University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Tourism infrastructure and physiological stress in free-ranging impalas (Aepyceros melampus) of Serengeti National Park In the developing world, many protected areas (PAs) rely on tourism as a viable source of financial resources for conservation. However, the drive to maximise revenue has led to an increase in tourist numbers and infrastructure developments that often exceed ecological capacity, creating challenges for biodiversity and wildlife populations. To evaluate potential physiological impacts of tourism infrastructure and environmental factors, we measured faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs), an established indicator of stress in animals, using a validated enzyme immunoassay (EIA). We analysed FGMs from 213 impala (Aepyceros melampus) faecal samples collected in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, between January and February 2025. Our results showed that impalas near lodges exhibited significantly higher FGM levels even without tourist occupancy (i.e., infrastructure), than those near permanent tented camps or seasonal campsites. These findings suggest that large-scale tourism infrastructure is associated with elevated stress in impalas. Future research should focus on identifying the specific features of large tourist facilities that drive physiological stress in wildlife, to better inform tourism development and conservation strategies in PAs.Accommodation facilities en TEXT journal article Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Articolo scientifico Text Wissenschaftlicher Artikel Documento PDF Articolo scientifico Text journal article Accommodation Facilities Conservation Faecal Cortisol Metabolites Protected Areas Sustainable Management Tanzania 2026 2026 Beatrice Modest Kessy Augustine Arukwe Franco Peniel Mbise Kwaslema Malle Hariohay Rupert Palme (Centre of Biological Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Departments, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna) Eivin Røskaft Peter Sjolte Ranke Elsevier