Abstract

MONTES ESPIN, Rosalina; BELLIURE FERRER, Josabel  and  CHAMIZO PEREZ, Rubén. Nature-based tourism and bird conservation. The case of the White-Collared Swift (Streptoprocne Zonaris) in Cuba. Universidad y Sociedad [online]. 2023, vol.15, n.4, pp. 475-481.  Epub Aug 12, 2023. ISSN 2218-3620.

The trend to increase outdoor activities related to nature-based tourism raises concern among researchers and conservationists due to the potential impact on wildlife. Among the places experiencing increasing pressure are the sites of bird’s concentration, such as nesting colonies. Topes de Collantes (south-center Cuba) is a protected area where the largest nesting colonies of White-collared Swift are found in Cuba. In the work is evaluated if the tourist activity interferes with the key elements of the reproductive biology of the species (the breeding chronology, the limiting factors to establish a nesting colony and the peaks of activity during the day at nesting colonies) in three study sites at Topes de Collantes. The impacts of recreational activities and the interaction between visitors and birds were determined by direct observation through walks within the studied sites, their surroundings and trails. We did not detect direct impacts of visitors in either of the three nesting colonies evaluated, where we observed an effective space-time segregation. However, the presence of alien species and damage to cave walls by graffiti requires management strategies, including guidance and environmental education.

Keywords : Breeding chronology; Cypseloidines swifts; Space-time segregation; Topes de Collantes; Touristic activities impacts.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in English     · English ( pdf )