Vulnerability of Avifauna and Wildlife to Tourism Impacts

Abstract

The chapter is developed on a two approach basis. In the first, it analyzed a global contextualization of the vulnerability of avifauna and wildlife to tourism impacts, where a transversal diagnosis is made. The vulnerability of wildlife to disturbance is complex and several studies suggest that animals undergoing non-threatening, predictable, and frequent disturbances can become familiarized and opportunistic. The results of a case study about tourist activities impact on birds with high and urgent importance in an environmental protection area (Cananéia-Iguape, Brazil) are also analyzed. This study consisted of fieldwork through the methodology of fixed points. The objective was to identify ecological indicators most likely to be threatened by tourism, the identification of bird species and of tourism activities susceptible to human presence. The results obtained demonstrate the need for the creation of buffer zones and the introduction of information signs. These are tools that can be used to promote the coexistence of wildlife and tourism.