Characterization of self-guided trails of the Xihuingo Volcano in the State of Hidalgo

Abstract

Objective: In addition to being a tool for environmental education, hiking allows you to appreciate nature and cause social changes that can translate into behaviors and decisions in favor of its protection. The objective of the research was to generate the necessary information to travel the Xihuingo Volcano trails in a self-guided and safe manner.

Design/methodology/approach: The methodology consisted of following the guidelines established for the preparation of the Topoguide, as well as those considered in the Excursion Information Method (MIDE) and the processing of tracks with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, basing this on the use of Geographic Information Systems.

Results: As a result, data on local history, culture and biodiversity were obtained; descriptions, time estimates and profiles of the routes; the identification of places of interest and maps; and digital files for use in GPS receivers.

Limitations on study/implications: The limitations in the data are related to the precision margin of the GPS receivers during the recording of the information (±3 m), as well as the number of records on biodiversity at the time of consultation.

Findings/conclusions: The data obtained highlight the wide biological diversity that the site houses, with an important representativeness in endemic and native species, some in a state of ecological risk, and can be the basis for the creation of a tourism project for the benefit of the local population, facing the problems of mining, illegal logging and grazing observed in the area, as a strategy for the conservation of the natural environment.

Keywords: conservation, nature, hiking.