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Avitourism has multiple conservation and economic benefits but can pose potential harm to some bird populations. To mitigate the potential impacts of avitourism on birds, researchers can use flight initiation distance (FID) to quantify the tolerance of animals to perceived threats, thereby informing management. This study focused on whether clothing colour used by avitourists (orange, camouflage, and black) affected the FIDs of White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus (n = 123) in a protected area in northeastern Thailand. Camouflage clothing evoked significantly shorter FIDs than orange and black clothing, which elicited statistically similar FIDs. The results of this study aligned with the colour concealment hypothesis, which suggests that clothing colour resembling the forest environment reduces detectability, which results in shorter FIDs. As such, clothing colour may mediate disturbance caused by avitourists. Given that at least one species of Southeast Asian tropical forest bird adjusts its FID in relation to clothing colour, FID studies on additional Asian tropical bird species and clothing colours are encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, birdwatching has become one of the fastest-growing forms of nature-based tourism and is often referred to as avitourism. Birdwatching has a relatively long history, but many research questions and avenues of inquiry remain unexamined. We quantitatively reviewed the literature on birdwatching using VOSviewer version 1.6.16 and the Bibliometrix package for R to assess the growth of the field over time. The results show that a total of 1371 publications have been published on the topic between 1978 and 2022. The annual growth in the number of publications was 2.59% and publications written through international collaboration constituted 20.02% of the total research output. Researchers and commentators in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada were the largest contributors. Our results showed that birdwatching, birding, and citizen science are the motor themes, which means they significantly contribute to the development of the field. Moreover, ecosystem services, cultural ecosystem services, and recreation are emerging themes that require further development. Future studies are expected to focus on fostering avitourism in developing nations through training and collaboration between local and international NGOs. Improvement of local livelihoods and grass-roots organization should be the focus of future efforts given the potential of avitourism as a source of income and incentive for wildlife conservation action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birds are one of the best-described taxa, but detailed knowledge about most bird species in Ethiopia remains rare, which hinders the development and evaluation of conservation strategies in the region. In this study, we estimated bird species diversity and abundance in the Suba Forest area (comprising natural forest and adjacent plantation forest and farmland) in central Ethiopia, during the dry and wet seasons in 2021. Bird data were collected using line transects or point counts in each habitat type. Two-way ANOVA was applied to evaluate the effect of habitat and season on bird species richness and abundance. A total of 132 bird species belonging to 51 families were recorded during the study. Of these, 124 are residents, 4 are endemic to Ethiopia, 11 are endemic to Ethiopia and Eritrea, and 4 are near endemics (one largely confined to Ethiopia and the others with their core populations in Ethiopia and Eritrea). Habitat type and season both had significant effects on species abundance and richness. Species diversity was highest in natural forest during the wet season, and lowest in farmland during the dry season. Plantation forest and farmland shared similar avian communities, with both being human-altered habitats in close proximity to each other. Native forest supported the highest number of bird species, which confirms the Suba Forest area's great potential for biodiversity conservation and sustainable wildlife tourism. Continuous monitoring of this area and effective implementation of conservation measures will provide beneficial outcomes for not only avifauna but other taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To manage for more sustainable wildlife viewing tourism, a better understanding of tourists' behaviour that might disturb and negatively affect wildlife such as birds is needed. We conducted a qualitative case study of visitors to Hornøya, a protected bird cliff in Northern Norway. Behaviours with the potential to disturb seabirds at the site were explored using the theory of planned behaviour as a guiding framework. In-depth interviews and observations were used to explore why some visitors perform illegal or unwanted, potentially harmful behaviours, and to understand attitudes, social norms, and perceived behaviour control as influencing factors. The tourists visited Hornøya to experience seabirds in their natural surroundings, without causing harm. They were emotionally affected by the bird encounters, which may lead to thoughts and reflections about environmental challenges and nature protection. Visitors generally did not intend to disturb birds during these encounters. However, many visitors interpreted the birds' behaviour as meaning that they were not easily disturbed. Poorly developed social norms among visitors, in combination with limited presence of surveillance/guide personnel, and strong behavioural control among some visitors (willingness and ability to engage in illegal behaviour) led to occasional breaching of formal rules as well as incidents of inappropriate, potentially disturbing behaviour towards birds. Experienced wildlife photographers tended to show willingness and ability to engage in illegal behaviour more often than the two other segments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of products are aimed at attracting niche tourism markets in South Africa, one such market is avitourism which has become one of the fastest-growing special interest tourism segments worldwide and is gaining increased popularity. Avitourism is an embryonic sub-sector of ecotourism where tourists' travel motivations are primarily centred on bird watching whilst providing a research gap in market information on avitourism profiling South African. This study aims at developing a visitor profile by determining the demographical profile and main travel motives of avitourists to a bird fair in Gauteng. Descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis were applied. The exploratory factor analysis employed in this study revealed a 5-factor construct in avitourism motivation: to participate in bird watching; relaxation and escape; social interaction; photography and nature appreciation and lifestyle and well-being. Research findings show that visitor motives are a helpful psychographic segmentation base which helps to identify what motivates visitors to travel. Comprehensive understanding of avitourist motivation will help avitourism managers to offer satisfying birding products and services to avitourists whilst the understanding of their profile will contribute to the limited academic research on avitourism profiling and guide various avitourism stakeholders to produce satisfactory birding experiences.

Birding represents an opportunity for tourism, education, conservation, and inclusivity. As a form of ecotourism, avitourism seeks to be a sustainable and ethical form recreation that benefits local communities. Conservation of birds and their habitat is key to the idea of avitourism, however, human effects can lead to harmful disturbances. The local human communities can see great benefits from avitourism, mostly in the form of job opportunities and development. There is no guarantee for this, as avitourists may represent a wealthy demographic which may influence local business structure. A need for more inclusivity is noted as being important to growth of the activity of avitourism, especially if it is expected to grow in areas such as Appalachia, where there is a history of unsustainable practices with the region’s natural resources. Avitourism represents more sustainable option for the area and potentially aid in filling a gap left in the economy by less sustainable practices. This paper will highlight the known affects and potential of avitourism to determine how rural Kentucky may possibly benefit and implement avitourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research segmented the birding market attracted to South African national parks based on their behavioural involvement. The data were collected by means of a self-administrated electronic questionnaire where 310 questionnaires were completed. The factor analysis identified five behavioural involvement pursuits, namely travel and sharing pursuits, passive consumer pursuits, leisure and conservation pursuits, knowledge and participation pursuits, and active engagement pursuits. Based on the behavioural involvement factors, three birding segments were identified, resulting in a CIA-typology of birdwatchers, namely Casual; Intermediate and Avid birdwatchers. The segments were labelled appropriately to resemble the level of involvement of each segment, ranging from low and moderate, to high. This research contributes to the existing literature on birding in general and contributes to the availability of literature regarding birdwatching in the southern hemisphere, especially on South African birdwatching tourism, thus facilitating a greater understanding of this niche leisure market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birdwatching has become increasingly popular over the past two decades. Because of its potential to meet both economic and conservation needs, birdwatching tourism (or avitourism) has been considered a tool for sustainable regional development. To date, very few studies have examined the impacts of avitourism in mountainous protected areas in China. We therefore conducted a case study of the Nonggang avitourism project in Southern China to explore the impacts of the activity on livelihoods and conservation. By investigating 197 local households using a structured questionnaire, we found that avitourism has improved and diversified mountain people's livelihoods, by providing employment opportunities, and increased household incomes. Moreover, it has supported biodiversity conservation by raising mountain people's awareness of sustainability and their willingness to conserve biodiversity. Community participation, government support and collaboration between stakeholders are important for the success of this project. We conclude that, when implemented adequately, avitourism can support sustainable mountain development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flagships species of birds play a pivotal role for promoting avitourism, encouraging people for their conservation and finally maintain ecosystem services. Among the bird species, hornbills are charismatic birds and the main attraction of Arunachal Pradesh due to their large body and unique bill and its significant cultural importance among the tribal society of the state. In this study three hornbill species i.e., Wreathed hornbill (Rhyticeros undulates), Oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), and Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) are documented in and around the forest areas of Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India. The point count method was used for counting hornbills in the forest area and a total of 57 individuals of three hornbill species were recorded in 26 sampling points. The highest density/km2 of hornbill was recorded for Wreathed hornbill (21.9±8.9) followed by the Great hornbill (13.4±3.3) and Oriental Pied Hornbill (10.9±2.8). Four roosting sites were recorded. Of these, three sites were in the fringe area of Pakke and one inside the Pakke Tiger Reserve. A total of 150±70 individuals of hornbills were recorded through direct count method in the roosting sites. Darlong village was identified as having highest individuals of Wreathed Hornbill (79±46.7) followed by A2 Village (Wreathed Hornbill: 29.7±9) and Khari camp (Wreathed Hornbill: 20±5) and Langka camp (Oriental Pied Hornbill: 21.8±9.4). The present study described that roosting sites are the most effective and easiest way to watch hornbills by visitors in the Pakke Reserve area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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 SEM-results 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Isunkaviola Plateau is located in the western part of Ruaha National Park, south-central Tanzania, and is a remote and infrequently visited area. Previous ornithological work there has revealed some notable range extensions, and in this paper, we detail the results of surveys conducted in October 2019, to supplement species inventories provided by Glen et al. (2005) and Glen (2011). We provide detection probabilities for 114 species encountered during 55 census point counts, and document two species that are new for Ruaha NP; the Scaly Francolin Pternistis squamatus and Green Twinspot Mandingoa nitidula. Five additional species were also added to this list from mist netting. We categorize forest dependence for all species recorded on the plateau and indicate those with strong preference for higher altitudes. To date, a total of 148 bird species have been recorded within the Isunkaviola area, further illustrating the critical value of a small elevated and forested area within a broad savanna ecosystem. Given its unique avifauna, the Isunkaviola Plateau remains as an important birding site within Ruaha National Park, and therefore, improving accessibility and awareness will not only open the area for avitourism, but also encourage further biodiversity research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birdwatching attracts many bird enthusiasts to developing economies, and is generally considered an innocuous activity with few impacts on birds. Birdwatchers generally attempt to remain as inconspicuous as possible when approaching birds, and their movement is different to that of other users of natural areas. However, how birds respond to birdwatchers, compared with humans conducting other activities, has rarely been tested. We randomly conducted pedestrian (i.e. consistent walking) and 'birdwatcher' (i.e. stops each 5 paces to view a bird through binoculars) approaches to 20 East African bird species and measured their escape responses. Four species (α = 0.05; 7 if α = 0.10) exhibited significantly and substantially (1.7-2.2 times) longer flight-initiation distances (FIDs) to birdwatcher approaches. No differences in escape mode (flying versus on foot) were evident. While birdwatching appears no more disturbing per episode than walking for most species, some species evidently judge birdwatchers as more threatening. This information has important implications for management strategies focused on minimizing birdwatching impacts in natural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avitourism is one of the faster growing subsectors of ecotourism, recognized for its economic value. Much of our current understanding of the economic value of avitourism revolves around bird festivals, migration events, or well-known birdwatching sites. Birdwatchers are a diverse group, some of whom competitively seek vagrant birds (i.e., birds outside their normal geographic range). The economic value from these unpredictable and transient birdwatching events remains poorly known. Using the travel cost method in a readily-quantifiable environment, we estimated that a vagrant Black-backed Oriole in Pennsylvania, United States of America, stimulated travel activity valued at about $223,000 USD or about $3,000 per day over 67 days. Some birdwatchers value rare birds, contributing significant time and financial resources to their viewing. Identifying such significant real economic value from avitourism can help to evaluate competing costs in debate over human land-use scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation of biodiversity, including birds, continues to challenge natural-area managers. Stated-preference methods (e.g., choice experiment [CE]) are increasingly used to provide data for valuation of natural ecosystems. We used a CE to calculate birders' willingness to pay for different levels of bioecological attributes (threatened species, endemic species, and diversity) of birding sites with hypothetical entry fees. The CE was delivered at popular birding and avitourism sites in Australia and the United Kingdom. Latent-class modeling results revealed heterogeneous preferences among birders and correspondingly variable willingness to pay. Four clear groups were apparent: quantity-driven birders, special-birds seekers, confused respondents, and price-is-no-object birders. Quantity-driven birders were attracted to sites that deliver high levels of diversity and endemic species for which they were willing to pay $135 and $66 to visit, respectively, above what they were willing to pay to visit a site with low levels of diversity and few endemic and threatened species . Special-bird seekers valued threatened species and high levels of endemic species most (willingness to pay $45 and $46, respectively). Confused respondents' preferences were difficult to determine, but they were the most sensitive to the hypothetical entry fees, unlike the price-is-no-object birders, who were not at all sensitive to cost. Our findings demonstrate that birders are amenable to paying for their preferred birding experience. These payments could provide an alternative source of funding in some avitourism sites on both public and private land. Such alternative revenue streams should be explored and given full consideration in increasingly competitive conservation-financing environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism directed at bird watching (avitourism) has become increasingly popular. In many lower and middle-income countries, including South Africa, avitourism is being applied in an effort to simultaneously achieve community development and biodiversity conservation. This paper presents the results of an exploratory investigation of 11 community-based avitourism projects in South Africa. Conservation benefits were measured with the Threat Reduction Assessment tool. We calculated the Gamma (G) correlation coefficient to explore the relationship between conservation and income benefits and project characteristics. The projects were successful at reducing threats to sites where conservation was an explicit objective (n=11, G=0.609, P=0.03). The level of income benefits did not correlate with success in reducing threats to conservation. Once involved in avitourism projects, the average monthly income earned by local bird guides increased from USD 114 to USD 362. The extent of income benefits was positively related to the extent of support to projects (n=10, G=0.714, P=0.01). Participants in the projects reported substantive capacity building and empowerment benefits. Success in delivering conservation, income and empowerment benefits was challenged by the local guide′s limited previous exposure to tourism and business, the guide′s lack of self assurance, cultural differences, and a requirement for sustained mentorship and support to overcome these barriers. We conclude that with adequate long-term support, avitourism projects can be a cost-effective way to create jobs and deliver conservation and human development benefits.

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.

Prominent books on birdwatching and ornithology refer to Poland as one of the best places for birdwatching. This study looks more specifically into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOTs) of developing birdwatching tourism (avitourism) in Poland. These are identified and ranked based on a survey of three expert groups involved in birdwatching and birdwatching tourism in Poland – international tour operators, international researchers, and Polish researchers. The analysis of these stakeholders’ views complements the more frequently offered analyses of birdwatchers’ motivations, in that it allows us to depict the broader context of birdwatching tourism. Based on the present study, Poland's most important strengths include its abundance of bird species and natural unspoilt ecosystems, while the main weaknesses refer to underdeveloped tourist infrastructure and insufficient information about Polish birdwatching sites. Consequently, improving the tourist infrastructure and information on birdwatching opportunities in Poland emerge as the most important opportunities, and environmental degradation as the most important threat. Several interesting differences among the three expert groups provide a more nuanced picture. Based on such a SWOT analysis, recommendations are also offered regarding sustainable management of birdwatching tourism in Poland, and more broadly on how to enhance the attractiveness of an area for birdwatchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Abstract: In this paper, we estimate the economic value of selected ecosystem services provided by white storks in a Polish ‘stork village’. A stork village is a common name for a village with a white stork breeding colony, often inhabited by more storks than people. Zywkowo, the best known stork village in Poland, receives approximately 2000–5000 tourists annually, many of whom come from abroad. The village has approximately 20–40 white stork nests and several amenities designed to improve its recreational attractiveness. To estimate the economic benefits provided by the stork village, we apply the Travel Cost Method (TCM). This study is the first of this type for a stork village and the first related to the value of birds in Poland. Our results represent a useful contribution to tourism management, indicating that nature has economic value and illustrating how this value can be translated into economic benefits. It also serves as a clear illustration that the degradation of nature may entail economic losses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism directed at bird watching (avitourism) has become increasingly popular. In many lower and middle-income countries, including South Africa, avitourism is being applied in an effort to simultaneously achieve community development and biodiversity conservation. This paper presents the results of an exploratory investigation of 11 community-based avitourism projects in South Africa. Conservation benefits were measured with the Threat Reduction Assessment tool. We calculated the Gamma (G) correlation coefficient to explore the relationship between conservation and income benefits and project characteristics. The projects were successful at reducing threats to sites where conservation was an explicit objective (n=11, G=0.609, P=0.03). The level of income benefits did not correlate with success in reducing threats to conservation. Once involved in avitourism projects, the average monthly income earned by local bird guides increased from USD 114 to USD 362. The extent of income benefits was positively related to the extent of support to projects (n=10, G=0.714, P=0.01). Participants in the projects reported substantive capacity building and empowerment benefits. Success in delivering conservation, income and empowerment benefits was challenged by the local guide's limited previous exposure to tourism and business, the guide's lack of self assurance, cultural differences, and a requirement for sustained mentorship and support to overcome these barriers. We conclude that with adequate long-term support, avitourism projects can be a costeffective way to create jobs and deliver conservation and human development benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]