Boat and on-foot tourist visits can effect where, how and when macaws feed at geophagy sites

What is it about?

We monitored parrot and macaw visitation to various 'claylicks' in the lowland Amazon Rainforest of Peru, as well as boats passing these sites, and tourists visiting to view the birds. There was evidence that birds fed less, changed feeding sites, and engaged in more anti-predatory responses when boats approached too close, and the type of boat also changed these responses. Generally, on-foot traffic to viewing blinds did not change overall feeding patterns, but birds changed feeding locations when blinds were not used, or fed less when blind capacity was exceeded. In general, tourism at these sites is sustainable, as long as guidelines are adhered to.

Featured Image

Photo by Giovanni Poveda on Unsplash

Photo by Giovanni Poveda on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Claylicks, where a variety of animals congregate to consume soil rich in sodium, are beautiful and predictable wildlife events that create a visually rewarding experience with high value to the eco-tourism industry. Visits to these sites are a standard part of the itinerary by most tourism operators in the Tambopata region of Peru. However, it is clear that if these sites are not respected, this can result in animals avoiding these sites, with negative repercussions for both animals and tourists.

Perspectives