Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 60-64).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stevens Point, 2008. / Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree Master of Science in Natural Resources (Environmental Education and Interpretation), College of Natural Resources. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 49-50).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2005. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 259-277).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Delaware, 2009. / Principal faculty advisor: George R. Parsons, College of Earth, Ocean, & Environment. Includes bibliographical references.

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

No description available.

This report presents the fmdings of an exploratory study into the perceived benefits and subjective experiences of Local Bird Guides along the Zululand Birding Route, an avitourism project, sponsored by Rio-Tinto, managed by BirdLife South Africa (BLSA), one of the largest conservation Non-Governmental Organisations in South Africa. The report explores the impact development and empowerment, through training, offered by BLSA as part of a conservation initiative, has had on the every day lives of Local Bird Guides. The fmdings are based on research generated by conducting qualitative, semistructured interviews with eight Local Bird Guides operating along the Zululand Birding Route. Recorded interviews were transcribed, and analysed using theory led thematic analysis. The results of the study provide insight into the perceived benefits and expectations of participants, their experiences, perceptions, expectations and disappointments in respect of the project. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007.

Despite rapid growth of avitourism globally, the international market potential of avitourism in South Africa, which has remarkable birdlife, is not fully utilised. This research aimed to profile international avitourists by investigating their behavioural involvement, motivations, preferences, agreement to ecotourism principles, and awareness of avitourism in South Africa. Primary data were gathered by distributing questionnaires at the British Birdwatching Fair and Dutch Vogelfestival. Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were applied. The results indicated that avitourists differ in terms of behavioural involvement, motivation and preferences for each fair and birder type (casual, active or committed), but agreed on ecotourism principles. A second-order CFA model for avitourist motivation revealed three new constructs – wellbeing, intellectual activity and engagement. Respondents indicated relatively low awareness but high interest in visiting South Africa as a birding destination. The results support the South African avitourism industry potential in product development and destination marketing. / Transport, Logistics & Tourism / M.Com. (Tourism Management)

In order to set guidelines that promote responsible wildlife viewing, I quantified the effects of boat-based disturbance to seabirds off Vancouver Island. Field trials recorded the approach distance at which roosting and nesting birds responded to either a motor boat or a kayak. Probability of agitation response was used to evaluate disturbance. At a distance of 40 m nesting Double-crested Cormorants, Pelagic Cormorants, Glaucous-winged Gulls, Pigeon Guillemots and Black Oystercatchers had less than an 8% chance of being agitated with either a kayak or motorboat approach. Roosting birds had longer response distances. Harlequin Ducks were particularly sensitive with a 25% probability of agitation at distances less than 50 m. Agitation distances were reduced by habituation to boat traffic. A set-back guideline of 50 m would protect most nest and roost sites in the study area while allowing viewers to appreciate seabirds. Some sensitive sites would require 70 m set-backs.

Despite rapid growth of avitourism globally, the international market potential of avitourism in South Africa, which has remarkable birdlife, is not fully utilised. This research aimed to profile international avitourists by investigating their behavioural involvement, motivations, preferences, agreement to ecotourism principles, and awareness of avitourism in South Africa. Primary data were gathered by distributing questionnaires at the British Birdwatching Fair and Dutch Vogelfestival. Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were applied. The results indicated that avitourists differ in terms of behavioural involvement, motivation and preferences for each fair and birder type (casual, active or committed), but agreed on ecotourism principles. A second-order CFA model for avitourist motivation revealed three new constructs – wellbeing, intellectual activity and engagement. Respondents indicated relatively low awareness but high interest in visiting South Africa as a birding destination. The results support the South African avitourism industry potential in product development and destination marketing. / Transport, Logistics and Tourism / M.Com. (Tourism Management)