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aos, with its wild rugged lanscapes, reticulated rivers, and huge but diminishing number of tree species, is home to animals, birds and reptiles you may have never heard of. Many species are yet to be discovered.
Into the
Wild
Doing It Right. The Experts' Guide to Responsible Wildlife Tourism By Melody Kemp 58
Development has dragged a doubleedged sword through the landscape, allowing scientist access to previously inaccessible areas, along with hunters. Still, there is plenty see, both big and small. Wildlife tourism acts as a disincentive to poachers. After all, who wants to be caught with a rare deer in their sights by a group of energetic travellers? But when you think about wildlife tourism, what comes to mind? A selfie with an elephant? A brag shot for Facebook? A chance to see creatures performing circus-type antics? An adrenaline-pumping zipline trip that may reveal a primate? Perhaps, sadly, a ‘last chance to see’ experience? Or is it to close the gap that is widening between us and them via the Anthropocene, the current age that puts humans above everything else, including the environment that supports us?
Laos offers some great and hopeful opportunities to interact with animals to be up close and personal with elephants, for instance, and maybe even to volunteer by feeding traumatised bears and other rescued animals I spoke to several wildlife specialists about things that travellers should keep in mind. Here are the words of the experts. They apply anywhere in the world. · Travellers may be tempted to purchase animals like birds or primates in order to free them. Yes, it seems like a good idea, but it’s not. It sends a message that trapping animals makes money. · The wildlife trade is about wealth, not poverty. To the poor, your ethical behaviour is a model that not all rich people (because no matter how poor you might feel, you have enough to travel) want to souvenir wildlife. Bush meat has become fashionable amongst the rich. If you see animals on sale in food markets, take a picture, note the date and location, and send it to one of the conservation groups active the region.
