ANALYSIS OF BIRDWATCHING FEASIBILITY AS A TOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND ECOTOURISM IN "PARQUE ESTADUAL DA ILHA DO CARDOSO - BRAZIL

Several strategies can be used to mitigate threats to biodiversity. The implementation of protected areas for environmental conservation should be concurrent with the implementation of those strategies, as well as in localities where the urban environment is close to areas of ecological relevance. This study collected data on the avifauna of Cananeia region, Sao Paulo state, inserted within the context of estuarine environments. We aim to offer analysis about the observation of birds, which can support the development of visitation plans in two aspects: environmental education at regional context and ecotourism as alternative source of income. A total of 129 birds sampled in a week of winter in different habitats indicates high regional attractiveness for birdwatchers. Five environments had contributed to diversity in different ways. Such differences were evident both in the time it takes to get 10 species recorded in lists, and the singularities in the communities. Urban environments can be well used due to its space-time facility of get species record, in addition to its considerable richness, while marine environments are more attractive due to the differences observed in the community. The restinga vegetation features elements present in other environments, which allows short stay, while Atlantic Forest and Mangroves, for example, would require greater investment during visits. The regional context can be considered ideal for both activities, environmental education and ecotourism, allowing specific consideration about the use of certain ecological elements in each of them.