Conceptual Study of the Behavioural Changes of Mamalian Fauna Due to Ecotourism at Ecopark Hamirgarh, Bhilwara

Ecotourism has great potential for negatively impacting animals as tourists seek out rare and spectacular species. Ecotourism-induced stresses on animals may result in changes in population densities, species composition, and community structure. This Ecopark is visited extensively by tourists. Potential impacts of tourism in Ecopark were evaluated by comparing the population densities of select species of mammals with and without tourist traffic (Elizabeth Boo,1990). Densities and behavioral changes were estimated using visual line transects, distance sampling methods and water-hole method. Trends show the impact of ecotourism is species specific, with some species increasing in density, some decreasing, and others unaffected. An evaluation of the limitations and assumptions of the methods used provides a framework for consideration of the results (Ceballos-Lascurain, Hector.,1993). Given the potential negative impact of tourists on animals, national parks should develop management strategies to minimize these impacts, such as concentrating tourists in already disturbed areas.