Are birders good for birds? Bird conservation through tourism management in the Hula Valley, Israel

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between tourists and bird populations visiting the Agamon-Hula Park. Our main hypothesis is that the number of birds and their minimal distance from groups of human visitors are correlated with the number of visitors in the groups. Visitor and bird populations were mapped simultaneously in order to analyze the effect of location on the behavior of different species of birds. Fieldwork was carried out at four observation points throughout the wetlands. 48 field observation days were conducted during 2009. The research demonstrates a cyclical interaction: the number of visitors increases when more birds are present, but as the number of visitors increases, the number of birds decreases and their minimum distance from the visitors increases. The findings allow for a better understanding of the “Limits of Acceptable Change” (LAC) of the Lake, instead of identifying a general measure of “Carrying Capacity”. The discussion considers the study's theoretical implications, as well as practical recommendations for future development.

► The study reveals a cyclical interaction.
► The number of visitors and duration of stay increase when more birds are present.
► As the number of visitors increases, the number of birds decreases and their minimum distance from the visitors increases.
► The findings allow for a better understanding of LAC instead of identifying a general measure for carrying capacity.
► 3 management recommendations: public awareness, information, and education; infrastructure; visitor regulation and control.