Uso e conservação da ictiofauna no ecoturismo da região de Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul: o mito da sustentabilidade ecológica no Rio baía bonita (aquário natural de Bonito)

Abstract

The Bonito region, in Mato Grosso do Sul State, stand out in Brazil as national reference of example of correct practices in the ecotourism. In spite of progresses in the tourist operation, a three years study of environmental monitoring in Rio Baía Bonita indicates losses of biodiversity portion, very probably due to the visitation excess. Proposed of management and of low impact tourism practices, with careful operation protocol and reduction of the carrying capacity, they were rejected by the company responsible for the operation in the place. Unfortunattly, this event indicates that there is still an enormous gap among the support that the Conservation Biology could give to the sustainable tourist operation. The model of tourist activity developed by the land-owners is conduct essentially by economical parameters in detriment of the environmental ones, and the conservationism don't get ahead of the rhetoric. The fragility and uniqueness, as the one of Natural Aquarium area, request scientific contributions for wildlife conservation and environment sustainable use in long term. Key words: Biodiversity, Wildlife Conservation, Ecotourism, Economic Value of Nature, Sustainable Tourism, Fishes, Bodoquena Plateau, Mato Grosso do Sul ResumoA região de Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, desponta no Brasil como referência nacional de exemplo de práticas corretas no ecoturismo. Apesar de avanços na operação, um estudo de três anos de monitoramento ambiental do Rio Baía Bonita indica perdas de parcela de biodiversidade, muito provavelmente decorrente do excesso de visitação. Propostas de manejo e de turismo de mínimo impacto, com cuidadoso protocolo de operação e redução da capacidade de carga, foram rejeitadas pela empresa responsável pela operação no local. Este evento indica que, infelizmente, ainda há uma enorme lacuna entre o suporte que a Biologia da Conservação poderia dar à operação turística. O modelo de atividade turística desenvolvido pelos empresários é balizado essencialmente por parâmetros econômicos em detrimento dos ambientais, que não passam da retórica. A delicadeza e unicidade de ambientes como o do "Aquário Natural", contudo, requer aportes científicos para a efetiva conservação da fauna e da sustentabilidade ambiental no longo prazo.

Habitat simplification affects nuclear-follower foraging association among stream fishes

“…This seems to be the case of C. lepidota which is, in fact, more abundant in unaltered sites. This species has breeding and parental care associated to macrophytes, trunks and branches (Sabino & Andrade, 2003), elements that are rare in simplified conditions.…”

Fish assemblage structure in a first order stream, southeastern Brazil: longitudinal distribution, seasonality, and microhabitat diversity

“…Finally, understanding life-history and behavioral ecology of fish species may be helpful to management and conservation populations of freshwater fish populations in fragile areas as demonstrated in many studies (for a revision, see Vincent & Sadovy 1998; for an example in Neotropical area, see Sabino & Andrade 2003).…”

Genetic evidence of population structuring in the neotropical freshwater fish Brycon hilarii (Valenciennes, 1850)

“…This fish constitutes the main tourist attraction of the underwater observation activity developed in the clear waters of rivers in the Bonito region (Central Western Brazil). Bonito is located in the Bodoquena Uplands of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) and stands out as a national example of proper ecotourism practices (Sabino and Andrade, 2003). Despite its considerable biodiversity, there is an indication that the impact of visitors on the ichthyofauna has increased, leading to a reduction in species richness (Sabino and Andrade, 2003).…”

“…Bonito is located in the Bodoquena Uplands of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) and stands out as a national example of proper ecotourism practices (Sabino and Andrade, 2003). Despite its considerable biodiversity, there is an indication that the impact of visitors on the ichthyofauna has increased, leading to a reduction in species richness (Sabino and Andrade, 2003). Nothing is yet known regarding the genetic resources of these natural fish populations.…”