Page 1 - Agius_Theuma_Deidun(2018)

Agius, K., Theuma, N. and Deidun, A. (2018).Xjenza Online, 6:153–164.

Xjenza Online - Science Journal of the Malta Chamber of Scientists
www.xjenza.org
DOI: 10.7423/XJENZA.2018.2.08

Research Report

Does Absence of Charismatic Species Impact the Ecotourism Potential
of Central Mediterranean Islands?

1
∗1
Karl Agius , Nadia Theuma and Alan Deidun 2
1 Institute for Tourism, Travel and Culture, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
2 Department of Geosciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta

Abstract. Central Mediterranean Islands tend to be Abbreviations
devoid of large terrestrial charismatic fauna which usu-
Marine Protected Areas = MPAs; NGOs = Non-
ally serve as target species for ecotourism. This has
Governmental Organisations; 3S = Sand, Sun and Sea
raised questions on the potential of ecotourism in such
destinations. However it has been argued that absence 1 Introduction
of charismatic megafauna should not be considered as a
limitation. Ecotours were organised on nine islands in Charismatic megafauna are arguably considered im-
the central Mediterranean region. Interviews and focus portant to motivate ecotourists to visit protected areas
groups were held with participants of the ecotours and (Skibins, Powell & Hallo, 2013). Such species tend to
stakeholders. It has been argued that most charismatic be terrestrial mammals and normally serve a flagship
species are marine, touting marine ecotourism as the role engaging in both ecotourism and conservation cam-
ideal tourism product. Furthermore, rather than focus- paigns (Albert, Luque & Courchamp, 2018; Lindsey,
ing on charismatic species, the ecotourism product on Alexander, Mills, Roma˜nach & Woodroffe, 2007; Veris-
such islands should revolve around the various coastal simo, Fraser, Groombridge, Bristol & MacMillan, 2009).
environments and habitats and other smaller species in- Mammal faunas on Mediterranean islands experi-
cluding non-mammals, especially endemic ones thus fa- enced almost complete extinction due to human colon-
cilitating a broader approach to conservation. Owing isation (Blondel & Vigne, 1993; Sch¨ule, 1993). Whereas
to the remarkable biodiversity of plant species, charis- humans have actively introduced new faunistic elements
matic megaflora and plants have also been identified as on Mediterranean islands (Gippoliti & Amori, 2006;
important targets for ecotourism. Furthermore, due to Schembri, 2003) few endemic terrestrial mammals still
the intense environmental pressure and limited size of survive in Mediterranean islands (Blondel & Vigne,
protected areas the overlap with cultural, rural and ad- 1993). One example is the shrew (Crocidura sicula)
venture tourism has been suggested. In order for the which is found on the islands of Sicily, Levanzo, Favign-
ecotourism product to be more competitive archipelago ana, Marettimo, Ustica and Gozo (Sar`a, 1998). Hence,
tourism also referred to as island hopping is also recom- terrestrial charismatic megafauna, including large mam-
mended, a proposal which is supported by the presence mals, are lacking from central Mediterranean islands.
of endemic and sub-endemic species. Results show that This has raised questions on the potential of protected
absence of charismatic species does not limit ecotourism areas situated on Mediterranean islands to attract eco-
development on such islands. tourists. Furthermore, owing to the lack of charismatic
megafauna, the possibility of applying the concept of
Keywords: Charismatic species, ecotourism, central flagship species (used in other regions for biodiversity
Mediterranean, islands, conservation conservation) on islands has been described as problem-
atic (Verissimo et al., 2009).
However, research has criticised the mammal-centric
approach and focus on charismatic megafauna (En-
twistle, 2000). Questions have also been raised on

*Correspondence to: Karl Agius (karl.agius.05@um.edu.mt)
c
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