A study conducted in Somabula Nature Reserve in South Africa analyzed the stress levels of wildlife through dung samples to determine if tourism impacts their well-being.

Researchers found that while impala showed increased stress-related hormones during weekends (linked to higher tourist activity) in the dry season, other species like zebra, blue wildebeest, and giraffe were less affected.The study highlights that natural factors like food scarcity and breeding seasons had a greater impact on stress levels than tourism.

For example, giraffe females experienced higher stress due to pregnancy, while zebra and impala faced competition for limited resources during the dry season.The findings suggest that tourism management should consider seasonal variations and species-specific needs to minimize stress.Reserve managers are advised to create tourist-free zones during critical periods to protect vulnerable animals.This research underscores the complex relationship between wildlife and human activity, emphasizing the need for balanced conservation strategies.