COMMUNITY-BASED BIRD MONITORING IN THE HIGH MOUNTAIN REGION OF VERACRUZ, MÉXICO: TOWARDS A COMMUNITY-BASED AVITOURISM

Abstract

Background here is presented regarding community-based bird monitoring in Mexico and bird monitoring in in the High Mountain region of Veracruz, especially in the experience from 13 Christmas bird counts and spring birds that have been performed since 2005, as well as the creation of a Bird Watchers Club in the Córdoba-Orizaba region, performing quick bird guides, a scientific article, and a bird identification book of the High Mountains, and from these activities the record of more than 420 species of birds in the region was performed. In the same way, the training process and formation of a group of community monitors of birds in the region is described, made up of 25 people of eight different ecotourism projects. It is concluded that the community monitoring of birds arises in the High Mountains of Veracruz to respond to the need to broaden the tourism offer, seeking community development and the conservation and sustainable exploitation of birds.