huge business and Yellowstone National Park is a local and prime example of that attracting millions of tourists each year. People trying to get a view of some of the wildlife that habitats the park. This generates great revenue for national parks, and protected lands but comes with a price. Animal disturbances because of wildlife tourism have been a major problem effecting breeding patterns, feeding patterns, parent off spring bonds, and increased venerability to predators and competitors. In order to decrease the disturbance that humans have an wildlife we have to be respectful and thoughtful of a few things especially while in Tanzania. A few things to think about are:

1) The well being of the animals comes first before any photograph. Try not to disrupt any natural behavior of the wildlife being photographed. Using a zoom lens (telephoto preferably) in order to stay a safe, and respectful distance to not disturb the wildlife.

2) NO BAITING! This disrupts the natural ecosystem substantially and can cause unnecessary stress on the animal. On the the wikipedia article we read that up until the 1970s the grizzlies in Yellowstone diets consisted of a large amount of food waste left by park tourists. When this was gotten under control the weight of the some of the bears, as well as the reproductive rate, and litter size suffered. Proving that disruptive tourism can have very negative impacts on wildlife.

3) Also an important thing to think about is which animals are most sensitive to human presence.  Some of the most desired animals to photograph and observe are also some of the most sensitive. I think this a matter of being as cautious and observant as possible

4) Another interesting point discussed in the Wildlife Photography Ethics and Philosophy article was not disclosing wildlife locations because this could attract an influx of tourists or people that could disrupt the wildlife. I think this is an interesting idea. You have to be aware of the outcomes that might occur if you over publicize a location.

Renee