Using choice experiments to inform management of black-faced spoonbill reserve in Taiwan

The evaluation of wildlife tourism benefits is one of the key considerations in planning proper management measures and promoting mutually beneficial coexistence of wildlife tourism and wildlife resources. This key consideration is also important for Black-Faced Spoonbills (Platalea minor), which are at risk of extinction. To understand the value of Black-Faced Spoonbill wildlife tourism, this study adopted choice experiments to investigate tourists’ preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for recreational environmental resources in the Black-Faced Spoonbill Reserve in Taiwan. The total WTP price indicates that the promotion of tourism activities in the Black Faced Spoonbill Reserve and the proper maintenance of tourist and recreation facilities will increase the WTP value for tourists, increases the opportunity costs of using the Reserve’s land for other purposes, and reduces the possibility of developing the Reserve.Keywords: Biodiversity; recreational quality; development; bird-watching.