The Value of the Whooping Crane: An Application of Valuation Techniques for Nonmarket Resources
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Date
1983
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Abstract
Increasing nonconsumptive use of wildlife resources and a concern with the threats of extinction have resulted in development of techniques to value nonmarket natural resources. One such technique is contingent valuation, in which values are estimated for a nonmarket good based on individuals' willingness-to-pay as expressed in a hypothetical situation.
The value of the whooping crane, an endangered species, was estimated using contingent valuation in a mail survey of Texas and selected out-of-state metropolitan residents and a survey of visitors to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Results showed a mean use value of $4.47 and a combined option price and existence value of $16.33 for visitors to the refuge. The mail surveys produced responses of $7.84 for Texas residents and $7.13 for out-of-state residents. Estimates on the value of the whooping crane in the United States had upper and lower bounds of $573 million and $1.58 billion.
Background characteristics indicated that most people visit the refuge to observe wildlife or the whooping cranes. Users of the refuge show a greater participation in conservation and outdoor activities than do nonusers.
Description
Program year: 1982-1983
Digitized from print original stored in HDR
Digitized from print original stored in HDR
Keywords
whooping crane, wildlife refuge, conservation, tourism, nonmarket good, value estimation, outdoor activity