BBC Wildlife Responsible Travel Guide 2015

March 2015 85BBC Wildlife

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WILDLIFETRAVEL

RESPONSIBLE

GUIDE 2015

1 Take pictures, leave only footprints

A healthy, safe environment is

at the heart of all responsible

wildlife travel, so always take

home everything you take

with you – including batteries,

plastic bags and bottles.

2

Ivory looks better on an elephant

Never be tempted to buy

wildlife souvenirs. Don’t be

persuaded that the creature

is already dead and therefore

it does no harm. Buying it

will both fuel future

trade and

encourage

sellers to

capture or

kill more

animals.

3

Keep wildlife wild

Wild animals are not pets

so don’t pet or feed them, or

encourage them to behave

in an unnatural way. Don’t

support organisations that

bait sites to attract animals

– this can be dangerous for

local people if wildlife learn to

associate humans with food.

4

1R�DQLPDO�VHOĶHV Don’t have photographs

taken posing with a wild

animal. Many of these

animals have been taken from

the wild and their mothers

killed. They may be drugged,

harshly trained or have their

teeth removed to ensure they

‘behave’ around tourists.

5

It’s no fun for them

Avoid wild animal

entertainments such as riding

elephants for fun. These

animals are often captured

from the wild, inadequately

cared for and usually trained

using inappropriate and cruel

methods. If it’s not natural

behaviour, it’s probably cruel.

6

Local people are the best conservationists

Show respect for local people

and their culture. Use local

providers so money from your

trip benefits communities.

7

Check reputations

Ask questions about the

reputation of any potential

travel supplier, and check

out their code of conduct for

wildlife and the environment.

8

Take expert advice If visiting a key wildlife

habitat, for example a turtle

nesting beach, go with a

trained guide. They will be able

to ensure both your safety and

the welfare of the animals.

How to be a responsible wildlife traveller

TRAVEL SPECIAL


Unfortunately there is no single, globally accepted code of conduct for responsible wildlife tourism – travellers themselves need to take responsibility. Here are some guidelines.

Watching a killer whale

in Norway – check the

philosophy of any travel

company before you book.

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BUY THE

BOOK

Peter

Lynch

is the

author of Wildlife

and Conservation

Volunteering

(£13.99, Bradt).

Tours should be

led by qualified,

proven experts.


Awesome ospreys SCOTLAND

Operation Osprey is a project based at RSPB Loch

Garten, Abernethy, involving 24-hour surveillance of

breeding ospreys. Project volunteers work in pairs on

shifts, including a night shift in a hide from 10pm to 8am

while eggs are being hatched. They also help with visitors in the

information centre, updating them with information on the ospreys,

answering questions and encouraging people to support the work

of the RSPB. Food and lodging are provided, and out-of-pocket

expenses may be paid.

CONSERVATION VALUE Eggs, chicks and adult ospreys are protected

from theft and disturbance, enabling species numbers to recover.

+ www.rspb.org.uk/joinandhelp/volunteering/

296-residential-volunteer-operation-osprey/

Loggerhead turtle protection CAPE VERDE

Primarily based on the island of Sal, SOS Tartarugas is

a small NGO dedicated to the hands-on protection of

nesting loggerhead turtles, which works with the Cape

Verdean government. In partnership with rangers, volunteers patrol

and clear beaches of hazardous debris; guard turtles while they nest;

remove vulnerable eggs to a hatchery; map nesting sites; and assist

with guided walks

and local education

programmes. They

also get involved in

the release of illegally

captured turtles and

young hatchlings.

CONSERVATION

VALUE The work

of the project has

dramatically reduced

loggerhead turtles’

illegal slaughter

and capture, and

enabled thousands

of vulnerable eggs

to hatch safely.

+ www.sostartarugas.

org/SOSTartarugas

This project has had

a real impact on the

number of hatchlings.

A wide range of

UK conservation

breaks are available.

The ospreys of

Scotland need you!

Help feline

victims of the

wildlife trade.

TRAVEL SPECIAL

Helping British wildlife UK

You don’t have to travel overseas to carry out fieldwork

that makes a real dierence to wildlife – just sign

up for a conservation holiday in the UK. Discover

evidence of animals in the wild, spot their tracks, and

identify physical evidence such as scratch marks and scats. Learn

remote-camera and live-trapping techniques, and how to handle

small mammals safely. Find out how conservationists work and

study reptiles, mammals, birds, bugs and marine life with top UK

conservation organisations.

CONSERVATION VALUE Helping people get in touch with nature

and investigate issues related to sustainability as well as the UK’s

sadly diminishing biodiversity.

+ http://wilddaysconservation.org

The jaguars of

Costa Rica need

your support.

Big cat care & rehabilitation BOLIVIA

The three Inti Wara

Yassi parks care for

over 430 species, but

with an emphasis

on wild felines. The parks were

primarily set up to house and

rehabilitate animals rescued from

the illegal wildlife trade, most of

which are in poor health. This is a

hands-on care project for animals

saved from abuse or death. Sadly

the majority cannot be returned

to the wild, because the habitats

needed by larger species are

constantly shrinking.

CONSERVATION VALUE

Conserving native biodiversity.

+ www.intiwarayassi.org

March 201588 BBC Wildlife

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Reef surveys and communityMADAGASCAR

Based in Andavadoaka, south-west Madagascar, this

marine project integrates scientific research with

support for coastal communities with sea-cucumber

and seaweed-farming initiatives; environmental

education for local children; and reproductive health services for

adults. Volunteers dive five days a week on the Indian Ocean’s

most extensive coral reefs recording fish and benthic transect

data, and surveying new reef sites. There is an intensive two-week

scientific-training programme and PADI training if necessary.

CONSERVATION VALUE Protecting biodiversity and benefiting

coastal people so that they become conservation champions.

+ http://blueventures.org/expeditions/madagascar

Tracking dolphins ADRIATIC SEA SLOVENIA

Each morning volunteers split into two groups – one heads

out on the boat and the other stas an observation point

on land. Both teams observe dolphins and in the afternoon

trade stations. You get to scan the sea for dolphins and

document numbers, GPS location, size and behaviour (such as feeding

or travelling). Environmental data is gathered at sea, and dolphins are

photographed and identified from dorsal-fin markings.

CONSERVATION VALUE Making the Adriatic Sea safer for the recently

discovered resident dolphin population.

+ http://eu.earthwatch.org/expeditions/tracking-dolphins-

in-the-adriatic-sea

Scientific and dive

training will enable

you to get the most

from your trip.

Top wildlife conservation holidays

This population of dolphins

has only recently been

discovered in the Adriatic.

See more wildlife, learn some new skills and contribute to the survival of rare species and threatened habitats with these holidays.

Jaguar conservation COSTA RICA

This project is based in the Tortuguero National

Park, surrounded by protected rainforest and the

Caribbean Sea. Volunteers search for signs of jaguars

and their prey species, monitor feeding behaviour

and population numbers, use remote cameras to identify

individuals and plot their range. Surveys are also made of the

26km turtle nesting beach, because jaguars regularly hunt here.

This creates a dilemma for naturalists at Tortuguero because

jaguars have learnt to prey on the endangered green turtle.

CONSERVATION VALUE Data is used by the Costa Rican Ministry

of Environment to develop conservation policies.

+ www.gvi.co.uk/programs/jaguar-conservation-costa-rica

Sumatran tigers SUMATRA INDONESIA

This holiday focuses on the Sumatran tiger. Volunteers are

based in the Rimbang Baling Wildlife Reserve where they

explore, set camera-traps, and look for tracks, kills, scats

and the animals themselves. You work with local people to

create incentives for tiger

conservation in an eort

to mitigate human–wildlife

conflict and ensure the survival

of this amazing big cat.

CONSERVATION VALUE Well-

managed areas with eective

tiger patrols where local

communities benefit from

the presence of tigers.

+ www.biosphere-

expeditions.org

You can help the

Critically Endangered

Sumatran tiger.

Iconic orangutans, once widespread throughout the majority of South-East Asia’s lush rainforests, are

facing a critical crisis, with consistent threats to their livelihood, such as deforestation, palm oil extraction and illegal hunting for the pet trade, causing major problems throughout the majority of their range.

As one of our closest relatives, the orangutan (or ‘man of the forest’ as they are otherwise known) is one of the planet’s most distinctive and beloved animals. Native to Indonesia and Malaysia, orangutans are currently only found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. The most arboreal of the great apes; there are sadly now thought to be only 45 - 69,000 (wwf.panda.org) wild orangutan remaining, with many experts arguing that these beautiful animals (both Bornean and their Sumatran counterparts) could become extinct in as little as twenty five years.

“Responsible or sustainable tourism is an emerging field, and The Great Projects’ ethos is one that completely complements it”.

Fortunately, there are companies and charities completely dedicated to reversing this trend and help in the rescue and rehabilitation of these “men of the forest” – one of mankind’s closest relatives. These include companies like ‘The Great Projects - a unique company that are operating on the fringes of the travel market. Responsible or sustainable tourism is an emerging field, and their ethos is one that completely complements it - particularly with regards to orangutan conservation on their founding project, the ‘Great Orangutan Project’ and the ‘Orangutan and Tribes Voluntour’ – both situated in the stunning destination of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo. These unique one of a kind projects offer volunteers the chance to really get stuck in with ongoing orangutan conservation work and maintenance of both the Matang and Semenggoh Wildlife Centres in Kuching.

Not only will you be able to help

out with vital orangutan conservation work on both of these trips, but as a volunteer you will also be working towards the rehabilitation of these magnificent apes – an incredible experience that will remain with you for many, many years to come. Volunteers are completely immersed into the heart of the conservation initiatives whilst on these projects, working to create vital sources of enrichment and improving general husbandry standards for not only orangutans, but also the sun bears, gharials and clouded leopards resident at the Matang Wildlife Centre.

What’s more, volunteers will also get the chance to explore the stunning destination of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo throughout the ‘Orangutan and Tribes Voluntour’. Incorporating the intrepid destinations of Bako and Batang Ai National Parks, where travellers are able to be completely engrossed into local tribal life, with the chance to work alongside orangutans

THE GREAT PROJECTS“Shockingly, orangutans could become extinct in as little as twenty five years…”

at the Matang and Semenggoh Wildlife Centres - this eco-tour really is a one of a kind adventure. What better way to combine Sarawak’s iconic attractions with a taster of volunteering?

Additionally, as volunteers are so vital to the conservation work, The Great Projects pledges that for every booking made, they will donate up to a third of the cost directly to the projects themselves and the charity partners with which they are associated. Donations are built into the price of each individual project, and much of that has gone on to help

The Great Projects offers travellers the chance to join ‘The Great Orangutan Project’ and the ‘Orangutan and Tribes Voluntour’ in Sarawak, Malaysia from only £1095 per person. For more details, please visit www.thegreatprojects.com or call them on +44(0)208 885 4987.

support the Matang Wildlife Centre and the orangutans resident within it.

With an overall aim and ethos to really help as an integral part of wildlife conservation, the unique opportunities offered by The Great Projects are second to none. Enquire today to start planning your trip of a lifetime and aid orangutan conservation in the beautiful Bornean destination of Sarawak.

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BE PART OF THIS MOVEMENT, JOIN THE EXODUS.

JOINTHEEXODUS.COM#JOINTHEEXODUS

EVERY DAY HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR EVERYDAY LIVES BEHIND.

Image © Paul Goldstein, Exodus Travels

Exodus BBC Wildlife page Ad.indd 1 01/12/2014 14:18

Eco-tourism has always been a priority for Botswana. From before Independence

when the first of its National Parks was designated, right up to today, when every company with accommodation works towards obtaining ecotourism certification.

Carefully considered, sustainably built camps and lodges, ensure that the pristine landscapes are protected and can be shared by natural inhabitants and visiting guests. With many conservation projects managing the wildlife, and legislation policies against hunting and poaching, this is one of the most ecologically managed countries in Africa, providing a safe haven for wildlife, including elephant and rhino.

Botswana has six distinct landscapes. In the beautiful waterways of the Okavango Delta is the lushness of vegetation which supports extraordinary numbers of birds and animals. The dry parched savannah of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Making safaris better – protecting landscapes without compromising experiences

BOTSWANA www.botswanatourism.org.uk

provides a habitat for the many antelope always on constant watch for the big cats, lion and cheetah, who are on the look-out for their next meal. The moon-scape of the Makgadikgadi - the largest salt pans in Africa provide a contrast. Here, sunsets and the night sky appear to stretch across the whole horizon. The Chobe National Park, usually the first stop for visitors to Botswana, provides an opportunity to get acclimatized and to see the many elephant that frequent the Chobe River which flows along Botswana’s northern border and eventually over Victoria Falls. The rough and rocky terrain of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve provides an opportunity for many activities, including night drive safaris which are not allowed in some of the other national parks. Finally, the sand dunes of the Kalagadi Game Reserve, one of the most remote and challenging areas, and home to the rare black maned lion, recently made accessible by the development of two small lodges.

Low volume tourism is the norm, so a Botswana safari is perfect for families, couples and photographers. Seeing the wildlife in its natural habitat with no one else around will ensure that your holiday will provide the long lasting memories and individual experiences that dreams are made of.

Even better, once the trip is paid for, there are very few additional costs. Typically, all accommodation, food, beverages, transfers and activities are included in the price. And with no shopping malls in the bush, locally crafted souvenirs and your memories are all you will want to take home.

Botswana – making safaris better – protecting landscapes without compromising experiences.

BOTSWANAmain image: Aerial view of Elephants in the Okavango Delta in Botswana

top right: Black-maned lion in desert portrait, Kalahari

middle right: Zebras in The Great Salt Pans – Makgadikgadi and Nxai – Botswana

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AFRICA | MADAGASCAR | LATIN AMERICA | INDIA

Call a Rainbow Tours Africa specialist today and start planning your journey

020 7666 1250www.rainbowtours.co.uk

TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS & GROUP TOURS

Namibia

The charity has found camera traps essential for surveying species. At Nasampulli Reserve,

an araucaria (monkey puzzle tree) forest in Chile, camera traps were used to help conduct a baseline biodiversity survey. More recently, four more camera traps were installed at sites around the Reserve to monitor the remarkable biodiversity. The camera traps have revealed more wildlife than was expected, capturing puma, guigna cat, pudu and culpeo foxes.

In Costa Rica, the camera trap at Pacuare Reserve provided exciting evidence of something the team knew was there, but had never seen: a jaguar and cub was caught in its lens

Rainforest Concern also find camera traps to be useful in fighting deforestation. The Neblina Reserve in Ecuador is situated in the southern part of the ChocoAndean corridor. This region, a global biodiversity hotspot, is threatened with deforestation from agriculture, mining, illegal logging and road building.

Conservation charity Rainforest Concern, uses camera traps to collect valuable information on the long-term health of existing reserves and the recovery of newly acquired forest

RAINFOREST CONCERN To donate, please visit rainforestconcern.org/donate_now/ or call 01225 481151.

Roads open up previously inaccessible areas of forest, leading to increased deforestation from agriculture or logging.

At Neblina, camera traps help provide important evidence of the rich biodiversity of the area, evidence that can be used to prevent the proposed road building.

A BIGGER PICTUREBut camera traps are only part of the story. Rainforest Concern was established in 1993 to protect threatened natural habitats, the biodiversity they contain and the indigenous people who depend on them. Methods of land conservation include registration of ancestral indigenous territories, creation of private reserves through land purchase, land titling for local communities and monitoring and patrolling by forest wardens.

The work of wardens is important to protect the expanding Neblina Reserve: they regularly patrol to check

for any sign of hunting, illegal logging or cattle grazing. They update land maps, and explain the importance of the forests.And other activities need to be carried out to guarantee long-term success of projects. Rainforest Concern implements alternative income projects and environmental education for local communities. These are crucial in raising awareness and improving quality of life, thereby relieving the threat of deforestation both within the reserve and outside it.

Rainforest Concern is currently raising funds to create a forested connection from Nasampulli Reserve, to Huequehue National Park, to protect this threatened natural habitat.

CAMERA TRAPS REVEAL BIODIVERSITY SECRETS

main image: Winter in Nasampulli: a guigna walks through the snow

top right: A female jaguar captured in the camera trap

SPENCER SCOTT TRAVEL SERVICESspencerscotttravel.com

[email protected] 01825 714310ATOL 3471 EST. 1988

SAFARIS FOR CONSERVATION with Conservation Biologists, Wildlife Researchers & NaturalistsJoint-venture conservation safaris with wildlife charities enable you to personally contribute to the sustainable future of endangered species whilst enjoying an all-encompassing safari in wonderful destinations. Each is led by the conservation biologists and directors who actually run the programmes out in the field, connecting you directly with the day to day operations, the key field officers, and the community-based initiatives that work to mitigate human-animal conflict.

• Wolves, 7 – 16 November 2015 with Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme led by Prof. Claudio Sillero

• Jaguars & Maned Wolves, 22 July – 5 August 2015 with Onçafari Jaguar Project & Maned Wolf Management Programme led by Prof Claudio Sillero & Rogério Cunha de Paula

• African Wild Dogs, 17 – 29 September 2016 with Painted Dog Conservation led by vet & Patron Steve Leonard

Safaris hand-picked and led by wildlife researchers and conservation naturalists open up Pandora’s box on animal behaviour and its role within the ecosystem, as well as drawing the best out of local safari guides whilst retaining utmost respect of the natural world.

• Indian Wildlife, 9 – 21 April 2015 with tiger specialist Stephen Mills

• Zambian Wildlife, 16 – 26 October 2015 with researcher, naturalist & conservationist Stephen Mills

• Kenyan Wildlife, 1 – 9 October 2015 with Maasai naturalist & wildlife presenter Jackson Looseyia

NEW HORIZONS WILDLIFE TOURSEstablished in 1998, with a trip to the Outer Hebrides, New Horizons has organised and led birding and wildlife watching tours across Britain, Europe and beyond, including worldwide destinations such as Morocco, The Gambia, Senegal, Namibia, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Cuba, Florida, Seychelles, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Peru, Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica.

CONTACT: Christopher Hall Tel: 01773 716550 / Mob: 07756 930 268 Email: [email protected] Website: newhorizonsonline.co.uk

FEATURED TOUR

Rajasthan & Gujarat ~ Lions, Tigers, Leopards & much much more! ~ £3650• Tour date: 26 November – 14 December • Country: India • See website for details of this tour plus many others

ECOTOURSWeb: ecotours-worldwide.comEmail: [email protected] Tel: +36 30 645 9318 / +52 (1) 998 1263073

ECOTOURS – KONDOR ECOLODGE – WORLDWIDE TRAVELNatural Leaders in Eastern Europe – Latin America & Worldwide

Ecotours offer worldwide bird-watching & wildlife photography tours focusing on birds, mammals, wildflowers, butterflies-dragonflies, nature & culture.

Dozens of countries covered by a wide range of tours to see superb endemics, a wide variety of habitats full with birds, mammals, butterflies and other wildlife at breathtaking landscapes.

Visit our own Kondor EcoLodge, a wildlife & photography centre in Hungary with professional hides. We offer special prices for bird-clubs and private groups!

BUSANGA SAFARIS Website: busangasafaris.com Mobile: +44 (0)7917 005015Email: [email protected]

BUSANGA SAFARIS

Named after a vast shimmering flood plain in Zambia’s Kafue National Park, Busanga Safaris first began arranging safaris for clients in 1999. A family owned wildlife safari company, based in the UK with satellite offices in Zambia, Busanga is a true wildlife company, striving to exceed expectations.

The team at Busanga carefully tailor make safaris to key wildlife destinations across Africa. Built around the time you have available, and your budget, Busanga has a website full of great ideas!

Founder of Busanga, Tony McKeith, personally guides some very popular small group safaris, adding an extra dimension to your safari, and taking you under the skin of some great wildlife destinations. Expert wildlife knowledge and a level of experience working and living in the bush, and a vast amount of personal travel experiences help the Busanga team to create safaris that combine fantastic wildlife encounters in wonderfully wild places.

ATOL bonded which gives clients complete financial security and available 7 days – Busanga pride themselves on always being available – pick up the phone or email, they are always happy to hear from you.

AQUA FIRMA Website: www.aqua-firma.co.ukwww.aqua-firma.co.uk/rainforest4Climate/Email: [email protected] Tel: 01428 620012

AQUA FIRMA

SUPPORTING MARINE RESEARCHIn Mexico, clients can snorkel amongst the world’s largest known aggregation of whale sharks and Atlantic giant manta rays, in the company of leading local and international researchers whose work the company funds. Ralph Pannell, director at Aqua-Firma, reports “The most whale sharks I have seen from our research vessel in Mexico is about 180, with as Giant Mantas rays to snorkel with beneath the water,”

“Our research team are convinced that they are a short distance away from proving that the giant mantas we see here are a separate species from the two so far identified.”

In Tanzania, Aqua-Firma is now the prime sponsor for whale shark research on Mafia Island – a stunning location to share the water with these ocean giants and enjoy some of East Africa’s most pristine coral reefs.

Aqua-Firma’s in house marine scientists also lead trips to snorkel, dive and photograph penguins, whales, orcas, dolphins, coral reefs and more. Experiences range from humpback whale birthing and breeding grounds of the Caribbean Silverbanks, to Mexico’s Socorro Island and Baja California, the Galapagos Islands, Indonesia and both polar regions. RAINFOREST4CLIMATEAs a leading Polar travel company, Aqua-Firma keeps a Rainforest4Climate Fund which it uses to help offset the carbon emissions of client polar voyages and flights. This covers travel to Spitsbergen, Greenland, Canada, Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands. Aqua-Firma also adds to this fund for each journey it operates to lowland and montane forest in Ecuador and Peru.

In January, Aqua-Firma committed to fund the creation of a 10,000 acre protected forest reserve within a proposed 5.9 million acres of national park, national reserve and 57 community owned territories in Amazonian Peru. It also committed to fund the protection of more than 1,000 acres of rainforest in Madagascar.

FOLLOw DARWIN’S FOOTSTEPS

DISCOVER GALAPaGoSLATIN AMERICA ANTARcTICA

Specialising in tailor-made & escorted tours for more than 27 years. ATOL protected 3760

[email protected] 7407 1478

TASMANIA, THE LAND WHERE IT ALL BEGANTasmania is where the first Green Party was started in 1983, when it saved the mighty Franklin River, bringing its rainforest back from the very brink of destruction. This island’s green credentials are undisputed

In contrast to mainland Australia, only one Tasmanian species has been lost (although there are

some wildlife experts who believe the Thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger, still roams the remote wilderness.)

The facts speak for themselves. No less than half Tasmania’s landmass is protected. The air is the cleanest in the inhabited world. Farming is free from antibiotics, chemicals and hormone use. There is a moratorium on GM produce. The land is the size of Ireland yet has just one ninth its population.

Put simply, nature is king. So, how can you be sure that a visit

to this wild, rugged and bewitching land, that lies somewhere between New Zealand, Antarctica and South America, will meet with the tacit approval of the eco-warriors who battled to put it on its enviable pedestal, and the islanders who still,

today, strive to keep it there?Here’s how. Tasmanian Odyssey

is the only travel company that is completely dedicated to Tasmania and to supporting its local, privately owned tourism providers, its land and its wildlife. Book with us and you will share in the lives of those who have shaped its recent history. These are people for whom sustainable living is a way of life. Hear how they have nurtured their land and protected the animals and birds that inhabit it. Travel with us, guided or under your own steam, and we promise you will see most if not all of Tasmania’s native and endemic species in the wild (with the possible exception of the Thylacine. Nature, after all, has to have the last laugh.) Tasmanian devils, eastern quolls, white wallabies, echidna and the duck-billed platypus to name just a few. These will not be

chance encounters nor will they be part of a carefully-orchestrated tour; they will happen simply because you are walking in the footsteps of those who saved an isolated, but very beautiful corner of the world from a fate to which much of the rest has succumbed.

Even better, because we donate part of every booking to the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, every visit you make with us will ensure the protection of this ancient land for future generations of species that our children can hope to see in their lifetime too.

TASMANIAN ODYSSEYwww.tasmanianodyssey.com

01534 735449

[email protected]

main image: Gordon River, Strahan

top right: Wombat peering out of burrow

bottom right:Devils sleeping

WANT EXPEDITIONSEmail: [email protected] Website: wantexpeditions.com

ULTIMATE SAFARI EXPERIENCE Email: [email protected] Website: ultimatesafariexperience.com

WANT EXPEDITIONS – WILDLIFE & NATURE TRAVEL

The world leader in highly personalized, conservation-oriented small group travel. Connecting travellers, adventurers, photographers and conservationists from all over the world through expeditions to see the most amazing natural phenomena that exist on our planet, WANT Expeditions strives to create the most in-depth and authentic travel experiences on Earth while simultaneously promoting responsible tourism and sustainability projects in developing countries.

WANT Expeditions uses only local business partners, practices strong environmental conservation measures, supports the protection of cultures and traditions, and encourages letting go of western ideals.

At WANT Expeditions, staff believe whole-heartedly that it is their social responsibility to work hand-in-hand to empower the communities they visit to ensure the local people benefit as much as, if not more than, the tour groups do. Environmental conservation, responsible tourism and cultural sustainability are at the core of all expeditions, and for this reason, the tour operator continues to generate projects and partner with several organisations to improve the lives of those with whom they interact. Authentic cultural immersion and strong ethical practices prove that WANT Expeditions is dedicated to providing their guests and communities around the globe with a better understanding for the way others live.

ULTIMATE SAFARI EXPERIENCEUltimate Safari Experience is based in the UK and are specialists in guided luxury safaris, self-drive overland excursions, bird watching and photographic tours to a variety of wilderness destinations throughout the world, such as walking safaris in Zambia, birdwatching in Costa Rica to searching for the worlds largest mammal the blue whale in Sri Lanka.

These areas include some of the worlds most spectacular wildlife holidays and we offer you the opportunity to experience wildlife at its wildest, most rugged, most remote and most beautiful! All under the expert guidance of your own personal tour guide.

We are delighted that Wildlife Expert Iolo Williams is to guest lead tours for us in 2015 to Zambia and India. Iolo has travelled to 70 Countries Worldwide so you will be in great company and expertise.

Ultimate Safari Experience is pleased to offer you two unique Wildlife Tours. Which will be led the broadcaster Iolo Williams. The first tour is to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia in September 2015. We have exclusively booked Chimfule Lodge for our guests for the duration of the safari. The second tour is to India in October where we will visit Kaziranga in the North of India close to the border with Nepal and the Himalayas.Kazaringa is home to the one horned rhino, Tiger and Elephant. The park is best explored on elephant safaris. We will then head to the world famous Ramthombhore National Park in search of the elusive Tiger.

READER HOLIDAY

101BBC WildlifeMarch 2015

Don’t miss your chance to join Laurie

Campbell and Joe Cornish for a week of

expert photographic tuition at Scotland’s

Aigas Field Centre. Spring is a wonderful

time to be in the Highlands, with every day bringing

change and fresh promise. Geese are gathering in

the fields and dreaming of the north, the air is fresh

and clear, and the light is ever-changing as winter

relinquishes its grip.

Laurie and Joe will lead BBC Wildlife readers for the

week, providing instruction, mentoring and advice.

Together you will explore some of the best wildlife and

landscape spectacles that the area has to offer, while

expert rangers will be your guides to the local species.

At Aigas Field Centre you will enjoy private hides

and trails offering the opportunity to photograph

pine martens, red and roe deer, badgers and other

iconic species. After days out in the spectacular

hills and glens of the central Highlands, you

will return each evening to the warm hospitality

of this family home.

READER HOLIDAY

ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES INCLUDE:O

Exploit the ‘golden hour’ at sunrise and sunset

O Learn how to build a hide, plus field skills

and flash techniques

O Discover what makes a good landscape photo

O Improve your post-production workflow

O Visit hides for pine martens and badgers

O Share in the secrets of time-lapse photography

O Get feedback on your work from Laurie and Joe

De

er: L

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M

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For details, visit www.discoverwildlife.com

Spend a week with two of Britain’s best wildlife and landscape

photographers at Aigas Field Centre in the Highlands.

Wildlife and landscape photography

Photograph red

deer in the glens

of the Highlands.

Charlotte Morris took

this beautiful shot of

Glen Aric on a BBC

Wildlife Reader Holiday

at Aigas last autumn.

LAURIE CAMPBELL

is one of Scotland’s most

accomplished wildlife and nature

photographers. His images of the

country’s fauna and flora are

published worldwide.

JOE CORNISH

is a landscape photographer who

has worked all over the world. He

has published a book devoted to

the mountains of Scotland, one

of his favourite subjects.

MEET OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS

11–18 April 2015

WILDLIFE AND LANDSCAPE

PHOTOGRAPHY READER HOLIDAY

11�18 APRIL 2015

Where Aigas Field Centre,

the Highlands of Scotland

Cost £1,399 per person

(fully inclusive; no single

supplement)

TO BOOK

01463 782443

[email protected]

www.aigas.co.uk/bbcwildlife

In association with

AigasField CentreSharing the Wonders

of the Wild Highlands

LEARN ABOUT and be INSPIRED by THE OUTDOORS

A range of day and short residential courses to help you discover and enjoy the natural world.

l Walking, Photography, Wildlife & Arts coursesl Stunning locations across the UKl Meet like-minded peoplel Comfortable sole occupancy accommodation

Call: 0845 345 4071Visit: www.field-studies-council.org/discover-something-new

BBC Wildlife 2015 half page ad 26/11/2014 10:12 Page 1

www.tilley.com T: 01326 574402

OUT AND ABOUT WITH TILLEY

All our Hats are guaranteed for life. They provide UPF50+ sun protection, tie on in the wind, float, and are

water resistant, keeping you covered wherever your adventures take you

Proudly made in CanadaDesigned for the world

Tel: 01957 710 000 | mail: [email protected] | web: www.shetlandnature.net

Shetland Naturewildlife | birding | photography | walking

Our ethos as a tour company is built around responsibility to wildlife with small groups focusing on quality not quantity

& is inspired by a lifetime of knowledge of the islands wildlife, offering a unique & authentic Shetland experience.

Supporting; Follow our latest news

Shetlands only FiveStar wildlife experience







Tel: 01957 710 000 | mail: [email protected] web: www.shetlandnature.net

wildlife | birding | photography | walkingShetland Nature

Our ethos as a tour company is built around responsibility to wildlife, with small groups focusing on quality, not quantity and is inspired by a lifetime

of knowledge of the island’s wildlife, offering a unique and authentic Shetland experience.

























BBC Wildlife Responsible Travel Guide 2015

Documents

Transcript of BBC Wildlife Responsible Travel Guide 2015