Abstract The goal with this study was to investigate the possibility for bird watching tourism in the northernmost national park in Sweden, Vadvetjåkka and to enhance the knowledge of bird species that occur in the area.  To find out which and how many species of birds that nest in Vadvetjåkka a field study in form of bird inventories and spontaneous bird watching was done in the period 1-12 / 7 2014. Line tax was chosen as a method of bird inventory. Together 43 species of birds and 248 individuals of birds were observed. The three most common bird species along the line transects were: brambling (Fringilla montifringilla), willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) and meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis). During the spontaneous bird observations 20 bird species and 65 individuals were found and the three most common species there was: redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus), chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) and hawk owl (Surnia ulula). International studies on bird tourism indicate that bird watching is a very popular nature activity. In Sweden there is no research on bird tourism, but there is a variety of nature companies that engaged in birdwatching tourism in combination with other nature activities. There are attractive and rare species found in Vadvetjåkka national park, so the potential is there to attract birdwatchers. To promote nature tourism in Vadvetjåkka national park the Swedish government has decided to make it easier for nature companies to engage in commercial activities in Vadvetjåkka. If eco-tourism companies and nature conservation authorities work together to minimize the potential negative influence of tourism on birds and nature bird tourism can contribute to a positive development in the area.

No description available.

Sections in and around Badlands National Park, Custer County, South Dakota contain a wealth of faunal and floral data within the White River Group. The Chadronian and Orellan North American Land Mammal Ages define the Eocene-Oligocene boundary here. Faunal and floral changes associated with the Chadronian-Orellan interval have long been attributed to the global Greenhouse-Icehouse climatic transition. Stable isotopes were obtained from paleosol carbonates across the Chadronian-Orellan boundary at three locations in Badlands National Park. Results show wide fluctuations of oxygen isotopes in the uppermost Chadronian and lower Orellan, while carbon isotopes remain relatively stable. The records provide an opportunity to compare the continental response to global change with a near-shore marine system response (Gulf Coastal Plain, USA); and to the world at large. Results indicate a decoupling of the terrestrial response to the Oi-1 glacial event from the marine response. Local conditions appear to play an important role in controlling the record of stable isotopes in paleosol carbonates in the region. / Geologic history of the Eocene-Oligocene -- Climate records -- Causes of climate change -- Climate change across the Eocene-Oligocene -- Current findings -- Discussion. / Department of Geology

Magistro darbe pateikti Aukštaitijos nacionaliniame parke dieninių drugių (Lepidoptera, Rhopalocera) faunos tyrimų rezultatai. Tyrimo metu aptikta 70 dieninių drugių rūšių. Aukštaitijos nacionaliniame parke 2002 metais buvo vykdomi tyrimai, užregistruotos 78 dieninių drugių rūšys (Švitra, Dapkus 2002). Tyrimų rezultatuose palyginta dieninių drugių faunos sudėtis Lietuvoje ir Aukštaitijos nacionaliniame parke. Pateikiama trumpa kiekvienos šeimos charakteristika ir apibūdintos aptiktos rūšys. Nurodoma kiekvienos rūšies skraidymo laikas ir paplitimas, taip pat aptariamas dieninių drugių pasiskirstymas įvairiose buveinėse. Šiame darbe pateikiamos retos ir į Lietuvos raudonąją knygą įrašytos dieninių drugių rūšys, aptiktos tyrimų vietovėse. Taip pat sudarytas aptiktų dieninių drugių sistematinis sąrašas. Darbe išanalizuoti Leptidea sinapis, L. reali, Melitaea aurelia ir M. britomartis morfologiniai požymiai, kurie padeda identifikuoti šias artimai giminiškas rūšis. / In this Master's thesis the fauna studies of Aukštaitijos national park’s diurnal butterflies (Lepidoptera, Rhopalocera) are submitted. During the investigation 70 species of diurnal butterflies were discovered. In year 2002 in Aukštaitijos national park there were surveys carried out and there was recorded 78 species of diurnal butterflies (Švitra, Dapkus 2002). Research results compare diurnal butterflies’ fauna’s composition in Lithuania and in Aukštaitijos national park. Also, provides a brief overview of each family characteristic, discovered species are defined and characterized. Research indicates the flight time and prevalence, as well as deals with the distribution of diurnal butterflies in different habitats. This paper provides rare and in Lithuanian Red Book included species of diurnal butterflies that were found in research areas. It is also provides the systematic list of detected diurnal butterflies. The paper analyzed Leptidea sinapis, Leptidea reali, Melitaea Aurelia and Melitaea britomartis morphological features that help to identify these closely related species.

Literature on ecotourism and sustainable tourism emphasises the responsibilities and opportunities in protecting national parks through appropriate tourism development. National parks assist in addressing the economic and social challenges facing local, and mostly small, rural communities adjacent to the national parks. Most of South Africa's national parks are situated in rural areas giving tourists access to villages and towns surrounding the park, contributing to the economic and social upliftment of local communities such as in the case with Karoo National Park (KNP). National Parks in South Africa are seen as major tourism assets due to the wildlife and various activities for international and local visitors, but little is known about the socio-economic impact (contribution) of these parks on their respective local economies and communities. This was first realised by Saayman and Saayman who developed a socio-economic impact model that can be used to do socio-economic impact studies on national parks. Tourists to national parks frequently visit local communities. These tourists then spend money on aspects such as crafts, lodging, food and entrance fees, thus enhancing the economy of the villages/towns in the area. These tourists also have a social impact which can contribute positively or negatively on the quality of life of the local community. The aim of this research is to determine the socio-economic impact of the Karoo National Park in South Africa. The research was conducted from 27 March 2007 to 1 April 2007. To achieve the goal of the research, three surveys were conducted: a community survey (240 questionnaires), a business survey in Beaufort West (86 questionnaires) and a visitor survey (104 questionnaires) of tourists visiting the Karoo National Park. The community survey included questions relating to demographic aspects, impact questions pertaining to specific park impacts in the community and personal impacts on residents. A descriptive analysis, statistical analysis and factor analysis was done to interpret the social data and to determine the most relevant social impact factors. The business survey asked questions regarding employment creation, leakages, and income changes as a result of the park. The visitor survey included questions relating to demographic aspects and expenditures. The factors influencing the economic impact of tourism were identified in the study and include the following: production factors, politics, expenditure, inflated processes, leakages and seasonality to name but a few. The results indicated that the Park has an impact on employment, production and general income in the region. Only 4% of businesses' existence is due to the Karoo National Park, yet many of these businesses rely on tourists spending. Guest houses and Bed and Breakfast establishments indicated that they benefit most from the Park. Curio shops indicated that 8.8% of their business is due to the Park, with restaurants indicating 15%. Retailers and service stations also indicated that they give 8% and 20% respectively of their turnover to the Park and tourism and recreation services estimated this contribution at 15%. The results confirm that rural areas face high leakages. However, in terms of employment creation, the fact that 98% of all workers live in the area under consideration, is an indication that the benefits of the park reach the locals. The total economic impact of the Park on the local economy is R4 187 378. The community felt that the park does have a positive to very positive effect on the quality of life of the community. The positive aspects of the Karoo National Park are the fact that the park attracts tourists and assists in conservation. The appearance and image of the town has improved due to property value increase, a significant drop in crime levels, an improvement in entertainment opportunities, an increase in interaction between locals and tourists which is perceived to be positive, an increase in social and moral values and an increase in pride among members of the community. The results show that the park has a greater social impact than an economic impact on the community of Beaufort West. The Karoo National Park impact is not as significant as that of larger National Parks such as Addo Elephant National Park due to its size. From this it is learned that the smaller the operation the lesser the socio-economic impact. This research adds to the much needed research regarding socio-economic impacts of national parks in South Africa. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Literature on ecotourism and sustainable tourism emphasises the responsibilities and opportunities in protecting national parks through appropriate tourism development. National parks assist in addressing the economic and social challenges facing local, and mostly small, rural communities adjacent to the national parks. Most of South Africa's national parks are situated in rural areas giving tourists access to villages and towns surrounding the park, contributing to the economic and social upliftment of local communities such as in the case with Karoo National Park (KNP). National Parks in South Africa are seen as major tourism assets due to the wildlife and various activities for international and local visitors, but little is known about the socio-economic impact (contribution) of these parks on their respective local economies and communities. This was first realised by Saayman and Saayman who developed a socio-economic impact model that can be used to do socio-economic impact studies on national parks. Tourists to national parks frequently visit local communities. These tourists then spend money on aspects such as crafts, lodging, food and entrance fees, thus enhancing the economy of the villages/towns in the area. These tourists also have a social impact which can contribute positively or negatively on the quality of life of the local community. The aim of this research is to determine the socio-economic impact of the Karoo National Park in South Africa. The research was conducted from 27 March 2007 to 1 April 2007. To achieve the goal of the research, three surveys were conducted: a community survey (240 questionnaires), a business survey in Beaufort West (86 questionnaires) and a visitor survey (104 questionnaires) of tourists visiting the Karoo National Park. The community survey included questions relating to demographic aspects, impact questions pertaining to specific park impacts in the community and personal impacts on residents. A descriptive analysis, statistical analysis and factor analysis was done to interpret the social data and to determine the most relevant social impact factors. The business survey asked questions regarding employment creation, leakages, and income changes as a result of the park. The visitor survey included questions relating to demographic aspects and expenditures. The factors influencing the economic impact of tourism were identified in the study and include the following: production factors, politics, expenditure, inflated processes, leakages and seasonality to name but a few. The results indicated that the Park has an impact on employment, production and general income in the region. Only 4% of businesses' existence is due to the Karoo National Park, yet many of these businesses rely on tourists spending. Guest houses and Bed and Breakfast establishments indicated that they benefit most from the Park. Curio shops indicated that 8.8% of their business is due to the Park, with restaurants indicating 15%. Retailers and service stations also indicated that they give 8% and 20% respectively of their turnover to the Park and tourism and recreation services estimated this contribution at 15%. The results confirm that rural areas face high leakages. However, in terms of employment creation, the fact that 98% of all workers live in the area under consideration, is an indication that the benefits of the park reach the locals. The total economic impact of the Park on the local economy is R4 187 378. The community felt that the park does have a positive to very positive effect on the quality of life of the community. The positive aspects of the Karoo National Park are the fact that the park attracts tourists and assists in conservation. The appearance and image of the town has improved due to property value increase, a significant drop in crime levels, an improvement in entertainment opportunities, an increase in interaction between locals and tourists which is perceived to be positive, an increase in social and moral values and an increase in pride among members of the community. The results show that the park has a greater social impact than an economic impact on the community of Beaufort West. The Karoo National Park impact is not as significant as that of larger National Parks such as Addo Elephant National Park due to its size. From this it is learned that the smaller the operation the lesser the socio-economic impact. This research adds to the much needed research regarding socio-economic impacts of national parks in South Africa. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Protected areas are increasingly becoming islands of habitat surrounded by seas of cultivation and development. Mole National Park, Ghana’s premier park, has an emerging nature-based tourism that is not large when compared to park tourism in other African countries. The park attracts many tourists seeking to observe charismatic wildlife such as elephants. However, many of the species that are attractive to tourists can create problems for adjacent communities. The overarching focus of this study was on how human-wildlife interactions impact on nature-based tourism in order to inform tourism development in Mole National Park and in nearby communities. The study was designed to address the following research questions: (1) How do human-wildlife interactions impact on nature-based tourism in Mole National Park and in nearby communities? (2) How do adjacent communities perceive the concerns and benefits of living near Mole National Park, and what factors explain the differences in perception of these concerns and benefits? and (3) How do park-adjacent communities perceive wildlife impact, and how are the perceptions of wildlife shaped by culture, involvement in a community conservation area, and a community’s distance from the park? A variety of research instruments such as key informant interviews, focus groups, field observations, and surveys were used to gather data from tourists and the diverse range of communities that surround Mole National Park. The study revealed high levels of tourist satisfaction with fundamental attractions such as wildlife and the environment. However, managerial deficiencies were noted in terms of infrastructure and services. CREMA (a variant of community-based natural resource management) influence communities to have positive attitude towards the park and tolerate wildlife because of the benefits they gain or perceive they will potentially gain. Communities closer to the park although have concerns, rated benefits higher than communities farther away from the park. Cultural valuation of animals also influence people’s interactions with wildlife. For example, taboo and totemic animals are revered and tolerated, not killed or eaten, although the same species may be considered problematic in other communities. Park ranger patrols, protecting water bodies, and livestock pens were rated as effective enhancement and mitigation measures of human-wildlife interactions. Properly developed nature-based tourism in and around PAs can serve both conservation and development outcomes. However, the success of PAs as a conservation strategy depends to some extent on the support of the nearby communities. Park-adjacent communities’ valuation of wildlife and the perception of concerns and benefits are important in the conservation process. Therefore, efforts should be made to ensure that concerns do not outweigh the benefits of living near PAs. Also tourism development in PAs should benefit nearby communities to offset the negative impacts of PAs on adjacent communities. / Graduate / 0366 / eyacquah@yahoo.com

Due to scarce natural resources and problems of governing the commons, alternative management of the commons has again emerged. The earlier known governing methods used by international and state conservation are state or private ownership. Governing the commons with local institutions was brought to attention in 2009 by Elinor Ostrom. In this case-study of governing the commons, a national park is the objective. There are many stakeholders, with a focus on the community institution. The co-management of governing the national park between the local institution, the state and the NGO is analysed to find out if sustainable governance can be achieved in Rio Limpio National Park, and if so how? The rules are set on the conditions of the state about the regulations of the national park, although its protection is legitimized by the activities of the local institution. The regulation that prohibits the use of the natural resources within the park is enforced in a situation -where poor people are directly dependant on the natural resources and have few employment alternatives. This creates conflicts between the state, the NGO and the community of the environmental policies. The study has shown that increased benefits of the community, as with social protection and local participation in decision making, will lead to more successful nature resource management as well as sustainable development.

Point Pelee National Park in Ontario, Canada has been affected by a long history of human activity. This activity has encouraged the establishment of approximately 276 exotic invasive plant species. These plants decrease biodiversity and effective function of ecosystems within the Park. A 5 Year Exotic Plant Species Management Plan for the Park was written in 1990. Since that time inventories have been done on some of the species but a monitoring of all the high priority exotic invasive plants has not. As part of this study an inventory of the high priority exotic invasive plants and their spatial extent in the Park, was created. From May to September, 2011 a comprehensive inventory took place within a 5.5km stretch in the terrestrial area at the southern end of the Park. Systematic belt transects were performed, on foot, from west to east at 100 m intervals. Within the quadrats percent cover of each plant species was determined. The data collected in the field were compiled using geographic information systems (GIS), resulting in maps of the extent of the most abundant species studied. Analysis as part of this study included using the data to determine which plants and areas are higher priorities for management within the Park. Quadrats were analysed for diversity using the Simpson Index and, since the data was non-parametric, comparisons were made across diversity and native richness using the Kruskal Wallis test. Alliaria officinalis is the only non-native species that is widespread within the study area. Other non-native species with a high potential for invasiveness were observed but only consisted of a few individuals along roads and paths. Some non-native species were present along or near roads and paths in denser patches (17-100% plot coverage). Recommendations include removal of some non-native species deemed to be a potential threat to native richness and diversity, followed by re-vegetation with native species, and continued monitoring. Future restoration efforts are best directed at the area around DeLaurier, along west beach and at the Tip. These areas have the lowest diversity and native richness and therefore need the most improvement.

Typescript. / Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1973. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 86-91). / viii, 91 leaves ill., map, tables ; 28 cm