Research
Examining our Recreational Use of Wildlife
People acting individually as consumers (of products or experiences) can have profound impacts on the environment. Our research examines the consequences of the consumption of wildlife tourism experiences and the purchase of exotic pets, and the attitudes of the consumers involved. Our goal is to develop methods to influence consumers’ behaviour in order to create “green markets”, in which consumers’ underlying values align correctly with their purchase decisions – which currently is not the case.
Exotic pet buyers and wildlife tourists typically value good animal welfare and positive conservation outcomes, but their actions often support enterprises that have negative impacts. Providing consumers with the necessary resources to allow them to make choices that represent their underlying values should create a green market in which revenue is preferentially channelled to beneficial enterprises, and away from unsustainable uses of wildlife.
Exotic pets and reducing demand
Wildlife tourism
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© Neil D'Cruze -
© Neil D'Cruze