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Is the evolving sport of mountain biking compatible with fauna conservation in national parks?

Burgin, Shelley, Hardiman, Nigel (2012) Is the evolving sport of mountain biking compatible with fauna conservation in national parks? Australian Zoologist, 36 (1). pp. 1-8. ISSN 0067-2238. (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:33070)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.

Abstract

Historically, most people have tended to visit national parks for ‘rest, relaxation and reinvigoration’,

typically resulting in moderate ecological impacts. However, increasingly, recreation in natural areas

is including ‘adventure’ sports. One such recreation/sport that now incorporates a range of forms,

including adventure derivatives, is mountain biking. In the more extreme forms, riders use extensive

trials, often with steep segments and natural or human-made obstacles demonstrate technical skills

(e.g., balance, calculated risk-taking, excitement, speed). Appreciation of the natural environment is

seldom, if ever, a reason for participation. In this paper we consider the potential for impact on the

fauna of national parks. While there is a dearth of information on the impact of mountain biking, we

conclude that park management needs to be strategic in their consideration of the issues associated

with mountain biking or the outcome will be further degradation of natural areas and, at the least, loss

of many animals if not major threats to populations.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled keywords: fauna management, adventure sports, native animals, environmental impact, bike trails, natural area, visitor attitudes
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation. Leisure
H Social Sciences
Q Science
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH75 Conservation (Biology)
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation > DICE (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology)
Depositing User: N.J. Hardiman
Date Deposited: 22 Jan 2013 15:55 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:10 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/33070 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Hardiman, Nigel.

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