Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
Summer 2016
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Cultural and Environmental Resource Management
Committee Chair
Dominic Klyve
Second Committee Member
Kenneth Cohen
Third Committee Member
Robert Perkins
Abstract
This research examines the perceived quality of experience for safari tourists in relation to wildlife viewing proximities and the potential of educational interventions as a management strategy to mitigate adverse impacts of safari participant crowding. Crowding emanates from the safari tourist preferences to obtain close proximity to animals, particularly large mammals. Recognizing these preferences and associated impacts to animal behavior defined in previous research, we develop and deliver a survey instrument designed to measure the perceived quality of experience of the safari tourist while controlling for the viewing proximity variable. The survey instrument involves responding to stock photos selected to represent the safari-tour experience, using a Likert type rating scale. Using a “pre-treatment” and “post treatment” protocol, we share an educational management intervention that correlates the impact of intervention on safari participants’ perceptions of the quality of safari experience based on proximity to animals.
Recommended Citation
Tarver, Ryan Devine, "Sustainable Safari Practices: Proximity to Wildlife, Educational Intervention and the Quality of Experience" (2016). All Master's Theses. 483.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/483
Language
English
Included in
African Studies Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Nature and Society Relations Commons, Place and Environment Commons, Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration Commons, Tourism Commons