Perception about wind farm-related impacts on birdwatching ecotourism focused on scarlet ibis species Eudocimus ruber (Linnaeus, 1758) in Pequenos Lençóis Maranhenses, NE, Brazil

PERCEPTION ABOUT WIND FARM-RELATED IMPACTS ON EUDOCIMUS RUBER (LINNAEUS, 1758) BIRDWATCHING ECOTOURISM IN PEQUENOS LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES, NE, BRAZIL

Abstract

The aim of the current study is to record the impact of wind farms on  E. ruber populations and the importance of this species for ecotourism in the PLM region based on the perception of local tour drivers. The study was conducted in Paulino Neves and Barreirinhas counties / Maranhão State, from June to July 2019. The Rapport method was used for familiarization and trust purposes; it was followed by semi-structured interviews with 35 local drivers. In total, 46% of drivers have said that wind farm implementation and operation processes did not have negative impact on scarlet ibis; however, 23% of interviewees reported that buried ponds were one of the main issues generated by the venture. Four categories were analyzed to assess the importance of scarlet ibis to local ecotourism; however, 60% of interviewees has stated that the flock of these birds encourages tourism in the region and, consequently, it helps improving income sources. Interviewees have mentioned 13 tourist attractions with potential for scarlet ibis birdwatching. Alazão Pond (n = 27) was the most cited location; it was followed by Caburé (n = 25) and Assembleia Beach (n = 13). Most tour drivers did not perceive negative impacts of wind farms on scarlet ibis populations. In addition, they acknowledged the importance, behavior and distribution of the species in the region. The fact that impacts have not been perceived does not mean that they are not occurring a fact that can compromise the region's potential for bird watching.