O ecoturismo de Birdwatching em Altamira, Pará: potencialidades, atenuantes e propostas

Abstract

Brazil is home to six biomes and the world's greatest biodiversity in terms of flora and fauna, with around 2,000 bird species. Part of this heritage is in the Brazilian Amazon, with 950 species, an ideal setting for birdwatching ecotourism, a sustainable activity with low environmental impact that ensures leisure, well-being, biodiversity protection and boosts the bioeconomy. The objective of this research was to conduct a study to identify whether Altamira, the largest municipality in Brazil and the third largest in the world, with one of the largest areas of relatively undisturbed forest in the eastern Amazon, has the potential for this practice, and what mitigating factors, proposals and opportunities it presents as a point for birdwatching ecotourism and welcoming birdwatchers interested in immersion in nature, rural tourism, biology, biodiversity and conservation in the Amazon. The research, qualitative with quantitative data and bibliographic and field studies, involved a survey of strategic bird watching points and lists with more than 500 species, using experience and identification and observation applications (Wikiaves, eBird, Merlin). From the lists, 120 images of the most common birds in the municipality were selected to be included in the first Practical Guide to Birdwatching in Altamira (PA), with information and drawings on classification and taxonomy, environment, size, abundance, nest site, diet, habitat, habits, conservation status according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and details on species differentiation. In parallel, between August 2023 and June 2024, an online, semi-structured questionnaire was applied in Google Forms, with 34 questions, obtaining the perception of 102 observers about Altamira's potential for birdwatching and its challenges, such as difficult access and high costs for tourism due to the implementation of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant. The study demonstrated that Altamira has quality natural attractions and essential services, a wealth of bird species and biodiversity to motivate and welcome ecotourists and highlights the importance of greater publicity of local attractions to boost tourism and birdwatching practices.