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By Darryl N. Jones and Ralf Buckley
WILDLIFE TOURISM RESEARCH REPORT SERIES: NO. 10
Status Assessment of Wildlife Tourism in Australia Series
BIRDWATCHING TOURISM IN AUSTRALIA
RESEARCH REPORT SERIES
The primary aim of CRC Tourism's research report series is technology transfer. The
reports are targeted toward both industry and government users and tourism
researchers. The content of this technical report series primarily focuses on
applications, but may also advance research methodology and tourism theory. The
report series titles relate to CRC Tourism's research program areas. All research
reports are peer reviewed by at least two external reviewers. For further information
on the report series, access the CRC website [www.crctourism.com.au].
Wildlife Tourism Report Series, Editor: Dr Karen Higginbottom
This series presents research findings from projects within the Wildlife Tourism
Subprogram of the CRC. The subprogram aims to provide strategic knowledge to
facilitate the sustainable development of wildlife tourism in Australia.
Status Assessment of Australian Wildlife Tourism, Editorial Team: Dr
Karen Higginbottom, Ms Kelley Rann, A/Prof Derrin Davis
This report is one in a series comprising a status assessment of wildlife tourism in
Australia. It comprises the initial stages of research undertaken by the Wildlife
Tourism Subprogram of the CRC. Reports in this series cover various disciplinary
perspectives (visitors, economics, hosts, wildlife management) as well as various
subsectors (such as zoos, bird watching and hunting). Together, the reports
identify the current status and key issues facing Australian wildlife tourism, and
make recommendations to enhance its sustainability.
National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
Jones, Darryl N. (Darryl Noel)
Birdwatching tourism in Australia
Bibliography.
ISBN 1 876685 61 1
1. Ecotourism - Australia. 2. Birdwatching - Australia. I. Buckley, Ralf. II. Title. (Series : Wildlife
tourism research report (Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism) ; no.10).
598.0994
© 2001 Copyright CRC for Sustainable Tourism Pty Ltd
All rights reserved. No parts of this report may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted in any form or by means of electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. Any enquiries
should be directed to CRC for Sustainable Tourism [info@crctourism.com.au].
i
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Birdwatching is a major component of wildlife tourism and is one of the
most rapidly growing pastimes in the Western world. Significant
numbers of inbound tourists visiting Australia do so in part or primarily
to watch birds. Although the economic, recreational and social
significance of birdwatching has been recognised elsewhere, virtually
nothing is known about this form of recreation or its importance within
tourism in Australia. This review attempts to provide an initial
description of the characteristics of birdwatching tourism in Australia
and to discern its main constraints and challenges.
Birdwatching tourists tend to be well educated and many are relatively
affluent. Those visiting Australia are often highly motivated and well
prepared. They tend to be either: singles or small groups travelling in
and acting almost completely independently; or are limited by time or
local knowledge and therefore more likely to join a tour. We discerned
four categories (based on motivation and willingness to pay): General
birdwatchers (mainly casual); Specialist birdwatchers with restricted
budgets; Specialist birdwatchers willing to pay to see more birds; and
Specialist birdwatchers requiring packaged birding. The specialists may
visit a large number of locations but by far the largest numbers are
concentrated in North and Far North Queensland.
At present, we do not know the dimensions of the economic impact of
birdwatching tourism; this is a major research priority. However, as the
birding industry grows worldwide, increasing numbers of tourists
seeking to access our many endemic species are likely to arrive in
Australia. The major constraints to the growth of the industry here are:
access to many locations and a lack of accommodation is such places;
the relatively large travelling distances necessary; the climatic
discomforts of heat and humidity; and the paucity of specialised guides
and tours for large areas of the country.
Birdwatching tourism is, in many ways, distinct to other forms of
nature-based tourism. Operators need to be aware of these
characteristics and will need to use the information networks already
used by the birdwatching community for marketing and promotion.
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................1
2. METHODS ................................................................................ 3
3. THE ACTIVITY: BIRDWATCHING TOURISM IN AUSTRALIA ...4
4. THE VISITORS: WHAT ARE BIRDWATCHERS LIKE?................6
4.1 Sources of Knowledge.....................................................12
4.2 Birdwatchers Expectations...............................................13
5. THE WILDLIFE AND ITS HABITAT ..........................................15
5.1 Birdwatching Locations ...................................................17
5.1.1 The main locations...............................................17
5.1.2 Secondary locations.............................................18
5.1.3 Bird observatories ................................................19
5.1.4 Pelagic birding trips .............................................20
5.1.5 Other locations....................................................20
5.1.6 Birding lodges......................................................20
6. THE HOST POPULATION ........................................................21
7. OBSTACLES TO DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY......23
7.1 Accommodation..............................................................23
7.2 Travelling Distances..........................................................23
7.3 Climate ...........................................................................24
7.4 Guides and Products .......................................................25
7.5 Ignorance of the Benefits of Birding................................25
7.6 Information .....................................................................26
7.7 Birdwatching Tourism: Effects and Conservation.............27
8. OPPORTUNITIES......................................................................29
8.1 Promotion .......................................................................29
8.2 Events ...........................................................................29
8.3 Cooperative Ventures......................................................29
8.4 New Locations.................................................................30
8.5 Conservation Initiatives....................................................30
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
9. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION......................................31
9.1 Development of Code of Conduct ..................................31
9.2 Establish Links for the Exchange of Information
and Views Among Operators and Guides .......................31
9.3 Discuss Bureaucratic Constraints With Relevant
Governments ......................................................................31
10. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RESEARCH .................................32
10.1 The Economics of Birdwatching........................................32
10.2 Assessment of the Positive and Negative
Effects of Birdwatching....................................................32
10.3 Appraisal of Constraints to Development of
Birdwatching in Remote Areas ........................................32
REFERENCES...................................................................................33
AUTHORS.......................................................................................36
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS..................................................................37
iii
1
This report is one in a series that, in combination, comprise an initial
assessment of the status of wildlife tourism in Australia. The focus of
this report is on the characteristics of birdwatching tourism.
Birdwatching is an extremely significant component within nature-
based recreation. In the USA, ‘birding’, as it is now known, is one of
the fastest growing pastimes (Adams et al. 1997); about 20-35% of
respondents to a large survey of recreation activities state that they
regularly watch birds, while the main birding association recently
doubled its membership in a single year (Adams et al. 1997). In
Australia, there appears to have been a similar growth in interest and
participation in birdwatching. Although studies are yet to be
completed here, key economic indicators (such as the sales of
specialist field guides and top-range binoculars, and the proliferation
of companies offering ‘birding’ tourism products) provide clear
evidence of considerable growth in birdwatching throughout the
1990s (D. Jones unpublished data, Kelly 1987, McFarlane 1994). This
reflects trends evident throughout the Western world; middle class,
urbanised, predominantly European people, are increasingly
becoming involved in birdwatching. The reasons for this are still being
discussed (see Pasquier 1980, Goodwin 1991, Wheatley 1998) but
the following features appear to be important in Australia:
• the low technical requirements and training necessary, at least at
entry level (ownership and use of binoculars being the only
essentials)
• the ubiquity of bird life in almost all environments (but especially
in natural and scenic locations)
• the relative ease of detection and identification (compared to, for
example, nocturnal mammals)
• a large ‘collector’s addiction’ component: different locations have
different birds (thereby encouraging travel to enhance a
participant’s ‘list’)
• the manifestation of a generic interest in conservation issues
• the intrinsic beauty and fascinating activities of the birds
themselves.
The growth of this activity as a recreational pursuit has been
accompanied by a related growth in a birdwatching tourism industry.
1. INTRODUCTION
In Australia, as in many countries, the number of businesses providing
specialist birdwatching or conspicuously including such activities
within their itineraries has increased significantly this decade. Reliable
estimations of the economic significance of this industry in Australia
do not yet exist although numerous informants within the industry
(e.g. R. Sonnenburg, K.D. Bishop) estimate that the industry is
currently worth ‘many millions’ despite being in its infancy. Like many
other aspects of this component of wildlife tourism (WT), however,
such statements remain unverified. Indeed, planning for future
development and marketing of this important sector is currently
seriously impeded by a lack of reliable and applicable information.
Birdwatching tourism in Australia appears currently to be in a ‘growth
phase’ with numerous small operators emerging in most large cities
and large international birding companies including Australia in their
packages or even setting up offices in this country (K.D. Bishop, pers.
comm.). Obtaining detailed information about the scale and
economic aspects of these activities is, however, extremely difficult.
Suspicion of government regulators, a reluctance to divulge
information regarded as sensitive and, in such cases, extreme
‘territoriality’ among operators, all seem to be widespread within the
industry. On the other hand, there is also a general appreciation that
industry-wide planning and marketing have largely been absent and
that this has constrained growth in the sector. Therefore, an
assessment of the status of the birdwatching industry in Australia is
both necessary and timely.
The general objective of this review is to provide information and
insights about the birdwatching industry in Australia that are relevant
and appropriate to the industry itself. Three main aspects will be
addressed:
1. Characteristics: What are the defining features of the industry in
Australia in terms of the activities, the visitors and the wildlife?
2. Obstacles to development and sustainability: What are the
main obstacles to growth and sustainability of birdwatching
tourism in Australia?
3. Opportunities: How might these constraints be addressed? What
might the future hold for the industry?
2
3
The objective of this review is primarily one of description and the
identification of key aspects associated with the three areas listed
previously. Although much of the information detailed has been
derived from primary sources and many of the findings have not been
presented before, this review should not be regarded as being the
end-product of fundamental research. Rather, the review is best seen
as being descriptive of one specific segment of Australia’s wildlife
tourism industry.
The information presented here is based on material collected
through face-to-face interviews and email questionnaires with
birdwatching tour operators and their clients, as well as independent
birdwatchers from throughout Australia. In addition, extended email
exchanges were conducted with numerous international operators
and clients. A total of 8 detailed interviews were conducted and 53
useable questionnaire replies were obtained.
2. METHODS
4
Among the millions of tourists visiting Australia each year are large
numbers who regard the opportunity to birdwatch as either being an
enhancement to their experience or as a major reason for their visit to
this country. Among all visitors to North Queensland, for instance,
about 20% had engaged in birdwatching (Moscardo 1997). Similarly,
large numbers of Australian residents undertake internal travel in
which watching birds is a primary objective.
The activities associated with birdwatching tourism will, at a basic
level, consist of the following:
a. Travel. While birdwatching can occur virtually anywhere,
birdwatching tourism typically involves travelling away from home
to a birdwatching destination. This destination may be a particular
location such as a well-known, bird-rich site (e.g. Cairns
Esplanade, Lamington National Park or Kangaroo Island) or a
specific habitat type (such as an area of wetland, rainforest or
mudflat).
b. Detection. Apart from special situations such as those involving
captive animals or where free-ranging birds are attracted to
viewing sites (e.g. Currumbin Bird Sanctuary), most birdwatching
tourism requires the detection of species living wild in their natural
environments. Particularly valued sites are those where large
numbers of species or particular species may be detected easily
and predicably.
c. Identification. A primary skill of any birdwatcher is the identification
of species. This activity clearly distinguishes a birdwatcher from a
more general ‘nature-lover’ – applying a specific name to a bird
detected in its natural habitat is possibly the most important
component of the experience. Thus, situations where all or most
participants cannot view the birds adequately to allow reliable
identification will often be regarded as unsatisfactory. (However, in
some circumstances, simply hearing a specific species’ call may be
acceptable, especially if the species is exceptionally elusive or sensitive
to disturbance). Moreover, having all of the species publicly identified
by a guide will also be viewed unfavourably.
3. THE ACTIVITY: BIRDWATCHING TOURISM IN AUSTRALIA
d. Observation. For certain birdwatchers (the so-called ‘twitchers’ or
‘fanatics’), detection and identification are entirely sufficient; once
all possible species have been ‘ticked’, it is time to move on to the
next location. For others, however, these activities are preferably
followed by more prolonged observation of the birds. This may
involve careful stalking, attempting to locate nests or display areas,
and detailed note-taking. Other, more focused activities may
include photography, audio recording and even art work, although
such activities are relatively rare among most birdwatching groups.
5
6
Unfortunately, birdwatching and birdwatchers have traditionally been
burdened with a particular stereotypical set of features (such as that
of young single males with a tendency to be travelling alone). Recent
studies, however, indicate a much more complex picture. For example,
birdwatchers are now equally likely to be of either sex in both the USA
and North Queensland (NQ) (Adams et al. 1997, QTTC 1998). They
are also likely to be somewhat older: the average age in the USA was
56 while people older than 40 years dominated the NQ sample.
Many studies have confirmed that birdwatchers are a well educated
and affluent market. Almost 75% of USA and 40% of Australian
birdwatchers had achieved degree level education or greater, and
more than a third were in the highest income category ($60,000+)
(Kellert 1985, McFarlane 1994, QTTC 1998).
The tourism literature has made much of the apparent polarity
between two distinctive groups: generalists, who in the case of
birdwatchers, are people mainly interested in birds as one part of the
natural environment, and specialists (often called fanatics, or
‘twitchers’) are highly motivated to see larger numbers of new species
and to search for specific ‘high-value’ species in specific locations
(Boxall and McFarlane 1993, QTTC 1998). As with many such
convenient dichotomies, however, the reality is far more complicated.
Nonetheless, clear groupings are evident among birdwatching
tourists. Despite the complexity, however, it is crucial that the industry
understands the motivations, needs and expectations of these
groupings.
With the recognition of the growing significance of birdwatching as
an economic, recreational and social force in American society (see
Kellert 1985, Appelgate and Clark 1987, Burger et al. 1995),
considerable effort has been expended to discern the characteristics
and motivations of birdwatchers. Decker et al. (1987) proposed that
people involved in wildlife-related recreation were not motivated by
specific, single aspects but by a combination of three main features:
4. THE VISITORS: WHAT ARE BIRDWATCHERS LIKE?
1. Affiliation, where participation was based on the enjoyment of
being with like-minded companions;
2. Achievement, where competition or performance were key
motivations; and
3. Appreciation, where participants sought stress reduction, a sense
of peace, belonging and familiarity through their involvement.
These three goals have been clearly identified among birdwatchers
and have recently been assessed with respect to level of specialisation
– casual, novice, intermediate and advanced (McFarlane 1994).
McFarlane (1994) found that, while most birdwatchers maintained
each of these motivations, the importance of each differed with
respect to level of specialisation. The more advanced were oriented
toward achievement while the less specialised were more motivated
by appreciation. In addition, McFarlane (1994) discerned an additional
motivation of considerable significance to birdwatchers:
4. Conservation.
Interestingly, this goal was much more prevalent among the less
specialised; advanced birdwatchers had the lowest conservation
orientation of any level, a finding of direct relevance to this subject (see
Wilkes 1977, and 7.7 Birdwatching Tourism: Effects and Conservation).
Another important finding of the McFarlane study was that for
birdwatchers at all levels of specialisation, affiliation – participation
based principally on social goals – was not a primary motivation. This
is one of the important distinctions between birdwatching and other
forms of wildlife-related recreation; although individual participants
tend to re-orientate their motivations from achievement to
appreciation as they become specialised, affiliation remains a major
influence among non-birdwatchers (Bryan 1979, Decker and Connelly
1989, McFarlane 1996).
In a more recent study, McFarlane and Boxall (1996) related the four
levels of specialisation among birdwatchers with a strong correlation
between level and tourism activities undertaken. For example, the
most advanced (comprising mainly the specialists) undertook
7
birdwatching trips every year and these were further and more
expensive than birdwatchers of lower levels.
The study also drew an important distinction between birdwatching
as a pastime or hobby and birdwatching tourism. Because of the
features that attract many to become involved in birding (e.g.
inexpensive, low skill requirements, ubiquity and ease of identification
of birds; see above), the economic activities of people may be very
different when pursuing their interests locally compared to when they
travel. This seems to be a key aspect of birdwatching tourism (see also
Davis et al. 2001).
In a recent investigation of visitors to North-Far North Queensland,
Moscardo (1997) found that birdwatchers were more likely than non-
birdwatchers to be international visitors and to be travelling as part of
an organised group or club. She also discerned that the following
motivations were significantly more important for birdwatchers
compared to non-birdwatchers:
• Being close to nature,
• Seeing marine life, and
• Using the experience as a learning experience.
Birdwatchers were less likely to value their travelling experience in
terms of: ‘a chance to relax’; ‘indulging in luxury’; or ‘being entertained
or simply having fun’ (Moscardo 1997).
From the birdwatching industry’s perspective, birdwatching tourists in
Australia tend to be either:
a. Independent travellers seeking unguided encounters. These
tourists typically travel entirely independently, using their own
transport or the existing travel infrastructure. The economic
significance of this group will depend upon the geographical scale
of their travel plans and their preferred standard of
accommodation (see below); they are, however, likely to be
numerically the largest category of birdwatchers. The more
motivated within this group tend to be extremely self-motivated
8
and well prepared, having used the extensive birding networks
and contacts to prepare an extensive itinerary. They tend to
operate entirely outside the industry except when they are
constrained by time and may join a specific tour.
b. Birdwatching tourists requiring some assistance. These
include both domestic and international birdwatchers whose
travel expectations revolve largely or entirely around birding.
Although they may often be very well prepared, with an intimate
knowledge of the birds they seek, they do not have the time or
ability to organise transport or accommodation in the numerous
locations they wish to visit. These people are, therefore, reliant on
companies and operators who are able to provide these services.
Here we propose four categories of birdwatching tourist that may be
useful in terms of understanding levels of involvement with the
industry. This categorisation is based on level of specialisation,
motivation and logistical constraints (mainly, time limitations). In
terms of the generalist/specialists dichotomy, the first category (the
‘generalist birdwatcher’) includes all casual/generalist birdwatchers
while the other three categories are all specialist types with the further
distinction being based on their willingness to pay for particular
services. It should be emphasised also that categorisation is based on
a person’s general behaviour during a tourism activity; it is not a
characteristic of a person.
1. General birdwatchers. These are casual or low-motivation
birdwatchers who are likely to be equally interested in pursuing
other forms of nature tourism and outdoor recreation while on
holidays. Such people are equally likely to visit a cultural site, take
a group tour of a reserve or whale watching trip, or visit a zoo or
bird park. Birds may be a particular interest but are not the sole or
primary source of satisfaction. Tourists within this category are
unlikely to participate in a specialist birdwatching trip but would
be among the keenest participants in a group WT experience.
General birdwatchers typically travel in family parties and their
private bird aspirations may have been subsumed into more
family-orientated objectives. Thus, given an opportunity to travel
alone or with like-minded birders, people normally acting as
generalists may move into one of the more specialist categories.
9
‘Generalists’ are always likely to be the most numerous tourists
involved in birdwatching, typically participating in a variety of activities
where birds may be a highlight or bonus. They are less likely, however,
to undertake expensive birding trips, engage birding guides or
undertake independent trips in search of key bird species.
2. Specialist birdwatchers with restricted budgets. This category,
the first of the specialist groupings, includes moderately to highly
motivated birdwatchers who are seriously constrained in their
activities by financial resources. Such people are often young
singles or couples, travelling alone and independently. Like all
specialist birdwatchers, people in this category will have made
extensive use of the many information resources available (see 4.1
Sources of Knowledge) in order to research their itinerary and
birding objectives. Such people often exhibit remarkable skills at
being able to stretch their limited budgets and are frequently part
of extensive networks of like-minded birders exchanging ideas and
suggestions about how to see the more interesting/most birds for
the least expense.
By definition, the activities of people in this category will be limited by
budget considerations. Therefore, although they may hire a car and
stay at hotels, these will tend to be at the cheapest available and
limited in duration. They are unlikely to use specialist guides or stay at
‘eco-resorts’ though they may spend limited time at specialised bird
lodges (see 4. Specialist birdwatchers requiring packaged birding).
Nonetheless, being avid birders, people in this category will often
forego comforts and withstand some hardship (such as those
associated with long trips and low-standard accommodation) in order
to achieve their birding goals. These tourists are, therefore, unlikely to
spend large amounts on specialist birding products unless they
provide a particularly valuable outcome. Most birding guides and
tours will simply be beyond their purse.
Nonetheless, being committed to the quality of their birdwatching
experience (rather than ‘peripheral’ concerns such as high
accommodation or travel standards) and with less time constraints,
these tourists (like many ‘backpacker’ tourists, with whom they share
many characteristics) are likely to make a remarkably large overall
10
economic contribution than other more affluent travellers (see Davis
et al. 2001).
3. Specialist birdwatchers willing to pay to see more birds.
The defining characteristics of this category are time-efficient birding
but without the financial constraints of the previous category. While
almost all tourists (except, perhaps, some backpackers) usually have
serious time constraints, people in this category seek to minimise all
non-essential non-birding time. These birdwatchers may often have
larger disposable incomes but some will also be less well-off but
determined to maximise their experience in the time available. Thus,
people in this category tend to be willing to pay a reasonable price
for a specific birding objective and therefore may, in some cases, be
willing to substitute some comforts for more birds. However, these
will probably be in the minority; more likely, this category will include
a majority of people expecting certain standards of accommodation
and travel (although their motivation to see certain birds may allow
some compromises).
People in this category are the most likely to seek out and hire
specialist guides in certain well-known birding locations and to join
birding tour groups where the focus of the product is clearly on
efficient birding. They will typically be extremely well prepared and
will make decisions about products and operators based on
considerable research, both formal and informal. They are likely to be
less critical of the non-birding aspects of their experience provided the
birding met their expectations.
4. Specialist birdwatchers requiring packaged birding. This
category tends to include both the well-off as well as the
‘insecure’: those birdwatchers seeking a very efficient birding
experience through the guidance of well trained and specialised
guides. Normally, participants in this category would also expect
high standards of accommodation and travel comforts, as well as
reasonably personalised treatment.
The main product sought by people in this category is a carefully planned
and executed birding package, specifically emphasising the quality of
both the birding and the accommodation and associated aspects.
11
“We are avid birdwatchers who want to get the largest number of
birds for any reasonable price. We may be relatively poor but we
know what is important in life!”
US birdwatcher
The categorisation provided here suggests that birdwatching
operators should mainly be targeting the various levels of
specialisation among this client base. The more casual or generalist
birdwatchers are likely to seek more generic, less-specialised tourist
experiences. In contrast, all specialist birdwatching tourists may be
expected to seek products providing the most efficient (i.e. more birds
per dollar) experience. Most of the people regarded as specialists will
be well prepared and have fairly high expectations of the numbers
and type of species they are expecting for particular locations. Many
will also expect certain standards of accommodation and travel,
although there will be some quite willing to compromise certain
comforts for the chance of seeing particularly ‘valued’ species.
Operators should be keenly aware of the willingness of some
birdwatchers of apparently moderate means to pay reasonable
amounts provided there is a good chance of seeing certain birds.
Honestly promoting a ‘more birds per dollar’ product is likely to be
extremely attractive to many category 3 birdwatchers. On the other
hand, word-of-mouth information exchange is now so efficient that
advertising hyperbole is likely to be rapidly exposed within birding
networks.
4.1 Sources of Knowledge
The QTTC (1998) study found that birdwatchers were more likely to
research their travels in great detail during the planning of the trip
compared to other categories of tourist. Information was obtained from
a variety of sources but these had to be regarded as reliable. In
particular, the word-of-mouth advices of knowledgeable friends, as well
as the use of established networks of other birdwatchers, were primary
sources of information (see 7.6 Information, for further discussion).
Moscardo (1997) identified a clear curiosity or learning motivation
among birdwatching tourists compared to non-birdwatchers. Her
study indicated that birdwatchers sought and used interpretive
12
materials and often had extensive experience of such material from
many different countries. As a result, it is very likely that their
expectation of the quality of any interpretive material will be high.
Thus any such material provided by operators should be both high
quality and informative. Therefore, we may assume that birders, as a
self-motivated, well-prepared clientele with a keen interest in their
pastime, will expect high standards of both presentation and content.
4.2 Birdwatchers Expectations
This question inevitably includes various levels of detail, all of which
are of potential interest to operators. For example, birdwatchers at all
levels mention that a very significant reason for their participation was
‘being close to nature’ (Adams et al. 1997) or that ‘learning about
nature enriches my life’ (QTTC 1998). These could be regarded as
fundamental expectations: birdwatching is concerned with an
intimate natural encounter with wild birds and involves some level of
learning and or experience. One implication of this fundamental
expectation is that certain circumstances or contexts may seriously
erode or neutralise the experience. These might include highly
artificial or obviously manipulated conditions, unpleasant or
‘unnatural’ settings, etc.
For many birdwatchers, expectations will relate to the extent to which
a particular location provides the diversity or particular species
associated with it. This will be especially acute with the more specialist
birdwatchers where the number of new or noteworthy species may
be the most relevant expectation.
Two of the more salient characteristics of birdwatching tourists from
all levels regarded as specialist (levels 2, 3 and 4) are: (1) the objective
of seeing the largest number of species within the time-frame of their
travelling experience, and (2) the desire to see extremely specific
species at a particular location. In most cases, expectations will be
based on a variety of sources of information including published lists,
word-of-mouth experiences, and the information provided by
operators and guides. The quality and reliability of these sources can
vary enormously, which may be a serious cause of dissatisfaction for
the birdwatchers. In particular, many tourists report that they felt
misled by some of the material provided by their tour operator. The
13
main reason for this frustration seemed to relate to unfulfilled
expectations of both the number of species that could be seen on any
trip, and the probability of seeing specific species. For instance, a
particular operator may want to advertise the fact that a given
number of species or a key species may be encountered on a certain
trip.
14
Regardless of their level of motivation, birdwatching tourists
considering visiting Australia (or residents considering a birdwatching
tour within the continent) will probably be aware of the following
(data from Wheatley 1998):
• About 8% of the world’s bird species occur in Australia, a relatively
low proportion compared to other continents and locations:
LOCATION NUMBER OF SPECIES % OF WORLD TOTAL
South America 3083 32
Asia 2689 28
Africa 2313 24
New Guinea 1296 13
Australia 800 8
• The Australia avifauna has, however, a notably high level of
endemism (i.e. many of the species are found nowhere else): 313
species (exceeded only by Indonesia with 338) and 5 families are
endemic (including the Emu, Plainswanderer, lyrebirds, scrubbirds,
Chough and Apostlebird).
• Regions with concentrations of restricted-range species have been
recognised internationally as Endemic Bird Areas (Wheatley 1998).
Australia has nine of these EBAs:
• Kimberley and the Top End
• Cape York
• Atherton Tableland
• Southwest Australia
• Murray-Darling Region (and adjoining coast)
• Southeast Australia
15
5. THE WILDLIFE AND ITS HABITAT
• Tasmania
• Norfolk Island
• Lord Howe Island.
• Australia is the best place to see the largest number of species of
megapodes, cockatoos, owlet-nightjars, Australo-Papuan
warblers, honeyeaters, Australasian robins, whipbirds, quail-
thrushes, bowerbirds and woodswallows.
• Australia is particularly rich in albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters,
cormorants, buttonquails, oystercatchers, plovers, pigeons,
parrots, kingfishers, and monarch flycatchers.
• Australia is a safe and organised country (it is fairly easy to travel
independently).
• The country is huge and travel times may be great (most people
will have limited time and money and will only be able to visit a
selection of locations).
• The country has a relatively small population but a very high level
of urbanisation (most people live in a few large cities, which are
the normal starting points for most tours).
• Information about birding locations are widely and freely available
from a variety of sources (highly motivated birdwatchers conduct
their own research as they plan a trip).
These features highlight two key elements of this sector:
1. Birdwatching is a serious and passionate recreational activity for a
significant number of people in many (mainly Western) countries;
and
2. It is an activity which is greatly enhanced and enriched by travel.
Indeed, for all but novice birdwatchers, travel away from their
homes is an essential element of their pastime; to see new birds
one must travel to new places.
16
From an economic perspective, birdwatchers become birdwatching
tourists when they embark on travel that takes them away from the
locations they know well and where time limitations (primarily) restrict
the amount of time available. Birdwatching tourism products,
therefore, will attract international clients more readily than locals but
will attract Australian birdwatchers who are far from home.
5.1 Birdwatching Locations
Birdwatchers travel specifically to see birds and are therefore attracted
to locations where either the biodiversity (i.e. large numbers of
species) or the chance to see particular species or groups is high. They
do not typically travel to places of unknown birding status and are,
therefore, likely to be very well informed.
All large cities (the points of arrival for all international visitors) have a
number of locations nearby (typically less than 100 km from the city)
which may be accessed privately or with a local guide (Wheatley
1998). Indeed, these small-scale day or half-day excursions are the
main business of a large proportion of the smaller birding guides
operating in the country. However, here we discuss the main birding
sites away from the larger cities.
5.1.1 The main locations
In Australia, most inbound birdwatchers are attracted to a relatively
small number of favoured locations. The most important of these
major locations are:
• Far North Queensland (including the Cairns area, Atherton
Tablelands, Cape York (especially Iron Range) and the Daintree
region),
•Kakadu (primarily Kakadu National Park but also other locations in
the area),
•Broome (primarily the coastal areas which support enormous
numbers of migratory shorebirds),
17
•Tasmania (numerous locations and including certain Bass Strait
islands), and
•Lord Howe Island.
The international status of these locations is based on both the
diversity and levels of endemism of the species available (all are
included in the list of Endemic Bird Areas given above), as well as their
accessibility, the availability of accommodation and the number of
birdwatching tours and guides able to service these locations. These
locations are also the major destinations of Australian birdwatchers,
for the same reasons.
Far North Queensland is by far Australia’s premier birdwatching tourist
destination. It has the largest number of private and organisational
bird guides and more birding-orientated lodges and other
establishments than any other region in Australia. This leading status
is obviously based on the quantity and ‘quality’ of the birds available
but is also associated with the other world-renowned features of this
region. Huge numbers of tourists already visit the region for its natural
features – the Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage Wet Tropics
Rainforest especially – as well as the highly successful indigenous
tourism experiences and the general casual, healthy and outdoor
lifestyle image. Tourists are already attracted to the region; adding
specialist birding packages is likely to appeal to many of these people
as well as to the more informed specialist birdwatching tourists.
Special events such as Cape York Bird Week and the planned Tropical
North Queensland BirdFest will certainly enhance the attractive
potential of the area. In addition (and of great significance), a large
number of the best birding sites are highly accessible. There are other
sites around Australia with equal numbers of species but many are
simply too hard for many tourists to travel to.
5.1.2 Secondary locations
A second category of sites is less well known internationally although
they may be important sites locally. Most of these sites are included in
the tour itineraries of some guides but distances, infrastructure,
accommodation or other amenities remain as a significant constraint
18
to regular birdwatching tourism in significant numbers. Some of these
locations include (see Wheatley 1998 for more details):
• Hattah Lakes in western Victoria
• Macquarie Marshes, western New South Wales
• Border Ranges, northern New South Wales
• Lawn Hill National Park in north-western Queensland
• Coorong National Park, South Australia
• Kimberleys (including the Mitchell Plateau), Western Australia
• South-west Western Australia
• Central Australia (northern South Australia and southern
Northern Territory).
5.1.3 Bird observatories
An additional set of important birding locations are the observatories
(and one reserve) owned and staffed by Birds Australia (formerly the
Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union), Australia’s national bird
conservation and research organisation. Each runs courses and
birdwatching tours with varying levels of support and visitor numbers.
At present, only a relatively small proportion of the visitors to the
observatories are international. These sites are:
• Gluepot Reserve, South Australia
• Barren Grounds Bird Observatory, New South Wales
• Broome Bird Observatory, Western Australia
• Eyre Bird Observatory, Western Australia
• Rotamah Island Bird Observatory, Victoria
19
5.1.4 Pelagic birding trips
A significant proportion of more specialised birdwatchers actively seek
to observe and identify seabirds, an activity requiring specific logistical
requirements. In most cases, seabirds are best observed well off-
shore. In a small number of locations (trips to the Great Barrier Reef,
far northern Queensland; Southport, southern Queensland; Sydney
and Wollongong, central New South Wales; Eden, southern New
South Wales; Port Fairy, Victoria; Port Augusta, South Australia; and
Albany, Western Australia), local operators have organised
birdwatching tours on privately chartered vessels to service a small but
regular clientele (Wheatley 1998).
5.1.5 Other locations
There are many other locations throughout the country that are not
well-known but are species rich or support specific species or habitats.
At present, only a small number of specialist birdwatchers visit these
areas. The potential for expanding the number of other such sites is
vast, but will be dependent on access, marketing and the provision of
accommodation or guiding services.
5.1.6 Birding lodges
Within the last decade there has also been a proliferation of specialist
accommodation marketed as being close to or within particularly
good birding sites. Some of these are also well-known in terms of
general nature-based tourism (e.g. O’Reilly’s Guesthouse, southern
Queensland; Oasis Lodge, Carnarvon Gorge, central Queensland;
Pajinka Wilderness Lodge, Cape York); these establishments also tend
to provide resort-style accommodation and cater to the more
expensive end of the market.
There are also numerous smaller establishments that target a smaller,
more specialist birding clientele. These tend to rely on their proximity to
excellent birding sites and many are associated with particular guides or
run specialist tours and/or birdwatching programs. While many offer a
high standard of accommodation and food, the primary focus of these
lodges is on the quality of the birding accessible from the site.
20
One of the most obvious aspects of the birdwatching industry to
emerge during this limited study was the emphasis by birdwatching
tourists on the economic efficiency of their birdwatching activities. For
many, the objective is primarily one of seeing the largest number of
new or different species in the most cost-effective manner. Such
considerations are especially pertinent for those birdwatchers on a
strict budget where the costs of air travel and accommodation are
considerable. Such tourists are often reluctant to engage a guide or
join what they regard as an expensive birding tour. However, for highly
motivated birders, this attitude may be false economy. This point may
be illustrated using the personal data of a private birdwatcher
(R. Tkachuck) with extensive experience throughout the world.
Tkachuck (unpublished data) estimates that, for an average though
motivated and experienced birder, seeing a new species in the USA
costs about $75 (primarily due to the travel, accommodation and
food costs associated with this pursuit). In contrast, birding in
species-rich but relatively cheap and close countries such as Costa
Rica, Ecuador or Peru (where seeing 300 species on a trip is possible)
yields a figure of $8-10 per species. Birding trips to somewhere as
distant as Australia must, therefore, be economically worthwhile;
Tkachuck’s data suggests that it is: a recent trip bagged 340 new
species at a cost of $22-26 per species.
These basic calculations underlie the fact that, despite the expenses of
travel from North America and Europe, for the committed birder it is
economically worthwhile in terms of the primary objective of seeing
new species.
However, what is far from clear is the economic importance of
birdwatching tourism for the industry and community. In North
America, several recent investigations have enumerated the economic
impact of birdwatching on local communities in well-known birding
locations (Kerlinger and Brett 1995). Despite considerable scepticism
and even hostility during the early stages of development of these
sites as major birding destinations, the economic benefits to the local
communities – assessed as purchase of accommodation, meals and
21
6. THE HOST POPULATION
fuel – was immense. The importance of transportation – primarily air
travel to the destination, but also car hire and fuel – was the single
largest component of nature-based tourism (Kerlinger and Brett
1995). For ‘active’ birdwatchers in the USA, Wiedner and Kerlinger
(1990) estimated that more than half of their annual expenditure on
recreation (which averaged US$1,850) was devoted to travel.
Kerlinger and Brett (1995) reviewed five studies of birding locations in
North America and made the following estimation of annual visitor
number and economic impact:
LOCATION NUMBER OF VISITORS LOCAL INCOME
(PER ANNUM) (US$)
Cape May, New Jersey 100,000 $10 million
Hawk Mountain, Pennsylvania 53,000 $2.4 million
High Island, Texas 6,000+ $2.5 million
Grande Isle, Nebraska 80,000 $40 million
Point Pelee, Ontario 56,000 $3.2 million
Obviously, the scale of such economic activity is related to the
relatively much larger size of the population of North America and the
number of active birdwatchers. Nonetheless, the potential for
substantial increases in birdwatching tourism in Australia is huge. The
primary constraint, according to the conclusions of Kerlinger and Brett
(1995), is the slow appreciation of the benefits to local communities
(see 7. Obstacles to Development and Sustainability). Many businesses
remain sceptical of these benefits and are typically unwilling to
commit resources to the development of local infrastructure or
services until the economic benefits are certain. The studies that
provide this information for Australia have yet to be undertaken; this
must remain a major priority for this component of nature-based
tourism (Davis et al. 2001).
22
7.1 Accommodation
Birdwatchers are a relatively adventurous market. Many are willing to
lower their standards of accommodation provided the birdwatching
experience is significant (QTTC 1998). Nonetheless, today even
budget travellers and backpackers have certain minimum standards
they expect of their accommodation. These include adequate supplies
of clean hot water, space for privacy and suitable meals.
The standard of accommodation expected by clients goes up, of
course, with the amount paid. Thus, birdwatchers purchasing
expensive packages will obviously expect an appropriate quality of
room and food. This is certainly appreciated by the international
birding operators that now visit Australia as well as the many
independent but well-off birdwatching tourists. Our survey obtained
many negative comments (from both international and domestic
tourists) about the standards of accommodation and food used in
some non-metropolitan locations.
7.2 Travelling Distances
The Australian landmass is an entire continent and travel from place
to place often requires significant amounts of time. This is especially
a feature of birdwatching tourism where the key locations are
frequently well away from the capital cities. Thus, visits to such places
typically require extensive driving times from the main destinations
used on flying itineraries. Moreover, different birding sites are often
widely spaced and visits to more than one such location may
necessitate multiple journeys to and from the major centres.
The time involved in land travel often surprises international visitors:
Europeans are overwhelmed by the sheer distances, while North
Americans (living on a similarly sized land mass) expect more cities
and therefore a more detailed travel infrastructure than actually exists.
These travellers also complain that the road system is much slower
than those they are used to. Two features in particular are often
mentioned. First, very few metropolitan freeway systems enable easy
23
7. OBSTACLES TO DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
escape from city traffic, thereby robbing tourists of valuable time as
they attempt to escape the city in which they have just arrived
(‘Getting through Sydney is almost a day’s journey!’ US birdwatcher).
Second, according to many international visitors, Australia’s interstate
freeway system appears to be in a permanent state of construction.
Not only do road works cause delays, the lack of multiple lanes in
some areas can lead to greatly increased travel time. In general, many
European and North American tourists indicate that long-distance
road travel takes about twice the time they had expected.
7.3 Climate
Australia’s climate is demonstrably milder and less extreme than much
of North America and northern Europe, the home environments of
most of our international visitors. Nowhere in Australia experiences
the cold and winter conditions of the cities of, for instance,
Scandinavia or much of Canada. Indeed, the humidity and diurnal
temperatures of New York or Barcelona are very similar to those of
Cairns and Townsville in mid-summer. Nonetheless, a number of
aspects of Australia’s climate do pose as important considerations for
birdwatching (and all nature-based) tourists. The most important of
these features are:
Discomfort due to extreme heat and humidity. Although the
natural environments in which international visitors live may be
similarly climatically extreme, most Westerners avoid discomfort by
remaining for long periods in air-conditioned surroundings. Many
are unused to non-air-conditioned vehicles or accommodation,
and feel considerable discomfort when required to travel and sleep
in hot and humid conditions. Although such conditions are often
standard on many inland or tropical tours, they are usually
unexpected for most international visitors and may contribute
significantly to dissatisfaction with an otherwise successful trip.
Unpredictable and dangerous weather conditions. Australia’s
climate is highly unpredictable: seasons are often poorly defined;
storms and other violent natural events may strike at any time; and
flooding or fires can seriously disrupt long-term planning and tour
schedules. While there is very little that can be done to alter this
24
situation, is does suggest that alternative arrangement – for
travelling routes, accommodation and itineraries – need to be a
normal part of all tour planning.
7.4 Guides and Products
Despite the proliferation of guides, birding companies, birding lodges
and birding tours, there remain many locations and entire regions
where very few facilities are available. Indeed, there are currently two
contrasting characteristics of the industry in Australia (see above): the
oversupply of products (primarily guides) in a small number of
locations, and the complete absence of these in others. In practice, it
is the latter that represents a major constraint to the birdwatching
industry in Australia. For people seeking guides for an extensive
birdwatching tour of Australia, two areas remain essentially unknown:
central Australia (especially the region around Alice Springs), and the
Darwin-Kakadu National Park area. Considering the huge scale of
nature tourism in these areas, this represents a serious void. Although
numerous large-scale operators do work in these areas, their obvious
concentration on the generalist end of the market acts as a major
disincentive to many highly motivated birdwatchers.
While the majority of guides and products are professional, personal
and well presented, there are those that do not conform well to
international standards. In the contemporary, word-of-mouth and
internet networks in which many birdwatching tourists are involved,
experiences of incompetence, uncomfortable accommodation, over-
used sites, unethical practices and poorly prepared guides spread
widely and quickly.
7.5 Ignorance of the Benefits of Birding
As described above, the economic benefits that flow from a vibrant
birdwatching industry often seem far from obvious to local
communities and businesses. Communities within rich birding
localities appear often to be (understandably) more concerned about
the negative impact of increased visitor numbers than with the
numerous benefits that could accrue. Resistance to such scepticism is
best reduced by careful and sensitive involvement of entire
communities in the development of the resources required to enhance
25
the experiences of visitors. Extrapolation from recent studies from
North America (see Kerlinger and Brett 1995) suggests that such
development may take patience and time but properly planned, could
yield significant returns to local communities.
7.6 Information
As should be clear by now, birdwatchers are extremely adept at using
a variety of means and networks to obtain the types of information
they require when planning a birdwatching tour. This is one of the key
characteristics of this type of tourist (see above). Nonetheless,
compared to many places around the world, the amount of
information, the locations covered, and the reliability is often said to be
inadequate (Wheatley 1998). Although access to extensive networks
of guides and other birdwatchers through internet sources has recently
become well known, many birdwatchers complain that much basic
information is still unavailable. Many international birdwatchers often
interpret this relatively poor information base as being indicative of the
poor quality of ornithological information available for this country.
This is, however, far from the reality; despite the small number of
birdwatchers and the vast scale of the area, Australia has among the
best geographical and ecological information on its avifauna in the
world. For example, in the early 1980s, Birds Australia, among the
oldest bird-orientated organisations in the world, published the first
atlas of bird distributions for an entire country (Blakers et al. 1984).
This massive effort is currently being up-dated by a huge team of
largely amateur birdwatchers. Obviously, such information is not yet
well-known among international birdwatchers.
There is also a major difficulty in obtaining information about other
operators, guides and locations from within the industry. This is not
unexpected in an industry such as this: sites supporting important,
rare or unusually large numbers of species are valuable resources for
guides and operators and a reluctance to share such information must
be respected. However, there is also considerable insularity and often
a major lack of cooperation among competitors that may actually be
retarding the industry as a whole. For example, in places where many
guides or operators are concentrated (Tropical North Queensland for
instance), the combined resources for marketing would be an obvious
advantage to all participants.
26
7.7 Birdwatching Tourism: Effects and Conservation
Although it might be assumed that birdwatching would be an
extremely low-impact form of recreation, it is now evident that some
activities can have serious negative environmental effects. This is an
extremely well-studied field and the literature is now vast (see reviews
in Knight and Gutzwiller 1995), although relatively little work has been
conducted in Australia (an exception is Olsen and Olsen 1980).
Detailed discussion of the impacts and influences of tourism activities
on wildlife is being presented by Higginbottom et al. (2001); here is a
summary of some of the main forms of negative effects relevant to
birdwatching.
The negative effects of recreation on wildlife have been classified by
Pomerantz et al. (1988) into the following six types: 1) direct
mortality; 2) indirect mortality; 3) lowered productivity; 4) reduced use
of refuge; 5) reduced use of preferred habitat on refuge; and 6)
aberrant behaviour or stress. Virtually every form of recreational
activity has been shown to adversely affect wildlife to some extent
(see Boyle and Samson 1985) though the significance of the
disturbance varies greatly among species and situations (Green &
Higginbottom 2000). Indeed, although many claims are made
concerning the possible or potential impact of human activities on
wildlife, unequivocal evidence is surprisingly small in number. This is
an area in which future research is needed.
Nonetheless, there are many clear situations where disturbance is
directly and clearly related to reduced survival or reproduction in
particular species (see Gill et al. 1996). Some such situations concern
nesting birds of prey, colonial seabirds, and solitary beach-nesting
shorebirds, as well as gulls and raptors during migration (Burger et al.
1995). The breeding success of these species are known to be
affected by close approaches by people and many countries are
currently discussing regulations to minimise disturbance (Richardson
and Miller 1997).
Burger et al. (1995) have also identified particular features of birdwatcher’s
activities – as distinct from other forms of human disturbance – that are
directly related to impacts on wildlife. These include:
27
• disturbances can occur at all times of the year (including breeding
season, during migration, during wintering)
• approaching too close to nesting, roosting or migration lay-over sites
• disturbing birds at specific breeding, foraging and roosting sites
• overuse of taped vocalisations (causing possible disruption to bird’s
social organisation).
Other impacts include damage to habitats through trampling and
clearing (to improve views), increased predation at nesting areas,
increased pollution and littering in car parks and camping groups near
favoured sites, and many others (Knight and Gutzwiller 1995).
Birdwatchers certainly believe themselves to be environmentally
aware (Kellert 1985, QTTC 1998). It is not at all clear, however,
whether this self-assessment actually translates into participation in
conservation practice. One of the underlying outcomes of ecotourism
is often claimed to be an enhanced conservation awareness, though
this has rarely been assessed. One recent study from the USA,
however, found that participation in conservation was predicted
primarily by the level of specialisation of the people involved, with the
most specialised being much more likely to be active participants
(McFarlane and Boxall 1996). This study again emphasised the
importance of level of specialisation and indicated that birdwatching
programs that encouraged increased involvement and experience
were more likely to have enhanced the conservation values of the
participants. This is an important finding for operators working at the
more specialised end of the market.
28
There are many opportunities for the development and expansion of
the birdwatching industry in Australia. We propose the following
general areas as obvious starting points in an industry already
growing.
8.1 Promotion
At present, almost all the information obtained by prospective
birdwatching tourists comes from a small number of published
sources (e.g. Wheatley 1998), contacts with ornithological
organisations and websites, and via the vast informal networks that
exist among birdwatchers worldwide. Although this is starting,
birdwatching operators need to promote themselves and their
products more effectively. This will involve, in part, the careful design
of useful websites and frequent updating with relevant information.
8.2 Events
Australia hosts remarkably few ornithological events – larger-scale,
organised meetings, camp-outs, conferences and conventions, where
birdwatchers can meet, exchange ideas and news, and participate in
birdwatching experiences. Among the exceptions is O’Reilly’s Bird
Week (now lasting almost a month), where birdwatchers travel to the
famous Lamington National Park resort and enjoy intensive birding in
extremely comfortable (and expensive!) surroundings. The
opportunities for more such ventures are enormous but will be best for
the industry if carefully coordinated. Already such activity seems to be
underway: the bird guides serving the Atherton Tablelands of Far North
Queensland have started planning a Bird Festival, as has Oasis Lodge
near Carnarvon Lodge; and the Cape York Bird Week has been in
existence for several years. Coordinated timing and mutual promotion
will be essential to enhance benefits to the industry as a whole.
8.3 Cooperative Ventures
Currently, and not unexpectedly, there appears to be very little
cooperation among birdwatching guides and operators (the proposed
29
8. OPPORTUNITIES
Tropical North Queensland BirdFest is a notable exception). An
obvious opportunity for the industry in a common area would be the
formation of local alliances that would allow more efficient promotion
and expansion of products.
8.4 New Locations
In terms of the number of potential excellent birdwatching sites,
Australian birdwatching tourism has enormous potential for expansion.
8.5 Conservation Initiatives
The success of ventures such as EarthWatch and similar schemes in
enabling tourists to become involved in meaningful scientific and
conservation projects is an obvious opportunity for this industry. This
will probably best be achieved through partnerships with key people
from universities, local conservation groups and government agencies
where volunteer assistance is very often welcomed.
30
9.1 Development of Code of Conduct
Many operators are aware that their operations are carefully
scrutinised by clients with regard to ‘eco-friendliness’, sustainable
practices and ethical procedures. They are also aware that some of
their competitors and colleagues are either ignorant of this or
unaware of its importance. An industry Code of Conduct would be
extremely valuable, especially if developed through the industry
participants themselves.
9.2 Establish Links for the Exchange of Information and
Views Among Operators and Guides
The CRC for Sustainable Tourism is committed to establishing and
maintaining real links and relationships with tourism operators.
Reports such as this (and the various forms in which the material
contained are distributed) have been designed and written specifically
for the industry; facilitating the exchange of views and ideas between
researchers and operators is crucial.
9.3 Discuss Bureaucratic Constraints With Relevant Governments
A major obstacle to the development of the industry is the
bureaucracy and costs associated with obtaining permits and
permission. It is possible that government is unaware of the extent to
which these requirements are constraining the industry.
31
9. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION
10.1 The Economics of Birdwatching
Numerous studies from North America have confirmed the enormous
economic value of birdwatching to local communities and beyond. A
study of the economic importance of birdwatching in Australia would
be of great value.
10.2 Assessment of the Positive and Negative Effects of
Birdwatching
Again, there has been considerable interest overseas in assessing the
possible effects of birdwatching on the birds and environments in
which they occur. Similar studies are needed in this country.
10.3 Appraisal of Constraints to Development of
Birdwatching in Remote Areas
Many operators and visitors have indicated that there are large
numbers of potential birdwatching locations in more remote areas of
Australia. An assessment of the limitations and constraints to the
development of these sites would be valuable.
32
10. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RESEARCH
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Blakers, M., Davies, S.J.J.F. and Reilly, P.N. (1984). The Atlas of
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QTTC (Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation) (1998). Tropical
North Queensland Birdwatching Market Study: Market Research
Report. P. 43. QTTC: Brisbane.
Richardson, C.T. and Miller, C.K. (1997) Recommendations for
protecting raptors from human disturbance. Wildlife Society
Bulletin 25: 634-638.
Weiner, D.S. & Kerlinger, P. (1990) Economics of birding: A national
survey of active birders. American Birds 44: 209-213.
Wheatley, N. (1998). Where to Watch Birds in Australia and Oceania.
Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ.
Wilkes, B. (1977). The myth of the non-consumptive user. Canadian
Field-Naturalist 91: 343-349.
35
Dr Darryl Jones
Darryl graduated with Majors in animal behaviour and wildlife
management from the University of New England. Since 1983, he has
been a resident of southern Queensland were he has studied a variety
of rainforest birds as a senior lecturer in ecology at Griffith University.
In the last decade, his interests have expanded into human-wildlife
interactions, including those associated with wildlife tourism. Email:
d.jones@mailbox.gu.edu.au.
Prof Ralf Buckley
Ralf is Chair in Ecotourism and Director of the International Centre for
Ecotourism Research at Griffith University, and Coordinator of CRC
Tourism’s Program 1: Tourism Environmental Management. Email:
r.buckley@mailbox.gu.edu.au.
36
AUTHORS
We are extremely grateful to the many birdwatchers, guides and
operators who generously provided their personal (and often candid!)
views and suggestions on the state and problems associated with the
birdwatching industry in Australia. We respect the privacy of these
informants. However, we do wish to record our indebtedness to the
following: David Bishop, Richard Tkachuck, Tony Clarke, Penny Drake-
Brockman, Roy Sonnenburg, Margaret Cameron, and Phil Battley. We
also acknowledge the comments of Jim Davis.
37
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
38
Wildlife Tourism Report Series
Other reports in the wildlife tourism
report series are listed below and can be
ordered from the Cooperative Research
Centre for Sustainable Tourism online
bookshop:
www.crctourism.com.au/bookshop
• Wildlife Tourism in Australia Overview –
Higginbottom, Rann, Moscardo,
Davis & Muloin
• Understanding Visitor Perspectives on
Wildlife Tourism – Moscardo, Woods
& Greenwood
• The Role of Economics in Managing
Wildlife Tourism – Davis, Tisdell & Hardy
• The Host Community, Social and
Cultural Issues Concerning Wildlife
Tourism – Burns & Sofield
• Negative Effects of Wildlife Tourism –
Green & Higginbottom
• Positive Effects of Wildlife Tourism –
Higginbottom
• A Tourism Classification of Australian
Wildlife – Green, Higginbottom &
Northrope
• Indigenous Interests in Safari Hunting
and Fishing Tourism in the Northern
Territory: Assessment of Key Issues –
Palmer
• Terrestrial Free-Ranging Wildlife –
Higginbottom
• Birdwatching Tourism in Australia –
Jones & Buckley
• Tourism Based on Free-Ranging Marine
Wildlife: Opportunities and Responsibilities
– Birtles, Valentine & Curnock
• Fishing Tourism: Charter Boat Fishing –
Gartside
• Recreational Hunting: An International
Perspective – Bauer & Giles
• Captive Wildlife Tourism in Australia –
Tribe
• Indigenous Wildlife Tourism in Australia:
Wildlife Attractions, Cultural Interpretation
and Indigenous Involvement – Muloin,
Zeppel & Higginbottom
• Rangeland Kangaroos: A World Class
Wildlife Experience – Croft
• Assessment of Opportunities for
International Tourism Based on Wild
Kangaroos – Croft & Leiper
• Evaluation of Organised Tourism
Involving Wild Kangaroos –
Higginbottom, Green, Leiper,
Moscardo, Tribe & Buckley
• Kangaroos in the Marketing of Australia:
Potentials and Practice – Chalip, Arthurson
& Hill
• Economic, Educational and
Conservation Benefits of Sea Turtle
Based Ecotourism: A Study Focused on
Mon Repos – Tisdell & Wilson
• A Biological Basis for Management of
Glow Worm Populations of Ecotourism
Significance – Merritt & Baker
• International Market Analysis of Wildlife
Tourism – Fredline and Faulkner
• Traditional Ecological Knowledge of
Wildlife: Implications for Conservation
and Development in the Wuyishan
Nature Reserve, Fujian Province, China –
Boyd, Ren, De Lacy & Bauer
Online publications can be downloaded
from the website as .pdf files and read
using Adobe Acrobat Reader. Hard copies
can also be ordered via the email order
form provided on the site. For more
information on the production of these
CRC for Sustainable Tourism publications,
contact Trish O’Connor,
email: trish@crctourism.com.au or
Telephone: +61 7 5552 9053
39
The Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism was established under the Australian
Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Program to underpin the development of a
dynamic, internationally competitive, and sustainable tourism industry.
Our mission: Developing and managing intellectual property (IP) to deliver innovation to
business, community and government to enhance the environmental, economic and social
sustainability of tourism.
DEVELOPING OUR IP
Director of Research - Prof Bill Faulkner
1. Tourism environmental
management research
Co-ordinator – Prof Ralf Buckley
(r.buckley@mailbox.gu.edu.au )
• Wildlife Tourism
• Mountain Tourism
• Nature Tourism
• Adventure Tourism
2. Tourism engineering design and
eco-technology research
Coordinator – Dr David Lockington
(d.lockington@mailbox.uq.edu.au)
• Coastal and marine infrastructure and
systems
• Coastal tourism ecology
• Waste management
• Physical infrastructure, design and
construction
3. Tourism policy, products and
business research
Coordinator – A/Prof Leo Jago
(Leo.jago@vu.edu.au)
• Consumers and marketing
• Events and sports tourism
• Tourism economics and policy
• Strategic management
• Regional tourism
• Indigenous tourism
4. E-travel and tourism research
Coordinator – Dr Pramod Sharma
(p.sharma @mailbox.uq.edu.au )
• Electronic product & destination
marketing and selling
• IT for travel and tourism online
development
• Rural and regional tourism online
development
• E-business innovation in sustainable
travel and tourism
5. Post graduate education
Coordinator – Dr John Fien
(j.fien@mailbox.gu.edu.au)
6. Centre for Tourism and Risk
Management
Director – Prof Jeffrey Wilks
(j.wilks@mailbox.uq.edu.au )
7. Centre for Regional Tourism
Research
Director – Prof Dick Braithwaite
(dbraithw@scu.edu.au)
MANAGING OUR IP
General Manager – Ian Pritchard
(ian@crctourism.com.au)
1. IP register
2. Technology transfer
3. Commercialisation
4. Destination management products
5. Executive training
6. Delivering international services
7. Spin-off companies
• Sustainable Tourism Holdings
CEO – Peter O’Clery
(poclery@interact.net.au)
• National Centre for Tourism
Managing Director – Stewart Moore
(nct@uq.net.au)
• Green Globe Asia Pacific
CEO – Graeme Worboys
(graeme.worboys@ggasiapacific.com.au )
For more information contact:
Communications Manager – Brad Cox
CRC for Sustainable Tourism Pty Ltd
Griffith University, PMB 50
GOLD COAST MC, Qld 9726
Ph: +61 7 5552 8116, Fax: +61 7 5552 8171
Visit: www.crctourism.com.au or email:
Brad@crctourism.com.au
CAIRNS
Cairns Node
Coordinator
Prof Philip Pearce
Ph: 07 4781 4762
philip.pearce@jcu.edu.au
DARWIN
Northern Territory Node
Coordinator
Ms Alicia Boyle
Ph: 08 8946 6084
alicia.boyle@ntu.edu.au
BRISBANE
Tourism Engineering,
Design and Technology Research
Dr David Lockington
Ph: 07 3365 4054
d.lockington@uq.edu.au
IT & Informatics Research
Dr Pramod Sharma
Ph: 07 3365 6513
p.sharma@uq.edu.au
Sustainable Tourism Services
Mr Stewart Moore
Managing Director
Ph: 07 3211 4726
sts@crctourism.com.au
Education Program Coordinator
Dr John Fien
Ph: 07 3875 7105
j.fien@mailbox.gu.edu.au
GOLD COAST
Chief Executive
Prof Terry De Lacy
Ph: 07 5552 8172
t.delacy@mailbox.gu.edu.au
Conservation and Environmental
Management Research
Prof Ralf Buckley
Ph: 07 5552 8675
r.buckley@mailbox.gu.edu.au
LISMORE
Centre for Regional
Tourism Research
Prof Peter Baverstock
Ph: 02 6620 3809
pbaverst@scu.edu.au
SYDNEY
New South Wales
Node Coordinator
Mr Tony Griffin
Ph: 02 9514 5103
tony.griffin@uts.edu.au
International Program
Co-ordinator
Dr Johannes Bauer
Ph: 02 6338 4284
jbauer@csu.edu.au
LAUNCESTON
Tasmania Node Coordinator
Prof Trevor Sofield
Ph: 03 6324 3578
trevor.sofield@utas.edu.au
MELBOURNE
Director of Research
Prof Leo Jago
Ph: 03 9688 5055
Leo.jago@vu.edu.au
CANBERRA
Industry Extension Coordinator
Mr Peter O’Clery
Ph: 02 6230 2931
poclery@iprimus.com.au
Australian Capital Territory
Node Coordinator
Prof Trevor Mules
Ph: 02 6201 5016
tjm@comedu.canberra.edu.au
PERTH
Western Australia
Node Coordinator
Prof Jack Carlsen
Ph: 08 9266 1132
CarlsenJ@cbs.curtin.edu.au
ADELAIDE
South Australia Node
Coordinator
Prof Graham Brown
Ph: 08 8302 0313
graham.brown@unisa.edu.au
