World over, the ill effects of climate change are being monitored and debated. At the same time, public interest in the environment and conservation efforts is growing. More than eighty five percent of the citizens of the industrialized world believe that the environment is the most important public issue (Carson and Moulden 1991). Consequently, there has been a growing demand for holidays which offer a “real” experience, particularly the chance to encounter wildlife in its natural domain.

Principally, wildlife tourism revolves around people visiting areas deep inside the forests in order to see and gain a better understanding of a wide variety of species in a manner that is environmentally responsible. Ideally, the benefits of this approach should include

• Fewer disturbance to wildlife and its habitats
• Some element of education
• Increased appreciation of nature and
• Emphasizing on the importance of conservation issues in the minds of the tourists

In addition, wildlife tourism should also seek to maximize the benefits to local communities while avoiding many of the problems (e.g. from disturbance to wildlife pollution) that often accrue to these communities under mass tourism. In recent times, in link into the wildlife havens are strictly monitored by the forest department to ensure that the wildlife tourism option is sustainable.

There are a wide variety of activities that come under the banner of wildlife tourism. Whether it be whale-watching cruises in New Zealand, bird-watching package holidays in Britain or “eco-safaris” in the developing world, it is clear that this concept is gaining global popularity. It is now estimated to generate $30 billion worldwide in revenues each year (Lindberg, 1991). The World Travel and Tourism Council recently concluded that “quality tourism products of which the environment is an essential component will certainly increase its market share.” (World Travel and Tourism Council, 1993)