Illegal hunting and protected areas: Tourist perceptions on wild animal poisoning in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Tourists visiting protected areas for leisure often have perceptions based on pre-conceived knowledge and awareness about wildlife conservation obtained through various media. However, these perceptions are rarely tapped into for management and policy reviews. To understand tourists' perceptions on conservation, we surveyed 76 tourists in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, using a questionnaire administered through convenience sampling. Our results showed significant differences (c 2 ¼ 11.8; df ¼ 1; P ¼ 0.001) between tourists who acknowledged awareness (69.7%, n ¼ 53) of the use of chemical poisoning to kill wild animals prior to their visit and those who were unaware (30.3%, n ¼ 23). We conclude that some tourists are concerned about the state of wildlife conservation at their destinations of choice. We recommend the consideration of tourists concerns in conservation policies and strategies