The contribution of wildlife tourism to tiger conservation (Panthera tigris tigris)

Wildlife tourism (WLT) in Nepal flourished after the establishment of Chitwan National Park (CNP) in 1973. Each year CNP receives a large number of international tourists wanting to observe a Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). As tiger numbers are relatively high within CNP, our study was aimed at assessing the impact of WLT on tiger conservation. A total of 151 locals, tourists, tourism operators, park officials and wildlife experts were interviewed. We used the wildlife tourism research framework model developed by Higginbottom and Tribe and found that WLT is the main source of revenue and employment for the local people around CNP. In addition to the economic benefits and financial security gained by the local community, these employment opportunities also provided motivation for them to participate in conservation activities, ultimately helping tiger conservation. Similarly, the WLT in CNP plays a significant role in conserving tigers. © 2017 Biodiversity Conservancy International