Introduction:The wildlife and biodiversity throughout the state of Colorado are as varied as the ecosystems they inhabit– from high plains and mountain valleys to alpine tundra and high western plateaus. With over 960 native species, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, and crustaceans, the state also is home to North America’s largest elk herd. These ecosystems not only offer essential habitats but also enhance outdoor recreation and contribute to global health and resilience. Preserving and safeguarding our wildlife and biodiversity is essential for the long-term sustainability of Colorado’s natural treasures. Strategies include mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, promoting responsible wildlife viewing, and restoring habitats.

Goal: Preserve and responsibly showcase Colorado’s wildlife to maintain undisturbed habitats and flourishing populations, despite escalating tourism and statewide population growth.

Objective: By 2035, enhance the resilience and sustainability of Colorado’s wildlife habitats by reducing human-wildlife conflicts by 40% and increasing community engagement in conservation efforts.

Strategies

Wildlife and Biodiversity 1: Promote and Facilitate Guided Wildlife Viewing

Guided wildlife viewing experiences are essential for fostering conservation awareness, supporting sustainable economic development, and promoting educational and respectful interactions with nature. Enhancing these opportunities across the state involves collaborating with wildlife experts and land managers to create accessible, educational experiences.

Wildlife and Biodiversity 2: Create Wildlife Viewing Brochures and Encourage Ethical Viewing

Ethical wildlife viewing practices are vital to fostering respectful human-wildlife interactions that prioritize animal welfare and habitat preservation. The creation and distribution of local wildlife viewing brochures along with CPW’s guidelines on ethical wildlife viewing is an important way the tourism industry can inform visitors about maintaining respectful distances, and avoiding behaviors such as feeding, chasing, or harassing wildlife.

Wildlife and Biodiversity 3: Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflicts

Mitigating human-wildlife conflicts is crucial for protecting both wildlife and humans, promoting safe coexistence. Effective strategies include securing trash receptacles, enforcing pet leash laws, reducing speed limits in wildlife areas, installing clear wildlife crossing signage along highways, and educating visitors about these measures.

Wildlife and Biodiversity 4: Champion Wildlife Habitat Protection and Restoration

Preserving wildlife habitats is fundamental to sustaining Colorado’s biodiversity and supporting wildlife viewing opportunities. This strategy advocates for the preservation of wildlife corridors and sensitive habitats by endorsing appropriate regulations, access controls, and seasonal restrictions. The tourism industry can contribute by supporting these conservation efforts and advocating for the protection and investment in these critical areas.

Wildlife and Biodiversity 5: Promote Pollinator District Initiatives

Pollinator districts, areas abundant in native plant species, attract bees, butterflies, and birds benefiting broader environmental health, including the well-being of rivers and streams. Tourism industry businesses, visitor centers, community parks, and other public spaces can contribute by planting purposefully to enhance pollination. This strategy aims to beautify spaces, support local agriculture and educate visitors and residents on the importance of pollinators to our ecosystem and food supply.

Wildlife and Biodiversity 6: Enhance Wildlife Monitoring Efforts

Wildlife monitoring and biodiversity blitzes (the process of finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time) can gather essential data on wildlife sightings and behaviors through visitors interested in serving as citizen scientists. This collaborative effort enriches our understanding of local wildlife populations, their movements, and habitat needs, making a significant contribution to conservation strategies.

Wildlife and Biodiversity 7: Collaborate with Hunting and Fishing Communities to Promote Sustainable Practices

Colorado’s hunters and anglers are integral to wildlife conservation efforts, contributing to the management and preservation of wildlife populations. This strategy seeks to strengthen partnerships with these communities, promoting sustainable hunting and fishing practices, especially among visitors. Educational initiatives with industry associations will emphasize respecting wildlife populations and underscore the critical role of preserving natural habitats to support biodiversity.

Wildlife and Biodiversity 8: Implement Wildlife Conservation Education for Tourism Professionals

This strategy aims to offer targeted educational programs in wildlife and conservation biology specifically designed for DMOs, stakeholders, guides, and other tourism professionals. The intent is to deepen their knowledge and expertise, empowering them to contribute more effectively to wildlife conservation and educate visitors on the significance of preserving natural habitats.

Wildlife and Biodiversity 9: Safeguard Wildlife by Encouraging Mindful Driving

To reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and protect Colorado’s wildlife, this strategy encourages conscientious driving among visitors. By partnering with rental car companies, tourism businesses, and leveraging educational signage in wildlife-active zones, visitors can be informed about the importance of following speed limits and remaining vigilant, especially during peak wildlife movement times.

Wildlife and Biodiversity 10: Champion Nature-Positive Tourism

In alignment with the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) initiative to transform travel and tourism into a force for good, this strategy urges industry leadership and tourism businesses to champion nature-positive tourism. This collaborative effort encourages active participation in the WTTC “Guardians of Nature” movement, encouraging tourism businesses and destinations to minimize the environmental impacts of tourism while promoting actions that protect, restore, and enhance nature’s diversity and resilience.