Tourism and Flagship Species in Conservation

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Tourism and Flagship Species in Conservation

• Business Major Matthew Amato

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Basic Definitions

• Flagship Species A distinct species located in
  a certain area that is used to raise public
  awareness and financial support for conservation.

(Not to be confused with umbrella, indicator or
keystone species)
Giant Panda of Southwest China
Picture Obtained from the World Wildlife
Foundation Web Site
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Characterizing Flagships

• Flagship species are usually high profile,
  charismatic species
• Usually a mammal or other large species
  (Taxonomic Chauvinism)

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Responsibility of Flagship Species

• Raise funds for conservation
• Donations
• Tourism
• Raise Awareness

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Problems with Flagship Species

• Must ensure that the flagship species concept is
  not only attractive internationally but locally
  as well

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Komodo Dragon in Eastern Indonesia

• Komodo Dragon is a fine example of the value of
  flagships through tourism
• Komodo National Park (KNP) is able to thrive and
  prosper because of the tourism and economic
  growth made possible by the Komodo Dragon

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Dangers of the Komodo Dragon

• The Komodo Dragon often attacks livestock and
  people in Eastern Indonesia
• The benefits the Indonesian people see from the
  Komodo Dragon out way the occasional attack

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Conclusion

• Flagship Species are not necessarily the most
  important species in an area. They are used to
  raise public awareness and funding
• A balance must be found between local and
  international interests
• Everyone must get involved