The importance of vegetation density for tourists' wildlife viewing experience and satisfaction in African savannah ecosystems.

ABSTRACT: Southern African protected areas (PAs) harbour a great diversity of animals, which represent a large potential for wildlife tourism. In this region, global change is expected to result in vegetation changes, such as bush encroachment and increases in vegetation density. However, little is known on the influence of vegetation structure on wildlife tourists' wildlife viewing experience and satisfaction. In this study, we collected data on vegetation structure and perceived mammal densities along 196 road transects (each 5 km long) and conducted a social survey with 651 questionnaires across four PAs in three Southern African countries. Our objectives were 1) to assess visitors' attitude towards vegetation, 2) to test the influence of perceived mammal density and vegetation structure on the e

SUBMITTER: Arbieu U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5619831 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature