Assessing the Factors Influencing Birdwatching Development in Salehiyeh Wetland

ABSTRACT
An in-depth understanding of wetland ecological capacities and the socio-demographic attributes of the birdwatching community, alongside the environmental prerequisites of ecotourism, is crucial for the sustainable development of birdwatching. Despite harbouring a high diversity of avifauna and occupying a strategic geographic position, the Salehiyeh Wetland has received limited scholarly and managerial attention regarding its natural assets and birdwatching potential. This applied study employs an analytical survey approach to identify, through ecological and economic sustainability lenses, the factors that stimulate birdwatching development in the wetland. A field questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.852) comprising four constructs—motivations, welfare and expectations, awareness and information, and risk-taking behaviours—was completed by 54 birders recruited via convenience sampling. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, one-sample t tests, Pearson correlations, and structural equation modelling. Results indicate that the presence of observation hides and birdwatching camps, the attraction of approaching nesting sites, favourable access routes, elevated scientific literacy about species, a preference for mobile observation, utilisation of modern equipment, expert ecotourism guidance, opportunities to observe rare species, and the enjoyment of birds’ flight and flocking are the dominant positive determinants. The study recommends improving scientific education, fostering habitat-congruent behaviours, establishing dedicated camps, enhancing transport infrastructure, and upgrading welfare facilities to expand birdwatching ecotourism, protect biological heritage, and generate sustainable nature-based employment in the Salehiyeh Wetland.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Birdwatching represents a major branch of ecotourism and wildlife tourism; it is expanding rapidly and delivers substantial ecological and economic benefits. Over the past few decades, birders have constituted the largest segment of wildlife tourists and one of the fastest-growing markets in global ecotourism. This form of ecotourism is limited to observing, appreciating, and documenting the traits and activities of wild birds in their natural habitats, without disrupting their normal behaviour. It therefore functions as both a recreational pastime and an educational, scientific pursuit, enabling participants to investigate avian biology for a deeper understanding while simultaneously contributing to broader ecological conservation.
Because the Salehiyeh Wetland lies adjacent to the densely populated cities of Tehran, Karaj, and Qazvin, nature tourists frequently select it as a safe, ecologically valuable, and readily accessible destination. Key ecosystem services provided by the wetland include shielding nearby cities from wind borne dust and saline particles, promoting regional vegetation cover, and offering critical habitat for migratory birds. A scientifically informed approach to birdwatching development would not only safeguard the wetland and its avifauna but also foster socio-economic advancement among neighbouring communities and generate professional employment in avitourism nationwide. Accordingly, the present study identifies and ranks the factors that facilitate birdwatching tourism in the Salehiyeh Wetland
 
Methodology
This study is applied in purpose and cross-sectional in design. A field-based, survey analytical approach was adopted, involving site visits to Salehiyeh Wetland, systematic observation, and questionnaire administration to birdwatchers. Drawing on the wetland’s ecological capacities, visitation levels, existing facilities and services, relevant literature, and expert consultation, we designed an open-ended, researcher-constructed questionnaire to assess the site’s birdwatching potential. The final instrument comprised 35 items across four constructs: (i) motivations for birdwatching (9 items), (ii) welfare and expectations regarding services and facilities (9 items), (iii) awareness and information (8 items), and (iv) risk taking propensity and risky behaviours (9 items). Based on an average annual visitation of approximately 2,650 tourists, the required sample size was calculated at 54 respondents using Cochran’s (1977) formula with p=0.5, q=0.5, a 0.05 of error, and z=1.96. Respondents were selected randomly along access roads to the wetland and at nearby tourist lodgings. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov normality test, independent t tests, and Pearson correlations in SPSS, supplemented by structural equation modelling (SEM) in AMOS.
 
Results and discussion
The highest mean scores (4.99, 4.944, and 4.926) and t-values (157.15, 137.65, and 136.93) were observed for variables representing the positive influence of birdwatching camps or observation stations, the appeal of approaching bird habitats and nests, and the presence of favorable communication routes alongside easy access to the habitat in enhancing the desire to engage in birdwatching, respectively. Conversely, the lowest mean scores (1.204, 1.315, and 1.5) and t-values (19.183, 20.61, and 21.758) correspond to factors including clandestine behaviors such as hunting, collecting eggs and chicks, nest destruction by visitors, birdwatchers visiting Salehiyeh Wetland specifically to observe certain bird species, and the influence of environmental conditions like sunshine and rainfall on birdwatching activities. Indeed, the physical health of birdwatchers significantly affects the frequency of their visits. Moreover, birdwatchers did not report direct observations of bird harassment or habitat destruction during their visits to the wetland.
Structural equation modeling revealed that, within the birdwatching motivations index, the variables reflecting a preference for birdwatching in this wetland over other forms of ecotourism and tourists’ interest in bird observation exhibited the highest standardized coefficients of 0.93 and 0.88, respectively. Within the welfare and expectations index, the variable indicating increased interest in birdwatching attributed to favorable communication routes and easy habitat access recorded the highest coefficient of 0.83. For the awareness and information index, increased birdwatching interest driven by recognition and knowledge of bird species demonstrated the highest coefficient at 0.98. Within the risk-taking and risky behaviors index, the variables representing ecotourists’ propensity for risk-taking behaviors impacting birds and the compatibility of birdwatchers’ presence with avian breeding, nesting, and egg-laying activities exhibited the highest coefficients of 0.99 and 0.97, respectively. Furthermore, the risk creation index, reflecting risky behaviors of birdwatchers, had the greatest overall impact on the development of birdwatching tourism in Salehiyeh Wetland, with a coefficient of 0.72.
 
Conclusion
Birdwatching ecotourism is expanding swiftly and relies fundamentally on intact natural settings—particularly protected areas, wetland ecosystems, and specialist avian habitats. When practised in wetland environments, birdwatching can generate synergistic conservation outcomes while delivering notable economic benefits. Specifically, it enhances public awareness, galvanises support for bird conservation, fosters pro environmental behaviour among birders both on site and in daily life, and provides financial resources for conservation initiatives.
Visitors to Salehiyeh Wetland encompass a wide spectrum of genders, ages, and educational backgrounds, yet most have fewer than three years’ experience with this form of ecotourism. Interest in the site is cultivated through multiple channels, most notably personal referrals and nature tourism agencies. Reliable transport links, easy physical access to habitats, and adequate observation infrastructure significantly strengthen visitor interest. Expanded outreach via mass media and the establishment of a well equipped birdwatching camp are likely to boost visitation and create sustainable, nature based employment in the region.
Enhancing ornithological literacy, encouraging habitat compatible behaviour, establishing a dedicated birdwatching camp, upgrading access routes, and expanding welfare facilities can collectively advance birdwatching ecotourism, safeguard the wetland’s natural heritage, and support long term nature based livelihoods.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.