Negative effects of tourism in a Brazilian Atlantic forest National Park

Specific impacts and benefits of nature tourism on species, ecosystem and socio-economic aspects have to be addressed in detail. This study compared diurnal medium-large vertebrate richness and abundance in a visited (VT) and a non-visited trail (NVT) in the mountain forest of Serra dos Órgãos National Park (SONP), a priority area for nature conservation in the Atlantic Forest hotspot. Results suggest that richness and abundance of medium-large mammals and birds are significantly reduced in VT, however sample effort was insufficient for further analysis. In the absence of adequate data, protected area managers have to guarantee infrastructure and control, but first, limit access by visitors, to small sized groups and low in frequency, guaranteeing large refuges for wildlife, and effective contributions for nature conservation with real socio-economic benefits at local and regional scales. The Brazilian government is investing in tourism in National Parks, including SONP, but there are no directives to monitor and manage potential negative impacts. Researchers and managers need to work together to couple this economic activity with environmental conservation in SONP and other protected areas in Brazil.