“If we really disturbed them, they would leave”: Mountain sports participants and wildlife disturbance in the northern French Alps

Abstract

This article aims to participate in filling the gap of knowledge in mountain sports participants' perception of wildlife disturbance. In a context of growing popularity of these activities and, consequently, of increase of visitors in the Northern French Alps, we examines visitors of protected areas attitudes toward disturbance and widlife tranquility areas. The quantitative survey focused on ski tourers and hikers (N = 2050), it shows that respondents who witnessed disturbance, such as flight response from wildlife, are much more likely to state that they might be a source of disturbance. Additionaly, results show that attitudes and values towards wildlife and disturbance are more important than sociodemographic or activity related characteristics to explain perception of self-caused disturbance or avoidance of tranquility areas. Management implications: Management implications: Results illustrate the importance of providing protected areas managers with information on visitors as it can help targeting and raising awareness in ways that appeal directly to them, such as. - By using photos and videos of distressed fleeing wildlife to appeal to emotion and to participate in shifting attitudes toward restricted areas and management measures; - Targeting participants depending on their level and involvement in the activity; - Reinforcement of mountain professionals training (mountain guides, ski instructors, mountain leaders etc.) with courses on the ecology and biodiversity of mountain ecosystems.