Tourist Activity and Disturbances over Nearctic Migratory Birds on the Coast of Piauí State, Brazil

Abstract

The bird migration phenomenon makes thousands of individuals displace between different sites for feeding and breeding purposes. These displacements often make these birds cross geopolitical borders. This behavior is crucial for the survival of many species; however, anthropogenic impacts affect their habitats and contribute to bird-population decline. In light of the foregoing, the aims of the present study are to analyze disturbances caused by touristic activities over migratory birds who visit the estuaries of Cardoso and Camurupim rivers on the coast of Piauí State, and to suggest measures aimed at mitigating disturbances over birds. Samples were collected at three observation points to analyze changes in bird behavior, in response to touristic activities in these sites. Binoculars, a camera and a laser rangefinder were used to help drawing impact zones. Although several touristic activities are performed in the herein assessed region, the main disturbance in it is caused by both kitesurf practitioners and tourists who walk by these species’ feeding or resting zones. Calidris minutilla, Calidris pusilla, Calidris alba, Actitis macularius and Charadriius semipalmatus were the species least sensitive to disturbances, and they more often reacted to them within impact zones Z = 0-30m and Z = 30-60m, whereas species Pluvialis squatarola, Numenius hudsonicus, Tringa melanoleuca, Calidris canutus, Limnodromus griseus and Pandion haliaetus flee to distances. Based on the current results, kitesurfing and tourists walking by these sites account for the main impact on migratory birds in this region. This finding highlights the need of taking measures to mitigate such impacts. Accordingly, creating minimum protection zones to cover distances ranging from 160m to 200m radius is a recommendation to mitigate disturbances caused by bathers and kitesurf practitioners’ approaching.

Keywords:
Birdlife; Kitesurfing; Migration; Tourism