Estimating the willingness of tourists and visitors to the Gando Protected Area to support the Crocodylus palustris species

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to estimate the willingness of tourists and visitors
to pay for the protection of endangered species of short-nosed Crocodylus palustris in the
Gando Protected Area. Gando is a favorite of tourists.
Materials & Methods: In order to conduct this research, 340 tourists and visitors were
selected and interviewed by simple random sampling. Data collection tools were researchermade
questionnaires including demographic characteristics and questions assessing the
willingness of tourists to pay to support endangered crocodile species. Data collection tools
included researcher-made questionnaires including demographic characteristics and
willingness assessment questions paid by tourists to support endangered crocodile species.
After collecting the data, the results were analyzed using the logit quality model and using
the maximum likelihood method, using SPSS software version 21 and Eviews econometrics
version 10.
Results: Findings showed that 79% of the subjects were willing to pay a sum to support the
endangered crocodile species. The results of this study showed that the average willingness
to pay each tourist to support the swamp crocodile species was equal to 32437 Rials and the
household size was 4.63 people.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, most visitors and tourists who visit the
Gando Protected Area are willing to pay to support the swamp crocodile species, and the
variables of education, income and employment are influential factors in the willingness to
pay and support the swamp crocodile species.