Everything I Need to Know About Watching Wildlife I Learned in Kindergarten: 25 Days to Green Travel, Day 21
As a lover of nature, especially animals, I set out to learn everything I could about being respectful while watching wildlife.
You know what I found out?
Everything I need to know about watching wildlife I learned in kindergarten.
photo credit: Chalky Lives
Don’t feed the animals. This can lead to health problems for the animals as well as dependencies. For instance, in the Galapagos the mockingbirds will beg for water if they see your water bottle.
photo credit: photojenni
Be mindful of personal space. Give animals plenty of space. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens.
photo credit: chrispearson72
If someone is upset, say you’re sorry and leave them alone. I’m not sure how much good it will do to apologize to an animal, but if you sense that an animal is getting agitated or changing his behavior, slowly back away.
photo credit: furryscaly
Clean up after yourself. Pick up your garbage (and others’ litter too).
photo credit: Jesse Bikman
Learn and become knowledgeable. Learn about the habitat and the creatures you’re watching before you set out. This will not only give you greater appreciation for them but you will also learn nuances that will allow you to be more respectful.
photo credit: Phillie Casablanca
Share (your knowledge) with others. Everything that you learned before and from your wildlife watching excursion you should share with others. By spreading your understanding of the animals, you will protect them.
photo credit: Jace
Further Resources:
Watchable Wildlife
NOAA
Scottish Marine Code
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
UN’s Green Passport
Everything I Need to Know About Watching Wildlife I Learned in Kindergarten is the twenty-first post in Go Green Travel Green’s 25 Days to Green Travel series. If you haven’t already, subscribe to our feed (also available via email) and stay up to date.
Some more..
1. Stay quiet, especially in the wilderness. No shouting, no music,..
2. Don’t crave for the sighting. Enjoy what you get, come back again, if you did not manage the coveted sightings you were hoping for.
3. Do not disturb the animals when you see them. You might have seen them all active , jumping around or chasing one another in videos. If they are sitting quiet when you see them, let them be. Dont provoke them.
I was pretty depressed how people acted as though they have a right to see the tiger once when I was in a National Park. See http://travel.paintedstork.com/blog/2006/06/tiger-hunt.html
Arun-
Thanks these are great. Thanks!