Current status of the birds in Quijos Huayco, Cuyuja parish, Napo province, to promote birdwatching

Abstract

The diversity of birds in Ecuador is a key factor for the development of avitourism, a modality that involves the displacement, observation, identification and recording of the species that occupy their natural environment. In addition, it contributes to the conservation of habitats, landscapes and the promotion of the local economy through the provision of tourist services. In the study, birds were recorded for two years (February 2019 - December 2020) in the Quijos Huayco sector, in the Cuyuja parish, Quijos canton, Napo province to determine the opportunities to promote birdwathching activities in the area. It is a descriptive research and documentary analysis, which includes an inventory of bird species, their state of conservation and abundance, as well as the identification of services, tourist events and visitor sites. The analysis was based on the review of data available from previous investigations and sighting records, information that covered 28 lists, with a total of 141 species, 1169 individuals, from 15 orders and 36 families. Likewise, service establishments and potential observation sites were identified. Cuyuja, is in a special connection site with Papallacta, Baeza and Cosanga, where important birdwatching sites have been identified, and events such as the Christmas bird count take place. These characteristics are favorable to promote spotting routes in the northern area of ​​Napo province.