Species protection
You should avoid these 5 mistakes on vacation
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World Wildlife Day is a painful reminder that biodiversity is dwindling. The good news: Each of us can do something about it – especially on vacation. Karen Wittel, deputy chairwoman of “Forum anders reisen”, has tips for us.
Biodiversity is declining dramatically worldwide. Well-known factors such as habitat loss, invasive species and the overuse of resources are to blame for species extinction.
What we often don’t realize is that when we travel we can make an important contribution to preventing the extinction of species. There is 5 typical mistakes that can be easily avoided:
1 – Feeding wild animals
During my long-distance travels, I repeatedly experience that, for example, wild animals such as monkeys or sloths are fed in hotels in order to give tourists the opportunity to photograph them. But the food can harm the animals and make them dependent on humans. There is also a risk of disease transmission between people and animals. A conscious approach and maintaining a distance from wild animals are therefore essential. On the pages of You can find further valuable tips in Pro Wildlife.
2 – Support harmful wildlife attractions
Avoid places that use wildlife for entertainment, such as dolphin shows or elephant rides. On the pages of Wildlife Heritage Areas You’ll find projects around the world that promote ethical wildlife experiences, such as whale watching in Madeira or brown bear sightings in Italy.
3 – Buy problematic souvenirs
Buying souvenirs from local vendors is always a good idea. In this way you support local small businesses – much better than with a panic shopping campaign at the airport. But be careful: ivory, parrot feathers, tortoiseshell or coral are not suitable souvenirs. The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation or Species protection online provide information about endangered species and help make responsible purchasing decisions.
4 – Disobey rules in protected areas
Respect the rules in national parks and protected areas. Always stay on the marked paths, do not camp wildly, do not leave rubbish behind and do not light open fires. Climbing, mountain biking, rafting and especially motorized sports may only be practiced in designated areas. There are often guided small group tours with trained staff in nature reserves that can give you valuable insights.
5 – Use harmful products
Use biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent to protect aquatic ecosystems. The Environmental Working Group provides a database of safe sunscreens.
Further information on species protection
Which species are actually threatened?
It is not always clear to us which species are threatened. However, this is pretty easy to figure out when preparing for your destination. The IUCN Red List provides comprehensive information on the status of various species worldwide.
Make others aware of the importance of protecting species while traveling
Share your experiences with species protection on vacation and your experiences with sustainable projects. This can inspire others to act responsibly too. How about a post on social media to share your experiences and educate and inspire other travelers about sustainable projects?
