Evaluating the impacts of visitation on vegetation associated with waterfalls in Tijuca National Park (RJ, Brazil)

Visitation to waterfalls in Tijuca National Park, Brazil, significantly degrades riparian vegetation. Research comparing plots near waterfalls (directly impacted by visitors) with those 30 meters away revealed lower diversity and structural homogeneity closer to the river, indicating simplification of plant communities—a hallmark of anthropogenic degradation. Increased soil exposure and higher proportions of multi-stemmed individuals (likely due to visitor-induced breakage) further supported direct human impact on vegetation. The study used statistical analyses including NMDS, ANOSIM, and NPMANOVA to compare diversity indices, structural parameters, and edaphic conditions between the two environments. Findings provide critical guidance for park management in regulating waterfall visitation to mitigate ecological damage.

Menéndez, I. G., Zaú, A. S., & Sartori, R. A. (2018). Evaluating the impacts of visitation on vegetation associated with waterfalls in Tijuca National Park (RJ, Brazil). Revista Brasileira de Ecoturismo (RBEcotur), 11(3). https://doi.org/10.34024/rbecotur.2018.v11.6692