Examining Innovative Technologies in Wildlife Conservation and Ecotourism: Advancements, Applications, and Impacts

A Case Study of Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Yankari Game Reserve, one of Nigeria's leading wildlife protection areas, faces several challenges, including poaching, environment degradation, and inadequate visitor engagement. This research examined innovative technologies to address these challenges, improve wildlife conservation efforts, and advance ecotourism involvements. By concentrating on progressions, applications, and effects of these technologies, the study provided actionable understandings and commendations for integrating current technological solutions. The research methodology was descriptive and employed a mixed-methods approach, and used semi-structured interview questions as data collection techniques to obtain information from park management and tourists. The researcher’s on-site personal observation was also used to obtain data. Moreso, a systematic literature review was utilized for the study. Qualitative data analysis was used and the findings revealed that, currently the study area partially adopted innovative technology and in the verge of keying into innovative technology, the study also revealed that the adoption and application of this technology in wildlife ecotourism development can positively enhance visitors experience and reduce manual or traditional method for park management. Moreso, innovative technologies adoption in wildlife ecotourism improve the ability to track wildlife movement, detect poaching activities and gather critical data on species population. The study recommended that management of the Yankari Game Reserve should prioritize the adoption and application of innovative technology for ecotourism development, engage stakeholders collaboration in the adoption of technology.