Propuesta metodológica para el estudio poblacional y hábitat de la Vicuña (Vicugna Vicugna) en la Reserva de Producción de Fauna Chimborazo, en el marco de la sostenibilidad del turismo.

Abstract

The present research work, was carried out with the objective of propose a methodology for the population – based study and habitat of the vicuña (Vicugna vicugna), in the Reserve of Fauna Production of Chimborazo; for which it was applied the methodology of direct and total count by continuous field trips during 26 day which allowed to get the vicuna population in the RPFCH (Reserve of Fauna Production of Chimborazo), for the modelling the collect of satellite images LANDSAT 7 multispectral bands, allowing to determine the habitat conditions (water, soil and vegetation), suitable for the vicuna; and to relate with turism it was identify with through secondary information analysis, the touristic paths according to the Visitors Management Plan of RPFCH, like results a population of 5.989 vicunas in Ecuador, distributed in different zones of protected area, the normalized vegetation index it is found in ranges from -1 a 0,69 into the LANDSAT 7, results obtained based on band combination. Two touristic paths are distinguished, Machay temple, and Mechahuasca – Carihuayrazo, in which there is a great presence of vicunas. It is concluded that the advance of the agricultural frontier is one of the principal problems in RPFCH, which motivated the co-proprietors find a fertile layer at the moment of tractor the uplands and change the soil and cover usage, to grow grasslands and potatoes. For this reason it is recommended to implement signage touristic rules, informative and interpretative focus on the vicuna like principal focal object of reserve conservation, this ensures its conservation and sustainable use.