Estimating the Cultural Value of Wild Animals in the Qinling Mountains, China: A Choice Experiment.

Yilei Hou,Zheng Zhao,Tianle Liu,Yali Wen

doi:10.3390/ani10122422

Abstract

Simple SummaryThe presence of wildlife makes an important contribution to ecosystem services, and in the hot spots of biodiversity conservation, the results of wild animal value evaluation can provide a basis for the formulation of ecological compensation standards. Applying the choice experiment method, we assessed the value of wild animals in the surrounding areas of the Changqing National Nature Reserve in China from the tourist perspective. The results of our field survey suggest that the cultural value of wild animals, measured in terms of willingness-to-pay, is significantly higher than that of the infrastructure and other natural landscape features. These findings can provide a basis for the rational allocation of resources for wild animal conservation.In this study, we use the choice experiment method to evaluate the value of wild animals in the surrounding areas of the Changqing National Nature Reserve in China. For areas focused on biodiversity conservation, the results of wild animal value evaluation can provide a basis for the formulation of local ecological compensation standards. We identified wild animals, natural landscape features, infrastructure and facilities, and ticket price as major attributes determining the utility and value of the reserve area. The results of our field survey suggest that the cultural value of wild animals is significantly higher than the value of the infrastructure and other natural landscapes. Tourists indicated a willingness-to-pay of 31.4 Yuan to see wild animals in captivity, compared to 71.9 Yuan to see wild animals in the field. Moreover, tourists with different characteristics have different preferences for the cultural value of wildlife. Female tourists have a higher willingness-to-pay than male tourists. In addition, as age, education, and income level increase, tourists’ willingness-to-pay also increases. These conclusions can provide a reference for local government to formulate wildlife protection compensation and ecotourism ticket pricing.

Highlights

Ecosystem services are an effective way to strengthen the relationship between ecosystem functions and human well-being [1]
The results suggest that the cultural value of wild animals is significantly higher than the value of the infrastructure and other natural landscapes
The choice experiment method was used to evaluate the cultural value of wild animals

Summary

Introduction

Ecosystem services are an effective way to strengthen the relationship between ecosystem functions and human well-being [1]. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment divides ecosystem service functions into four categories: supply, regulation, cultural, and support functions [2]. Cultural ecosystem services are defined as ‘the non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation and aesthetic experience, including, e.g., knowledge systems, social relations and aesthetic values’ [3]. Ecotourism is a responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education. It can improve the well-being of local community residents and tourists [5]; there is still uncertainty about whether ecotourism can improve the level of ecological protection [6].

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Conclusion