Idukki District (MUNNAR).

This beautiful High range district of Kerala is geographically known for its Mountainous Hills and Dense Forests. For the people of Kerala, Idukki is always associated with Power Generation. About 66% of the State’s Power needs come from the Hydroelectric Power Projects in Idukki. Idukki accounts for 12.9 percent of the area of Kerala and only 3.7 percent of the population of Kerala.
Idukki district was formed on 26 January 1972.The district consists of Devikulam, Udumbanchola and Peermedu taluks of the erstwhile Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk (excluding two villages Manjallore and Kalloorkadu) of the erstwhile Ernakulam district. At the time of formation the district headquarters started functioning at Kottayam and from there it was shifted to Painavu in Thodupuzha taluk in June 1976, where it is proposed to build a new planned forest town.

Plantations

The modern history of the district starts with the advent of European planters to this region. In 1877 Kerala Varma, the Raja of Poonjar, sold 227 sq. miles of Kannan Devan Hills to John Daniel Munroe, a British planter. This has led to the birth of Kannan Devan Hill Produce Company. Kannan Thevan is an Adivasi who showed the hills to the Planters and today Kannan Devan Hills is internationally known. The tract was largely unexplored and covered with thick forests. There were no means of communications. In 1878 the Maharaja of Travancore confirmed the sale. J.D Munroe formed the North Travancore Land Planting and Agricultural Society. The members of the society developed their own estates in various parts of the High Ranges. The first cultivation was undertaken by A.W Turnor at Devikulam area in 1877.

The pioneers tried many crops such as Coffee, Chinchona, Sisal and Cardamom, before discovering tea as the crop best suited for this area. Tea was first planted by A.H Sharp at Parvathi, now in Seven Mallay Estate by clearing 50 acres on a dense forest. In 1895 that area was purchased by Finlay Muir & Company now known as James Finlay and Company Limited. The Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company Limited and the Anglo-American Direct Tea Trading Company Ltd., owned 28 estates in these areas. The remaining 7 estates were owned by British and Indian Companies not belonging to this group.

With the entry of large business houses possessing capital and technical skill, the pace of development was accelerated. Experienced tea planters were brought from Ceylon and large areas were planted with tea. Roads were opened, transport organized, houses and factories built and production rose rapidly in the succeeding years. Later M/s Tata Finlay Ltd., a company incorporated in India, purchased the Tea Estates from them and is running them now, under the name M/s Tata Finlay Ltd. Their operations are mainly confined to Munnar – Devikulam area.
After the implementation of the Land Reforms Act, about 70,000 acres of Kannan Devan Hills Village were resumed from the Company as excess land without any compensation. It is also a bare fact which should not be forgotten that the deforestation process started in the High Ranges with the advent of Plantation industry by the end of 19th century, the ever green forests existed were totally destroyed in the area and substituted with the present greenish carpet of tea leaves.

Idukki, the unspoiled natural queen of Kerala is a tourist Paradise and the most gifted district of Kerala. This district is the second largest in the state. A landlocked region, with high ranges of altitude varying from 2500 feet above sea level. High ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three main rivers- Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar-and their tributaries. Predominantly populated by tribes. Idukki is the district where forests and wildlife abound. About 1500 sq.km of its area is reserved forest, much of which is home to a verity of flora and fauna. These forests area source to wild life like tigers, beer, bison and monkeys, streams, valleys and hills combine to make Idukki an ideal year round holiday destination. For the people of Kerala, Idukki is always associated with power generation. About 60% of the State’s power needs come from the hydro-electric power station at Moolamattom, the biggest in the state. The famous Idukki arch dam, the first of its in India, is built between two huge granite hills across the river Periyar. The district’s name, Idukki is supposed to. be derived from the Malayalam word “Idukku” which means a narrow gauge. That could be true for narrow, steep-sided valleys are not a strange phenomenon in this hilly

district flanked by the Western Ghats in the East. The district is bounded by Pathanamthitta districts on the South, Trichur and Coimbatore districts on the north, Madurai, Ramanad and Thirunelveli districts on the East and Ernakulam and Kottayam districts on the West. Graphical and climatological characteristics of Idukki district are unique. Anamudi in the Kannan Devan hills is the highest peak. There are 14 peaks in Idukki which exceeds a height of 2000 m. above sea level. The climate of the district undergoes a sudden variation as we go from west to east. In high peaks the temperature at times falls down to freezing point in the winter. Occurrence of mist is usual in the highland regions. Idukki district experiences high degree of variation in the distribution of rainfall, temperature, humidity etc over time and space, Periyar and its tributaries.

With the entry of large business houses possessing capital and technical skill, the pace of development was accelerated. Experienced tea planters were brought from Ceylon and large areas were planted with tea. Roads were opened, transport organized, houses and factories built and production rose rapidly in the succeeding years. Later M/s Tata Finlay Ltd., a company incorporated in India, purchased the Tea Estates from them and is running them now, under the name M/s Tata Finlay Ltd. Their operations are mainly confined to Munnar – Devikulam area.

         After the implementation of the Land Reforms Act, about 70,000 acres of Kannan Devan Hills Village were resumed from the Company as excess land without any compensation. It is also a bare fact which should not be forgotten that the deforestation process started in the High Ranges with the advent of Plantation industry by the end of 19th century, the ever green forests existed were totally destroyed in the area and substituted with the present greenish carpet of tea leaves.

 

         Idukki, the unspoiled natural queen of Kerala is a tourist Paradise and the most gifted district of Kerala. This district is the second largest in the state. A landlocked region, with high ranges of altitude varying from 2500 feet above sea level. High ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three main rivers- Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar-and their tributaries. Predominantly populated by tribes. Idukki is the district where forests and wildlife abound. About 1500 sq.km of its area is reserved forest, much of which is home to a verity of flora and fauna. These forests area source to wild life like tigers, beer, bison and monkeys, streams, valleys and hills combine to make Idukki an ideal year round holiday destination. For the people of Kerala, Idukki is always associated with power generation. About 60% of the State’s power needs come from the hydro-electric power station at Moolamattom, the biggest in the state. The famous Idukki arch dam, the first of its in India, is built between two huge granite hills across the river Periyar. The district’s name, Idukki is supposed to. be derived from the Malayalam word “Idukku” which means a narrow gauge.  That could be true for narrow, steep-sided valleys are not a strange phenomenon in this hilly

 

 

 

district flanked by the Western Ghats in the East. The district is bounded by Pathanamthitta districts on the South, Trichur and Coimbatore districts on the north, Madurai, Ramanad and Thirunelveli districts on the East and Ernakulam and Kottayam districts on the West. Graphical and climatological characteristics of Idukki district are unique. Anamudi in the Kannan Devan hills is the highest peak. There are 14 peaks in Idukki which exceeds a height of 2000 m. above sea level. The climate of the district undergoes a sudden variation as we go from west to east.   In high peaks the temperature at times falls down to freezing point in the winter. Occurrence of mist is usual in the highland regions. Idukki district experiences high degree of variation in the distribution of rainfall, temperature, humidity etc over time and space, Periyar and its tributaries.

 

Tourism Attractions

 

             The tourism attracts of Idukki is based on its vibrant landscapes. All forms of tourism like Nature based tourism, Heritage tourism, Cultural tourism, Pilgrim Tourism, Adventure Tourism ,farm tourism, tribal tourism are having strong base for development in the district.

 

1           Nature based Tourism

          The tourism industry strongly relies on the natural beauty of the region. It occupies a predominant role in the scope of development of tourism. Idukki is blessed with abundant beauty of its Wildlife, Hill stations, Dam etc. The following places are identified as Tourist Spots in the district.

 

Tourist Spots in and around Idukki

 

Munnar Munnar ( മുന്നാർ )is a town in the southwestern state of Kerala, India. Munnar is situated around 1600 m above sea level, ^[2] in the Western Ghats range of mountains and is a hill station

The name Munnar is believed to mean “three rivers”,^[3] referring to the location at the confluence of the Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers.^[4]

Munnar town is situated on the Kannan Devan Hills village in Devikulam taluk and is the largest panchayat in the Idukki district in Kerala having an area measuring nearly 557 km².^{[citation needed]}

The nearest major railway stations are at Ernakulam and Aluva (approximately 140 kilometres (87 mi) by road). The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is 105 kilometres (65 mi) away.

Tea Gardens at Munnar

Flora and fauna

Most of the native flora and fauna of Munnar have disappeared due to severe habitat fragmentation resultant from the creation of the plantations. However, some species continue to survive and thrive in several protected areas nearby, including the new Kurinjimala Sanctuary to the east, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Manjampatti Valley and the Amaravati reserve forest of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary to the north east, theEravikulam National Park and Anamudi Shola National Park to the north, the Pampadum Shola National Park to the south and the proposed Palani Hills National Park to the east. These protected areas are especially known for several threatened and endemicspecies including Nilgiri Thar, the Grizzled Giant Squirrel, the Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, Elephant, the Gaur, the Nilgiri langur, the Sambar, and the Neelakurinji (that blossoms only once in twelve years). ^[9][10]

 

Periyar Thekkady is located about 257 km (160 mi) from Trivandrum, 114 km from Madurai City and Madurai Airport, 185 km from Cochin International Airport and 114 km fromKottayam railway station. Thekkady is located near to Kerala-Tamilnadu border. The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forestsand savanna grass lands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed Macaques and Nilgiri Langurs.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 777 km² (300 sq mi), of which 360 km² (140 sq mi) is thick evergreen forest. The Wild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Damacross the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attraction of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants that come down to drink in the lake. Sanctuary can be accessed through a trekking, boating or jeep safari.

Thekkady is considered a heaven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom,cinnamon and clove.

 

Reservoirs

 

 

Idukki Arch Dam: World’s second-and Asia’s first Arch dam constructed across the Kuravan Kurathi hills. Idukki reservoir formed by three dams, Cheruthoni, Kulamavu, and Idukki.

 

Idukki Wild Life Sanctuary: A game reserve comparable, though smaller to Periyar is the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary just above the Idukki Arch dam.  This comprises 77 sq.km of forest land between the Periyar and cheruthoni. There is a scenic lake around the sanctuary. The wild life here is similar to that at Thekkady.

 

Cheruthoni – View of Idukki Arch Dam and Cheruthony Dam.

 

Nadukani – is an ideal place for one day picnickers. Two storied pavilion for enjoying the landscape and beauty of the nature. It offers a panoramic view of neighboring places.

 

Thumpachi Kalvary Samuchayam – Pilgrim Centre, Ideal place for meditation, relaxation and sunset watching.

 

Kulamavu – Scenic beauty, view of vast reservoir with trekking paths, wild life etc.

 

Painavu – Evergreen forest, trekking point, mountain climbing etc.

 

Kallyanthandu – Aerial view of the Idukki reservoir, Panoramic view of peaks and forests makes this a splendid tourist spot. Place for trekking and mountain climbing.

Anchuruly – It is an ideal place for one day picnic. Boating in the reservoir is an unforgettable experience. This spot is surrounded by evergreen forest. It is also a place for trekking trail.

 

Palkulamedu – Panoramic view of surrounding places and trekkers spot. Kalvary mount is a Pilgrim Centre and provides a great view.

 

Malankara – is located 6km from Thodupuzha. Malankara reservoir is an artificial lake formed as a part of Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project. The reservoir is ideal for boating, fishing and recreation.

 

Thommankuthu – is ideal for nature lovers. Seven steps waterfalls, trekking in forest, rock climbing, mountaineering etc are main attractions of the tourists.

Keezharkuth Rainbow Waterfalls – which cascade down rock from a height of about 1500 meters is a wonderful attraction of this spot.  It can be seen throughout the year in full swing. The forest around this spot is home to various medicinal plants.

 

Ilaveezhapoonehira – Panoramic picnic spot located in the midst of beautiful hillocks surrounding hillocks of Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala and Thonippara ideal place for trekking and mountaineering.

 

Aleenuliampara – Place-for mountaineering and trekking evergreen, forest scenic beauty.

Panchalimedu:  Panoramic view of neighboring places, meadows, trekking spot, tent camping pond of “Panchali,” w/o Panchapandavamar are the main tourist attractions.

FOREST AREAS IN IDUKKIPothamedu (6 km from Munnar)  Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here are ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.Devikulam (7 km from Munnar)  This idyllic hill stations with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar)  This is the venue of the first Hydro electric Project in Kerala and a place of immense scenic beautyAttukal (9 km from Munnar)  A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treksNyayamakad (10km from Munnar)  Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. The enchanting surroundings make an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.Chithirapuram (10 km from Munnar):

With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old-world charm. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.

 

Mattupetty (13 km from Munnar):

Situated at a height of 1700 meters, Mattupetty is known for its highly specialized dairy farm-the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into 3 of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm.

The Mattupetty lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch and motorboats are available on hire.

Lock Heart Gap (13km from Munnar):  This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of visit.Rajamala (15km from Munnar):  This is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat (Hemitragas bylocres) which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. The Nilgiri tahrs are today redused to small herds found in the Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Nilgiri tahrs in Rajamala is estimated at 1317.Echo Point (15 km from Munnar)  This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Stations from Munnar.Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar)  The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam Thaluk and is home to the Nilgiri tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695m) is located in the southern region of the park.Power House Waterfalls (18 km from Munnar)  This waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock, 2000m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.Kundala (20 km from Munnar)  Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Stations. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad waterfalls is also near Kundala.

 

Excursions from Munnar

Anayirankal (22km from Munnar)
		It is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirankal Dam is surrounded by the Tata Tea Plantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot.
Top Station (32 km from Munnar)
		1700 m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The rare Nilakurinji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. This plant blooms wants every 12 years bathing the hill sides in bright blue. Top Station also offers a panoramic view of the neighboring state of Tamilnadu.
Marayoor (40 km from Munnar)
		This is the only place in Kerala that has natural growth of sandal wood trees. The sandal wood factory of the forest department, the caves (Muniyaras) with murals and relics from the new stone age civilization and the children’s park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby.
Cheeyappara
		The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Nariamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi Madurai highway. The Cheeyappara waterfalls cascade down in seven steps. It is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking.
Meenuli
		It is noted for two acres of evergreen forests upon a huge Rock. The rock is more than 500 acres in area and is an ideal spot for mountaineering

Idukki Arch Dam

First and biggest arch dam in Asia and second biggest arch dam in the world.

 

 

Cheruthony Dam

1^st Idukki Arch Dam (right), and 2^nd Cheruthony Dam (left) in Idukki Hydroelectric Project.

 

 

Old picture of the location of manmade wonder Idukki Arch Dam

TOURISM  AN ECOFRIENDLY WAY

 

 

Ecotourism, Eco-travel, Eco-lodges and just generally being “eco” have become popular tourism sales pitches.

In order to truly understand ecotourism and all of its attendant pros and cons it is necessary to do some background research. So an introduction   to the topic along with several links to more detailed information.  The basic definitions below have been adapted and clarified from commonly used travel industry lingo.  Some of the links are to articles that help further define ecotourism some promoting it and some attack it but all are provocative and informative.

The goal of this page is neither to sell nor devalue ecotourism but rather to explore it as a concept and to help create informed travelers who ask lots of questions before, during and after their trip. Well informed travelers choose their guides, travel companies and lodges from a position of knowledge.  This purchasing power can be the driving force behind positive or negative impacts on the places you visit.

Ecology and wildlife resources present a wonderful opportunity for increasing tourism traffic. This is especially true for India, where despite the lack of sophisticated tourist infrastructure, people can be drawn to the forests and wildlife which Kipling immortalized. However, this’ is possible only if the products are designed and developed in a proper way and promoted adequately. The secret for visitors lies in knowing what to expect and in understanding that the privilege of stepping into a natural surrounding and sighting of species of animal kingdom is a reward in itself. Wandering about in a sanctuary and witnessing the wildlife is a fascinating experience. Nothing can quite match the thrill of spotting a striped predator amidst the tall grass or the wetlands, seeing herds of wild elephants and deer in their natural habitat or watching a peacock dance in splendor.

 

Recognizing the tourist potential of wildlife, the Government of India has cemented to cater to the basic requirements of nature lovers. Now as a tourism professional you have to pick up the thread and design and market eco and wildlife tourism to both national and international tourists, so that these destinations become a routine stopover for all categories of tourists, just like Nepal has done for Royal Chitwan National Park.

POTENTIAL RESOURCES OF ECOLOGY AND WILDLIFE FOR DESIGNING AND DEVELOPING TOURISM PRODUCTS

 

India is a home to over 350 species of mammals and 1200 species of birds. It has 572 nature endowed areas. In all India have 89 National Parks and 483 sanctuaries, of which 19 fall under the purview of Project Tiger. The total area of India’s protected wilderness is approximately 140,000 sq. km. This constitutes 4% of the country’s total land area. Each preserved natural habitat for wildlife varies from region to region and offers something unique, be it its flora, fauna, avi-fauna or aqua fauna. Many of the species they harbor are rare and endangered. Along with preserving wildlife in forests, ‘due attention has also been paid to areas where animals coexist with humans. This is natural also, as diverse climate and landscape supports typical animals in each region. In fact, India’s flora and fauna are as diverse as its cultural fabric.

 

 

 ECOTOURISM INTIATIVES

Ecotourism is a new concept in tourism. It is a purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the cultural and natural history of environment, taking care not to alter the integrity of the ecosystem, while producing economic opportunities that make conservation of natural resources beneficial to local people.

 

The term Ecotourism was coined in 1983 by “Hector Ceballos-Lascurian” a Mexican environmentalist, and was initially used to describe nature-based travel to relatively undisturbed areas with an emphasis on education. The concept has, however, developed into a scientific approach to the planning, management and development of sustainable tourism products and activities.

Advantages of ecotourism

With so many disadvantages of ecotourism, it is hard to see the advantages and benefits of ecotourism. However, if done right, the goals of ecotourism are to help the environment, preserve natural resources as well as help the local communities and economies.

Ecotourism is an industry that stands to make a lot of money from tourists that are seeking environmentally friendly vacations or ecologically friendly activities. The money from ecotourism could be used to preserve nature, wildlife, species and earth’s natural resources as well as help local people with access to civilization and education.

Evolution and characteristics :-

Ecotourism, as a specialized form of tourism provides a new dimension to the fastest growing tourism industry by reducing the negative impacts on natural environment. Ecotourism is a concept that evolved over the past two decades as a tool to improve sustainability by my god if in various components with regard to the conservation of natural resources. Since tourism has affected natural environment countries, the least disturbance to nature’s balance is now desirable.          In addition to conserve environmental and cultural factors, initiatives      to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water re-use and creation of economic benefits to local communities are integral part of Ecotourism. As environmental effects are worrying many people who love the world has become very conscious of environmental friendly tourism, only Ecotourism has the potential to harmonize nature and tourism activities. For the successful practices in ecotourism, the community or People’s participation is highly essential. The involvement of local people in planning and management of sustainable tourism can take care of t e nature besides generating income. Since ecotourism brings many changes at the community level, community should have greater voice in development and conservation of their natural resources. The main characteristics of Ecotourism are: It avoids negative impacts which damage the integrity of natural or cultural environment during visits.

In the early stage, motivation for most travel were obvious-religion, economic gain, war, escape, migration etc. The most common motivation for travel in the modern world is for pleasure.

The basic motivations behind travel can be grouped into the following categories:

Pleasure and relaxation: Getting away from the routine of life is the most important motive these days. One can have fun, excitement and good time whenever possible with exotic experience.

Education and culture: To see people in other countries live and work and to enjoy scenic beauty and cultural sights there.  This also        envisages to what goes on elsewhere and to attend events, festivals and cultural functions. Ethnic and personal relations: Mainly related to go to places from where    one’s family came from. This also includes visiting one’s relatives, meeting new people and seeking new friendships. Status and prestige:  Identified with needs of personal esteem and personal developments. These are related to travel for business or professional interests, for the purpose of education or for hobbies. Barriers of travel many people do not travel and many do not travel extensively due to several barriers. The main limits of travel are classified as shown below.

Cost: Most of the people cannot undertake travel due to high cost.   They are not able to afford the expenses for holiday travel and allied activities.

Lack of time:  People who are not in a position to leave their business or profession are characterized by this imitation.

Physical limitations: Poor health and physical imitations keep          many persons particularly the old -aged at home.

A large target market segment is the vastly growing market segment, consisting of older generation. Quite a few of them have taken no such great risk during their lifetime and would like to experiment now. Or may be after a tired and exhausting life of working, and worrying one would look forward to some peace and space with exercise which may be trekking, jeep safaris and nature walk can provide. What is required is to look for opportunities and options which would translate into profit and satisfaction in the long run.

To some adventurous affluent tourists space has become the ultimate destination. In this direction first space tourist has already visited space after a training session of six months in Russia. It is believe with the passage of time more and more tourists will visit the outer space and expenditure will come down drastically from US$ 18 million to US$ 50,000 per visit.

WILDLIFE

 

Idukki – Kulamavu Road: an ideal way to promote tourism through

Dam Lake and Road in multiways.

 

Wildlife tourism can be an eco and animal friendly tourism, usually showing animals in their natural habitat. Wildlife tourism, in its simplest sense, is watching wild animals in their natural habitat. Wildlife tourism is an important part of the tourism industries in many countries including many African and South American countries, Australia, India, Canada, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Maldives among many. It has experienced a dramatic and rapid growth in recent years worldwide and is closely aligned to eco-tourism and sustainable-tourism.

 

Positive Impacts of Wildlife Tourism

Habitat restoration by eco-lodges and other tourism operations

Many owners of eco-accommodation or wildlife attractions preserve and restore native habitats on their properties

Conservation breeding

Many wildlife parks (e.g. David Fleay Wildlife Park, Gold Coast, Australia) and zoos breed rare and endangered species as a major part of their activities, and release the progeny when possible into suitable habitat.

Financial donations

Some wildlife tourism contributes monetary donations to conservation efforts (e.g. Dream world, Gold Coast, has a display of Sumatran tigers, and money from visitor donations and from their ‘tiger walk’ goes to Sumatra to assist in-situ conservation of wild tigers.

Quality interpretation

A good wildlife guide will impart a deeper understanding of the local wildlife and its ecological needs, which may give visitors a more informed base on which to subsequently modify their behaviour (e.g. not throw out plastic bags that may be eaten by turtles) and decide what political moves to support.

Research and monitoring

Some wildlife tourism operations contribute to monitoring of wildlife numbers or general research relevant to conservation

Anti-poaching

Bringing tourists regularly into some areas may make it more difficult for poachers of large animals or those who collect smaller species for the black market