How to prepare for a natural park visit

Natural parks and reserves are amazing places where you can have deep encounters with nature and wildlife. This post provides useful tips on how to prepare for a natural park visit.

This story and pictures are contributed by Francisco J Erize, Argentine naturalist, wildlife photographer and conservationist

August morning, 1969, Nairobi National Park, Kenya. For a good while I have been driving my small rented car along one of the less trodden trails when I got to the junction with one of the major ones. A tourist anxiously inquires: “Have you seen anything interesting?” The question gives me an opportunity to express my enthusiasm: “Yes I came across a good herd of Eland antelopes, a group of three splendid males of Grant Gazelle and…” I was cut short by a “Well… I guess we are only interested in lions; have you seen any lions?” Saddened, I realize how much they must be loosing out in their safari.

Tips on preparing for a natural park visit

When visiting a wild place, be it a national park or a nature reserve of any kind it is essential to acquire a certain knowledge of the environment. That is, the kind of habitat, the main plants and animals. Of course, one will always derive aesthetic pleasure out of admiring beautiful landscapes, graceful or powerful mammals or colorful birds. However being able to identify the species, to tell the difference among closely related ones and where they fit in the chart of life, to understand what the creatures are doing and to be able to foresee what they will do next adds a tremendous dimension – the intellectual dimension – to your experience. Here are a few tips on how to get most out of your natural park visit:

Select protected natural areas for your visit

This has the advantage that animals are bound to be tamer and that the habitat is likely to be less disturbed. Bear in mind that among these the natural sites included in UNESCO’S World Heritage List are supposed to be the world´s greatest natural wonders.

Read about the sites you will visit

Learn about types of habitat, look up the main species of mammals, birds, trees likely to be encountered. Today abundant field guides will not only  increase your expectations but will help understand the new panorama you will meet.

Learn about different species you may encounter

Knowledge suppresses boredom.  You may feel that once you have seen one penguin, you have seen them all. However, there are 18 different species of penguins. They all look very different.

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Observe animal behavior

Observe how animals interact during nursing, playing, their sexual behavior, and dominance displays. Watch their feeding, compare differences among individuals, analyzing social composition of the herds.

Find knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient guides

Guides will spot creatures much before you do, or which you may not spot at all. They may attract your attention  to subjects which you would have ignored and may identify species for you. Guides may inform you about things that are about to happen and tell you lots of interesting facts of the species you watch and their environment, thus making your experience more meaningful.

For example, many years ago I used to lead tours on board Lindblad expeditions ships. In the evenings and during open sea navigation, we would offer lectures by naturalists. If visiting Antarctica – on Antarctic exploration, the Antarctic Sea, geology and ice, marine birds, penguins in particular, seals and whales. Also many of the protected areas have information centers which are worth visiting, for they attempt to display the most useful information about the site’s nature.

Use good binoculars

Binoculars are an essential tool for enjoying nature – although partially replaceable by a camera with a long telephoto lens. Most birds are too small at the distance they will tolerate your presence for proper appreciation with the naked eye and even mammals may be shy – particularly if you approach them on foot – or interesting nature events may take place a bit far from the trail on which you drive. Magnification becomes then a great help for your eyesight.

Be patient

Patience is a virtue often required to be able to watch interesting nature events -like predators hunting, males fighting or courtship to develop. Either you or your guide may notice some behavioral signs that may indicate some action to follow, but to see it some waiting will probably be necessary.

Immerse yourself into the local environment

Sample new foods, communicate with the local people, take interest in their ways, show them you value their natural heritage and culture, and dare attempting new and unusual experiences. For example, by riding an elephant in Southeast Asia, or a camel in Northern Africa you will feel a lot more immersed in the natural surroundings.

Good luck!

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