A new study by Concordia researchers suggests that carefully habituating wild gorillas to non-threatening humans can help them overcome long-term aversions to people. Over an eight-year study in Cameroon, the animals' responses to human presence slowly changed from aggression and avoidance to curiosity and indifference.
A study found that scuba diving tourism causes frequent and often hidden damage to coral reefs, with most damage being unintentional or unnoticed. The research identifies factors such as underwater camera use, gloves, and peer behavior that contribute to reef damage.
The book examines biodiversity, ecology, and conservation strategies across Mexico's deserts, focusing on the Baja California Peninsula, Chihuahuan Desert, Sonoran Desert, and Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley. Key findings include the ecological roles of natural products and traditional medicinal plants.
A recent study estimates that scuba diving generates $0.9 to $3.2 billion in annual revenue, employing 124,000 people, 80% of whom are locals. This industry funding supports marine conservation initiatives and boosts local economies.
Cal Poly biological sciences Professor Emily Taylor is co-organizing the worldwide awareness week for snakes, highlighting over 3,500 globally significant species. The event promotes peaceful coexistence between humans and snakes, educating people about their importance in food webs and disease control.
A new international study shows that El Niño and La Niña climate patterns affect nearly half of the world's mangrove forests, threatening these vital coastal ecosystems. Mangroves are experiencing widespread degradation during El Niño events and increased growth during La Niña events.
A new study from the University of Surrey finds that African tourism entrepreneurs employ proactive strategies to overcome challenges, including operational adjustments, resource management optimisations, and creative pricing tactics. This approach significantly enhances their resilience and wellbeing amid adversity.
A new survey reveals that while Australians care deeply about the Great Barrier Reef, many are unaware of its location. The study found that only a few participants could identify individual species, highlighting the need for targeted public awareness campaigns to address knowledge gaps.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that employing people with disabilities in hotels boosts customer intentions to recommend and revisit hotels. Guests perceive hotels that employ PWD as more socially responsible, leading to increased positive word-of-mouth communication and repurchase intention.
A new study highlights the pressures human activities place on tropical marine ecosystems, with fishing techniques and tourism posing the greatest threat. The research provides insights into the impact of various activities on different habitats, shedding light on how to ensure sustainable management.
PSU will lead a three-year project to develop cost-effective filters for washing machines, dishwashers, and clothes dryers to remove microplastics. The project aims to reduce microplastic pollution in coastal communities through education and intervention strategies involving tourism industry partners.
Researchers estimated that recreation visits to Yellowstone produce over one megaton of carbon emissions per year, with an average of 479 kilograms attributable to each visitor. Despite this, the park's ecosystems still pull in around 1.5 megatons of carbon from the atmosphere each year.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that whale sharks exhibit disturbed behavior patterns when swimmers mimic ecotourist behavior, potentially affecting food availability and reproduction. The findings suggest that shark ecotourism operators should assess shark behavioral states before allowing tourists into the water.
Researchers found that while tourists won't change their near-term plans due to climate change, more than two-thirds will reconsider by 2060 under drastically changed conditions. By 2060, 70% of tourists plan to shorten their trips in response to climate change.
A new study has created a comprehensive database of 265 show caves worldwide to monitor the effects of tourism on fragile cave ecosystems. The research found that tourists can disturb life in caves through increased temperatures, pollutants, and noise, posing a threat to subterranean species.
A low-cost sensor disguised as a sea turtle egg can predict nest hatching time almost to the day. The TurtleSense system monitors nests remotely and detects synchronized developmental movement in real-time, enabling better decision-making for conservationists.
A new Stanford University study reveals that sunscreens containing oxybenzone can damage coral reefs, hastening their demise. The researchers found that oxybenzone forms damaging radicals when exposed to sunlight and can also disrupt coral defense mechanisms.
A new study found that primate ecotourism is causing stress-related behaviors in monkeys, including self-scratching, increased aggression, and reduced feeding. The researchers propose guidelines for tourists and guides to minimize the impact of motorboat approach speeds on primates.
Research suggests that ecotourists' sugar-fed wildlife interactions are causing northern Bahamian rock iguanas to develop high blood sugar levels. The study found that iguanas on islands frequently visited by tourists had higher glucose peaks and difficulty regulating their blood sugar.
A new study reveals that the Pantanal, a vast wetland in central South America, can reconcile healthy jaguar populations with economic activities. Ecotourism lodges have been found to be suitable habitats for jaguars, allowing for a landscape of tolerance where the species is no longer persecuted.
A new study suggests that ecotourists' motivations may be shifting from environmental and social concerns to the desire for social media-worthy experiences. Researchers found that travelers prioritize taking good photos over sustainability and education, threatening the long-term sustainability of ecotourism destinations.
A study finds that ecotourism has positively transformed people's attitudes towards whale sharks and marine conservation in the Philippines. Locals who work for tour operators report a stronger emotional connection to the species and increased willingness to protect them, leading to more sustainable fishing practices.
A proposed Texas border wall would threaten endangered species, cause habitat destruction, and disrupt the region's growing ecotourism industry. The construction of the wall and associated roads could also damage valuable riparian forest ecosystems and harm pollinators.
A new ecotourism strategy has been tested in Lao PDR, reducing illegal hunting and increasing wildlife sightings. The direct payment approach incentivizes local communities to conserve wildlife, resulting in a three-fold increase in non-tourism sector hunting signs and an overall increase in wildlife sightings.
A new study from Griffith University uses population viability modelling to quantify the impact of ecotourism on threatened species. For seven out of nine species analysed, ecotourism provides net conservation gains through measures like private reserves and habitat restoration.
A University of Georgia study suggests that ecotourism and natural resource conservation can work together to protect sensitive ecosystems. The study proposes a symbiotic relationship where increased conservation leads to higher economic value for natural landscapes, ultimately benefiting both ecotourists and local communities.
The reintroduction of lions in the Tembe Elephant Park in South Africa highlights the competition between humans, endemic herbivores, and carnivores. The analysis found that lions compete with humans throughout the year, except winter, while also competing with endemic herbivores in all seasons.
A University of Miami study found that tiger sharks in Bahamas Tiger Beach exhibit long-distance migrations up to 3,500 km into the Atlantic Ocean. In contrast, shark feeding for ecotourism in Florida waters has no impact on behavior.
A study by University of Miami researchers suggests that including conservation efforts in long-term management plans is crucial for shark populations. Ecotourism can generate significant revenue, with a single reef shark valued at $73 per day alive, and over $200,000 over its 15-year life cycle.
Researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa conclude that shark cage diving enterprises in Hawaii have a negligible effect on public safety. The study analyzed logbook data from two Oahu operations and found no increase in shark attacks since cage diving began.
A new study finds that 93% of gorillas at the Lossi Sanctuary in Congo were killed by Ebola during outbreaks in 2002 and 2003. The research suggests that targeted vaccination strategies could be effective in controlling the spread of the disease, which has devastated ape populations in Africa.
A new partnership between Roots of Peace and Conservation International aims to remove landmines from critical access corridors used by elephants in Angola, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. The project will create a conservation and development area, promoting sustainable reserve and ecotourism programs.
Research reveals penguins can quickly acclimate to tourists visiting their breeding colonies, with reduced stress levels after brief exposure. After 10 days of repeated human visits, penguin stress levels decreased significantly, suggesting a possible long-term adaptation to ecotourism.