Polar bear: 'At risk'

Eco-tourists may be endangering the wildlife they are trying to save, scientists have warned.



Animals from polar bears to penguins are being put at risk by the boom in holidays, in which people pay a premium for environmentally-responsible breaks which may include conservation work.



The latest research found a fivefold drop in numbers of coyotes and bobcats in a protected Californian forest frequented by nature-lovers.

Researcher Adina Merenlender told New Scientist: 'We see it over the whole park, not just a single trail.'



Previous studies have shown that dolphins become stressed by boatloads of tourists, while well-wishers may be causing polar bears' heart rates to rise.



Penguin chicks admired by tourists tend to be lighter than others - possibly because their parents wait until the coast is clear before feeding them.





