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South Africa, specifically Gauteng has a rich bird biodiversity, making it an ideal ecotourism destination, which can foster local economic development and create job opportunities. Yet birding habitats are under severe threat in this province. Thus, enthusiasm for birds amongst the residents of this province is touted as a means to promote a groundswell of support for preserving bird habitats in Gauteng. As such, it is crucial to encourage support for birds, bird habitats and avitourism within the youth of the province. Therefore, this research study sought to determine if environmental and avi-values, alongside promoting pro-environmental behaviour could encourage Gauteng’s youth to adopt pro-bird behaviours. A multi-stage sampling approach was used to collect data from 5 488 secondary school learners (aged 13–17 years). Exploratory factor analyses (EFA), confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) were employed to test these relationships. The SEMresults revealed that enjoyment of birds and the natural environment is a critical focus area that enhances the likelihood of pro-environmental and avi-behaviour. Environmental education in the form of an intervention programme amongst the youth is recommended for bird biodiversity, bird habitats and, therefore, avitourism in the province to be fostered

Nature-oriented types of tourism in the current conditions are particularly relevant. Today, destinations offering an ecotourism tourism product are in demand. Birdwatching, an integral part of ecotourism programs, is especially popular in the countries of North America and Western Europe. In Russia, activity associated with watching birds is gaining popularity. Birdwatching has several advantages due to almost any territory is inhabited by birds, and therefore it is possible to organize observations for them. However, there are many terminological blank spots and problems. That is why the article is aimed at substantiating and characterizing the modern forms of birdwatching and ornithological tourism and confirming them by studying practices of organizing observations of the avifauna. The article provides a review of scientific publications dedicated to birdwatching. Today there is an abundance of terms denoting the observation of birds in their natural environment: birding, birdwatching, twitching, ornithological tourism, avitourism. The study of cases and theoretical works makes it possible to characterize each of these concepts and distinguish between them. Today, there is a growing trend in the popularity of urban birding and avitourism, in which the natural habitat is the urbanized environment. Observations of the avifauna can also be organized in marginalized territories, and this makes it possible to consider them as places for ecotourism. The research result is important methodological conclusion about the relationship among the concepts of birdwatching, ornithological tourism and avitourism., Originally published in https://periodicos.ufjf.br/index.php/abet/article/view/37562

Ecotourism is a type of tourism that is carried out without harming the environment, as well as taking care of the development of local people. Bird watching, on the other hand, is one of the leading types of ecotourism that leaves no trace other than footprints in the environment where it takes place. Both ecotourism and bird watching are widespread in the world and have a developing structure in Turkey. The chosen study area Eskikaraagaç Quarter, which is in Bursa Province, Karacabey district and located on the shore of Uluabat Lake, is a region with high ecotourism potential and extremely productive in terms of bird watching. In this study, the effect of bird watching on ecotourism was examined in terms of Eskikarağaç Quarter. On the other hand, the ecotourism potential of Eskikaraağaç was also studied. In the study, literature review and fieldwork were conducted, the people of the region were interviewed and the ecovillage criteria questionnaire was applied to the quarter headman. An interview was held with the wildlife photographer, journalist and writer Alper Tüydeş, who works actively in Turkey and in this region, about "The Situation of Bird Watching in the World and in Turkey" and about “Eskikaraağaç Region”. The data obtained were analyzed and the study was completed. In this context, the aim of the study is to reveal the ecotourism potential of Eskikaraağaç, which is an important bird watching area in Turkey, and to reveal the impact of bird watching on ecotourism., Ekoturizm çevreye zarar vermeden yapılan, bunun yanı sıra yerel halkın kalkınmasını da gözeten bir turizm türüdür. Kuş gözlemciliği ise, ekoturizm türleri arasındaki, gerçekleştirildiği çevrede ayak izinden başka bir kalıntı bırakmayanların başında gelmektedir. Ekoturizm de, kuş gözlemciliği de dünyada yaygın, Türkiye’de gelişmekte olan yapıya sahiptir. Çalışma alanı olarak seçilen Bursa İli, Karacabey ilçesi, Eskikaraağaç Mahallesi, Uluabat Gölü kıyısında yer alan, hem ekoturizm potansiyeli yüksek olan hem de kuş gözlemciliği açısından son derece verimli bir bölgedir. Bu çalışmada kuş gözlemciliğinin ekoturizme olan etkisi, Eskikaraağaç Mahallesi açısından incelenmiştir. Diğer yandan Eskikaraağaç’ın ekoturizm potansiyeli de incelenmiştir. Çalışmada literatür taraması ve saha çalışması yapılmış, bölge halkıyla görüşülmüş ve mahalle muhtarına ekoköy kriterleri anketi uygulanmıştır. Türkiye genelinde ve bu bölgede aktif olarak çalışan yaban hayat fotoğrafçısı, gazeteci, yazar Alper Tüydeş ile “Kuş Gözlemciliğinin Dünyadaki ve Türkiye’deki Durumu” ve “Eskikaraağaç Bölgesi” hakkında bir ropörtaj yapılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler analiz edilerek, çalışmaya son hali verilmiştir. Bu bağlamda çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’de önemli bir kuş gözlem alanı olan Eskikaraağaç’ın ekoturizm potansiyelini açığa çıkarmak ve kuş gözleminin ekoturizme etkisini ortaya koymaktır.

This paper discusses the potential impact of climate change upon a specific form of tourism, avitourism (birdwatching), and the resulting effects upon islands dependent upon this form of tourism. Bird populations, distributions and migratory patterns are all vulnerable to the impacts of global warming, extreme weather events and changes in the marine environment, as are the islands which provide their habitat. Avitourism is a lucrative and non-consumptive form of tourism that is of major importance to some small islands, particularly those that have unique indigenous breeding species and/or are visited by migrating species on a regular basis. A number of such islands have bird observatories whose visitors contribute significantly to the small local economies. The implications of climate change on avitourism are identified and summarised, and then discussed in the context of potential impacts on the well-being of island communities. While most climate change predictions are generalised and incapable of being applied to specific locations such as a small island, or particular species of birds, a recent development has provided an opportunity to explore what the impacts might be in some detail. The paper uses the case of Fair Isle (Scotland) to illustrate the effects of a sudden loss of avitourism to that islands’ residents. The accidental destruction of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory in 2019 meant the cessation of avitourism to that island by removing the accommodation used by such visitors since the 1950s, depriving the island economy of tourist expenditure and employment, a potential source of new residents, as well as threatening the viability of other island services, including its access by air. This local catastrophe thus provided a unique opportunity to identify what might happen to other islands if the avian attractions for tourists were to disappear or be changed radically by climate change.

Rwanda being one of the most densely populated countries in Africa, a large proportion of its native vegetation has been converted into agriculture and settlements, leading to the extensive loss and degradation of natural habitats, with significance for birds as well as other taxa. Despite this, tangible success has been attained in the conservation of mountain gorillas thanks to the high priority afforded to this species and the vigorous protection of its habitats. This article reviews the current conservation approaches in Rwanda, and their effectiveness in addressing threats to the country’s avifauna. Drawing lessons from the conservation of the mountain gorilla approach, and with reference to the principles of Systematic Conservation Planning, this paper argues that the creation of more reserves complementing existing protected areas, the development of bird-related tourism, and a multilevel collaboration of stakeholders at national and regional level, in which the public play a strong role, are crucial for the long-term conservation of birds. The aim of this analysis is both to provide policy options for Rwanda and to suggest an approach to conservation practice for wider application that is scalable and transferable within a developing country context.

The purpose of the study is to determine how the population of the ruff in Sweden has changed over the past 20 years and which reasons for the changes, if any, there are. The study also includes how the tourism regarding the ruff in Sweden is today and how it could be developed. The study is based on non-fiction literature, reports, diagrams and interviews. The population of the ruff in Europe has declined over the past years. In Sweden, the breed is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red list of threatened species due to the fast decline. The results show that the population of the ruff has changed in the whole country of Sweden. Today almost 99% of the population lives on tundra and wetlands in northern Sweden. Most of the decline has occurred in the south of Sweden where the population almost is extinct. In northern Sweden, the population also has declined but not as much as in the south. Nowadays the ruff only breeds in 8 out of 22 counties it used to occur in. Reasons of the decline are primarily changes in habitats, drainage of watercourses and wetlands, urbanization, agriculture and forestry. The decline also depends on changes along the migration routes and in northwest Africa where the breed winters. Also, climate change and higher predation are reasons for the decline. No tourism with focus on the ruff exists in Sweden today. There is a potential in developing a specific tourism focused on the ruff lek.

Resumen El registro fotográfico de especies animales en su ambiente ha sido ampliamente utilizado por los investigadores para su identificación y estudio. Con el propósito de explorar la avifauna del municipio de Páez (Boyacá, Colombia), localizado en el piedemonte llanero, con un paisaje dominado por áreas de bosque de niebla, pasturas y cultivos, se utilizó la fotografía como herramienta para registrarla e identificarla. Así, se fotografiaron e identificaron 133 especies de aves en caminos y carreteras del municipio, encontrando que las familias Tyrannidae y Thraupidae, así como el género Tangara, presentan la mayor diversidad. Todas las especies aquí reportadas se encuentran en la categoría de amenaza de Preocupación Menor de la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza, y 11 de estas especies son migratorias. Se identificaron, con ayuda de la comunidad, los nombres comunes locales para el 63.16% de las especies registradas, y se reporta el avistamiento del 73.68% de ellas. En consecuencia, proponemos adelantar investigaciones científicas para evaluar los servicios ecosistémicos proporcionados por las aves, y el uso de la diversidad y el atractivo de la avifauna para establecer programas ecoturísticos que promuevan el desarrollo de las comunidades locales. Abstract Photographic records of animal species in their environment have been widely used by researchers for species identification and ecological studies. In this study, we used photography as a tool to record and identify birds of the municipality of Páez, Boyacá, located in the Llanos foothills, with a landscape dominated by cloud forests, pastures and crops. We photographed and identified 133 bird species in roads and footpaths of the municipality; we found that the families Tyrannidae and Thraupidae, and the genus Tangara had the highest species diversity. All species reported here are in the Least Concern category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and 11 are migratory. The bird diversity of the municipality has a great potential for sustainable use. We report local common names for 63.16% of the registered species, and the sighting of 73.68% of these birds, identified with help from the community. In consequence, we propose further scientific research to assess the ecosystem services provided by birds and the use of the diversity and attractiveness of the avifauna to establish ecotouristic programs that promote the development of local communities.

Information on ornithological significances of important bird areas is required to develop appropriate actions for conservation of the birds and their habitats and to untap their potential contribution to local and national economy through avitourism activities. This study was conducted between December 2016 and January 2017 to determine bird diversity in the Entoto Mountain and to examine the potential of the area for developing avitourism. Birds were surveyed at systematicaly designated counting points. Overall, 517 individual birds belonging to 49 species were recorded in the entire study area. Of the total species recorded: i) two species were endemic [Abyssinian Catbird (Parophasma galiniei) and Yellow-fronted Parrot (Poicephalus flavifrons)]; ii) 11 species were nearly endemic (shared with one or two other countries); iii) three were globally threatened; and, iv) 21 species (43% of such species known from Ethiopia) were Afro-tropical highland biome-restricted assemblage. These findings, coupled to its close proximity to Addis, the presence of several cultual/historical sites in the area and easy accessibility, suggest that Entoto mountain area can be considered as with high potential for developing avitourism as one segment of ecotourism in the area., Journal of Science and Sustainable Development, Vol. 6 No. 2 (2018)

Se presentan los resultados de una investigación llevada a cabo durante 2015 en dos reservas naturales priorizadas: el PNN Tatamá-cerro Montezuma y el DMI Agualinda en el Departamento de Risaralda. Bajo el enfoque de cadena de valor, este estudio trata de entender cómo los actores se organizan para proveer servicios al aviturista y también, cuáles alternativas pueden promover una mayor distribución de los beneficios económicos, sociales y ambientales asociados con esta práctica. El estudio muestra dos hechos: 1. Los actores locales de la región, no diferenciaban el aviturismo como una práctica productiva comercial en el sentido dado por el gobierno nacional; 2. Hay diferencias en la forma como cada cadena de aviturismo se ha desarrollado en cada lugar. Las causas de estas diferencias proceden del origen de esta actividad al interior de cada comunidad y el rol que han jugado las instituciones que trabajan como soporte de las cadenas en estos territorios. A pesar de estas diferencias, algunas alternativas de mejora pueden ser útiles para mejorar ambas cadenas y 3. El análisis cuantitativo para seleccionar cadenas es una herramienta útil para adquirir mayor comprensión de los territorios. This document gives account of a research carried out during 2015 in two prioritized nature public reserves: the PNN Tatama-cerro Montezuma and the DMI Agualinda reserve at the Departamento de Risaralda. Under a value chain approach, this study tries to understand how stakeholders are organized in order to provide touristic services to avitourists and which alternatives would allow a better distribution of the economic, social and environmental benefits associated with this practice. The study shows three facts: 1.The local stakeholders of the region, were unable to distinguish avitourism as a productive and commercial activity according with governmental definitions; 2. There´s differences on the way of each avitourism chain had been developed; causes of these differences came from the origin of this activity at the bottom of each community and also by the role played by the institutions that works as chain supporter on these territories. In spite of these differences, some of improvement approaches can be useful to enhance both chains as well and 3. Quantitative analysis for selecting chains is a useful tool for getting a better understanding of territories.

Birds have been shown to be an effective means of identifying priority areas for conservation action and mitigation measures. A field survey of birds at Ekonde and Owala dams in Osun State, Nigeria was conducted between March and June 2018 to determine the species diversity, abundance and feeding guilds. Data were collected using line transect method. The birds sighted during the survey were categorized based on their species, migratory/ non-migratory status, and feeding guild. Mean bird density within the two dams was determined and compared using t-test, and species diversity indices were analyzed using PAST software. A total of 2,152 birds from 67 species (33 families and 12 orders) were recorded where Ekonde dam had 1,286 birds (59.76%) and Owala dam had 866 (40.24%). In Ekonde dam, Vanellus spinosus was the most abundant species (n = 72, 8.31%), while at Owala dam, Oriolus nigripennis was the most abundant (n = 204, 15.86%). Bird density was apparently higher at Ekonde dam (51.44 birds/km2) than Owala dam (30.95 birds/km2), yet there was no significant difference (t value=1.679; p= 0.097). At Ekonde dam, Black-winged oriole had the highest density (8.16 birds/km2) while at Owala dam Spur-winged lapwing had the highest density (72 birds/km2). Shannon diversity index and evenness were higher at Ekonde dam (3.702 and 0.862) than at Owala dam (3.102 and 0.654). The birds were categorized into 10 and 8 feeding guilds in Owala and Ekonde dam respectively. Most reported species were insectivores (27, 33%) and carnivores (15, 19%). It can be suggested that as two dams have high avian richness, these can be sites for avian conservation and avitourism if properly managed. It is therefore recommended that strategy for avian conservation be incorporated into the dam management program for sustainability of the ecosystem. Keywords: Avian conservation, avitourism, bird density, feeding guilds.

The popularity of birding (aka birdwatching) and its tourism equivalent, avitourism, has seen an increase in global participants since the turn of the last century. The level of interest and dedication shown towards birds has been the subject of increasing research, especially the social and economic aspects of the pastime and industry. The ability for birding and avitourism to contribute to conservation has also drawn recent researcher attention, though gaps remain in the current understanding as revealed by my review of the discipline. In particular, the relationship between birders and the practical elements of avian conservation have not been comprehensively assessed. This thesis uses a multi- disciplinary methodological approach to understand the relationship between birders, avitourism and avian conservation. Data were collected using online surveys of birders, content analysis and face-to-face questionnaires and econometric methods. Several patterns emerged that defined how birders engage with birding as well as bird conservation. Birders from key birding regions including Australia, United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA) and South Africa expressed preferences for different types of birds and habitats. Shorebirds and both coastal and freshwater wetlands were favoured by birders from the UK. Birder sex also influenced how and where birders watch birds, with women more likely to restrict birding activities to home, while men travelled further for birding. Male birders also participated in bird-based events such as census and atlas activities more often than females.

Jedną z form wykorzystania zasobów przyrodniczych na rzecz zrównoważonego rozwoju jest ekoturystyka, odbywająca się z poszanowaniem środowiska, a jednocześnie służąca podnoszeniu świadomości ekologicznej uczestniczących w niej osób. Ekoturystyka stanowi źródło materialnych korzyści dla lokalnych społeczności. Jednak aby zasoby przyrodnicze stały się atrakcją ekoturystyczną, konieczne jest zadbanie o odpowiednią „oprawę”, uwzględniającą zarówno interesy ochrony środowiska, jak i zainteresowanych nimi turystów. Aby zilustrować te zagadnienia, na potrzeby niniejszego artykułu przeprowadzona została analiza potencjału ekoturystycznego dwóch „bocianich wiosek” prowadzonych przez organizacje zajmujące się ochroną przyrody (Kłopot i Żywkowo). Możliwe byłoby zwiększenie ich atrakcyjności dla turystów z poszanowaniem podstawowych celów ochrony przyrody, jakie przed nimi postawiono. Na potrzeby zidentyfikowania najważniejszych działań, które pozwoliłyby na takie wykorzystanie zasobów przyrodniczych, przeprowadzono badania ankietowe wśród turystów odwiedzających te miejsca. Odpowiedzi udzielone przez 700 osób umożliwiły dokonanie oceny dotychczasowego sposobu wykorzystania terenów „bocianich wiosek” przez turystów, a także wskazanie możliwych sposobów wykorzystania ich w większym stopniu na rzecz lokalnego rozwoju gospodarczego. Ecotourism illustrates how natural resources could be used as a basis for sustainable development, respecting the environment, and at the same time raising environmental awareness among the participating people. Also, ecotourism is expected to provide material benefits for local communities. However, for natural resources to become a highlight of ecotourism, it is necessary to ensure an appropriate “setting”, which takes into account both the interests of environmental protection and the needs of tourists. To illustrate these issues, this paper features a detailed analysis of ecotourism potential of two “stork villages” in Poland managed by nature conservation organizations (Klopot and Zywkowo). It seems possible to increase their attractiveness for tourists, while maintaining their fundamental objectives of nature conservation. To identify the most important activities that would make the above use of “stork villages” possible, surveys were conducted among tourists visiting these places. The answers provided by 700 people helped to assess how “stork villages” have been used so far, and how they could contribute to a larger extent to local economic development.

Despite the rapid growth of avitourism (birding tourism) globally, the international market potential of avitourism in Africa, with its remarkable birdlife, is not yet being utilised to its full potential. The purpose of the research reported in this article was to profile the international avitourist, based on preferences. Primary data was gathered by distributing questionnaires at the British Birdwatching Fair and Dutch Vogelfestival. These bird fairs attract exhibitors and birders from all over the world. Respondents were examined in terms of their biographic profile, self-categorisation into birder types (casual, active and committed) and preferences. Using descriptive statistics, an international avitourist profile was created. Results indicated that the majority of avitourists are male and relatively older (46–55 years) although awareness among younger birders was noted. Respondents at the British fair were more active and committed, while mostly casual and active at the Dutch fair. Avitourists travel in pairs or small groups and travel independently. The most important attributes at the birding destination were accessible walking trails, information about birds and bird lists, and time spent in bird hides. Other activities while on a birding trip were considered of relative importance. Avitourists prefer mid-range priced accommodation and are comfortable with planning their birding trips on the Internet. It is recommended that avitourism marketers should acknowledge differences between birder groups to attract and satisfy the needs different birder types, depending on their preference. Results support the notion of avitourism development in Africa in guiding avitourism marketers in product development and destination marketing.

Avitourists are motivated by concern for their own physical and mental health in which outdoor activity is desirable. Many are involved due to interests in birds per se as well as photography. Avitourism is recognised as one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities. The DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) reports that avitourism is worth in excess of $200 million (more than R2-billion) to the South African economy and is expected to grow. However, very scant attention has been provided to the relationships between various elements in the development of avitourism as an important tourism niche area in South Africa. From this perspective, the article discusses the role of involving local communities in supporting avitourism, and its influence on tourism in general, focusing on the synergistic relationship between these elements. The article has a conceptual analytical framework, and thus strives to analyse the role and contribution of avitourism in general economic development in especially rural areas in South Africa. It highlights the potential of avitourism as an economic activity that will contribute to the sustainable economic and social development of the country and also contribute to both environmental and cultural heritage preservation, while simultaneously ensuring the participation of the local communities and other stakeholders in the process. Another of the objectives of this article is to create a discussion regarding more dynamic approaches to avitourism promotion. To attain this objective, this conceptual paper relies on prior literature and logical reasoning to argue in favour of a more dynamic approach to avitourism in South Africa. Additionally, the study suggests how the proposed approach may be operationalised. On one hand, the article is anticipated to provide a theoretical contribution to enhance the body of knowledge on avitourism and on the other hand, the study will explore a potential paradigm shift in avitourism marketing practices.

Birdwatching is a subsector of wildlife tourism that focuses explicitly on looking at bird populations. Over the past decade there has emerged a growing international literature about the role of birdwatching as a recreational activity and increasingly as a niche form of tourism. Recognition of the potential opportunities surrounding birding tourism has occurred not least in the setting of contemporary South Africa. Using documentary material and interview sources this paper critically analyses the transition of birdwatching in South Africa from recreational pursuit into a commercialised form of niche tourism. The study tracks the historical development of bird watching tourism and identifies the growth levers that stimulated it to its current importance. A longitudinal analysis of birdwatching in South Africa discloses its early origins as a recreational pastime which was given further impetus by a search for scientific knowledge about local birds. Since the late 1990s under the leadership of BirdLife South Africa, a new direction was established for the activity of birdwatching to be recognised as having potential to combine development and conservation objectives. Collaboration between BirdLife South Africa and national government witnessed the final transition of birdwatching in South Africa from recreational pursuit into niche form of tourism.Keywords: Recreation; niche tourism; South Africa; birdwatching; avitourism.