Efecto Antrópico en el Cambio de Micro Hábitat de la Colonia Reproductiva de Guanay (Phalacrocorax Bougainvillii) en Isla Choros, Región de Coquimbo

Abstract

Ecoturism is a worldwide increasing activity. Among the preferred groups of observation, seabirds are some of the most popular, also being one of the most sensitive to human disturbance. This study is focused on the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, located in Coquimbo Region, and since its creation, it has been scenario of many studies on diverse topics such as: fauna, behaviour and conservation among other topics. These activities have produced great interest in the reserve, causing great human disturb in the area. The guanay Cormorant (P. bougainvillii), present in Choros island, has a reproductive colony in the area and is part of the main tourism attractions. The results of the present study show a negative correlation of the abundance of guanay and years of study (r=0,803) at this site. But, a significative increase in guanay abundance was observed in a new nesting site in the years 2014 and 2015, with limited access to the touristic boats. This study shows an alteration in the distribution of the reproductive colony of the cormorant due to tourism activities. This makes it necessary to establish conservation politics, environment education and the establishment of regulations for this site.