Giving increased value to invertebrates through ecotourism

were interviewed, and 95% of them responded positively to the idea of including information on invertebrates in ecotourism activities. Current levels of inclusion of invertebrates in ecotourism activities, and attitudes to this concept were investigated through interviews with tour guides and other service providers, and through observations of guided walks and drives. Further, the response to the concept of the inclusion of both western/scientific and indigenous knowledge of invertebrates into current and planned ecotourism activities was assessed. The findings revealed that there is currently negligible information on invertebrates in ecotourism activities. However, the positive response to the concept from ecotourism service providers showed that there is potential to increase levels of information. Recommendations on how to address the lack of invertebrate information in ecotourism are provided and examples of the types of invertebrates to include in specific ecotourism activities are given. Including a focus on invertebrates in ecotourism will serve the multiple purposes of placing value on invertebrates; raising public awareness and hence the conservation status of invertebrates, and finally will increase the quality and competitiveness of ecotourism services and products.