Shorebirds in the State of Sergipe, northeast Brazil: potential tourism impacts

Many Neartic shorebirds migrate to South America for the non-breeding season, using several key stopover and wintering sites along the Atlantic coast. However, there is little information about shorebird use of the northeast coast of Brazil, especially at those sites experiencing increasing levels of tourism. This study examines the potential impacts of tourism on shorebirds at Atalaia Nova beach in Sergipe State, Brazil. On a 5 km stretch of beach, we conducted censuses on 67 days throughout 2004. There was a significant negative correlation between numbers of people and numbers of all shorebirds (r = ‑0.25), and especially for Arenaria interpres (Ruddy Turnstone; r = ‑0.24), Charadrius collaris (Collared Plover; r = ‑0.31), Calidris pusilla (Semipalmated Sandpiper; r = ‑0.64), and Calidris canutus (Red Knot; r = ‑0.71). We conclude that the growth of tourism at Atalaia Nova beach (particularly recreation and development) has the potential to negatively impact shorebird use of the beach. Before tourism developments are initiated, more research should examine their potential effects on shorebird use of the area