Page 6 - Agius_Theuma_Deidun(2018)

Does Absence of Charismatic Species Impact the Ecotourism Potential of Central Mediterranean Islands? 158

Stakeholders outlined that activities targeting differ- onment surrounding central Mediterranean islands has
ent species could be held throughout different months of been well documented in literature. The loggerhead
the month. Whereas this was not a problem as climate turtle and the bottlenose dolphin are regularly found
on these islands was fair allowing outdoor activities to around Maltese waters (Mifsud et al., 2017). Pantel-
be held throughout most days of the year, one had to leria serves as a nursery for the loggerhead sea turtle
be organised and in some cases also plan activities ac- and the white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). One
cording to the particular season. Furthermore, the ideal also finds cetaceans such as the fin whale (Balaenop-
timing to target specific species had to be taken into tera physalus) and the striped dolphin (Stenella coer-
consideration to increase likeliness of observing the tar- uleoalba) apart from several species of rays (Margot-
get species. tini, 2011). In the case of the Aegadian Islands, vari-
Stakeholders added that owing to the relatively small ous marine charismatic species have been identified in-
size of the islands this also allowed ecotourists to visit cluding the monk seal, Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus
various habitats in various protected areas and move thynnus), loggerhead sea turtles, storm petrels, dolphins
swiftly in between terrestrial and marine sites reducing (Stenella coeruleoalba and Tursiops truncates), mantas,
travelling time and increasing time available to immerse sharks (Lamna nasus and Prionace glauca) and sperm
in nature and observe target species. whales (Physeter macrocephalus) (Donati, 2016), sev-
Stakeholders interviewed raised alarm on the presence eral of which are rare on protected (Donati, 2015). The
of alien species and the possible impact these may have Pelagian Archipealgo is closely associated with logger-
on endemic and other species which are considered as head sea turtle nesting sites which include the Spiagga
2
charismatic species. In addition they also expressed con- dei Conigli on Lampedusa with an area of 6000 m and
cern on transboundary issues in marine environments the Spiagga Pozzolana di Ponente on Linosa with an
2
such as marine traffic in the area of study, presence of area of 1100 m (Piovano et al., 2006).
marine plastic litter, aquaculture and oil drilling that With respect to the approach to identify smaller less
may all leave an impact on marine biodiversity includ- charismatic species possibly non-mammals including in-
ing charismatic species. vertebrates as ecotourism targets one should note that
emphasis has been made on the need to create new eco-
4 Discussion tourism opportunities through under-appreciated, less
charismatic biodiversity in protected areas (Di Minin et
Irrespective of the rich biodiversity found on islands in al., 2013). This is supported by the fact that less cha-
the area of study, large terrestrial charismatic species, rismatic biodiversity has been valued by tourists as an
especially large mammals which are normally considered integral aspect of nature-based experiences (Hausmann,
as top targets for ecotourism, are absent. The intro- Slotow, Fraser & Di Minin, 2016). Furthermore, this
duced deer, wild goats and wild boar on Marettimo are
is crucial because protected areas which lack charismat-
an exception. As a result, conversely to what normally
ics species may fail to attract ecotourists. As a res-
happens elsewhere, ecotourism targets in the region in- ult they generate less income for management purposes
clude smaller, less charismatic species such as the fresh of the area (Goodwin & Leader-Williams, 2000; Kiss,
water crab which are at times difficult to observe either 2004). The shifting of attention from large charismatic
due to their behaviour, limited distribution or limited species to smaller species and their branding as charis-
numbers. matic species is also beneficial from a management and
One finds more diversity and abundance of charis- conservation perspective. This is because the narrow
matic species in coastal and marine environments. Only interest in charismatic species can lead to the underap-
3 of the 20 most charismatic species identified by Albert preciation of other biodiversity (Di Minin et al., 2013;
et al. (2018) are found in the area of study and these are Kerley, Geach & Vial, 2003) pushing down the conser-
all marine species (sharks, whales and dolphins). More vation ladder other small species leading to their poor
environmental awareness and measures to reverse neg- conservation (Weaver, 2008). Thus, the absence of large
ative environmental impacts have also started to bear mammals implies that conservation will not focus on a
fruit. This can be confirmed by the return of the log- single species but will also have a broader perspective
gerhead turtle to nest on Maltese beaches in 2012, 2016 featuring also smaller species.
and 2018 (Anonymous, 2018, June 25) following a long In the case of Mediterranean islands, too much im-
absence (Deidun & Schembri, 2005). The monk seal portance given to large mammals can be a threat to the
has also been sighted on Marettimo (Donati, 2015). As biodiversity in the region (Gippoliti & Amori, 2006). A
a result, there is a natural drive favouring the develop- classic example is the introduction of species considered
ment of marine ecotourism, ecotourism that takes place to be charismatic (such as deer on Marettimo) has left
in coastal and marine environment. tremendous negative impacts on trees and plants (Gi-
The presence of charismatic species in marine envir-

10.7423/XJENZA.2018.2.08 www.xjenza.org