Efecto de las actividades antrópicas en la red de caminos Inka, santuario histórico de Machupicchu, Cusco, Perú

Abstract

The effects of human activities were evaluated, including width and depth of the roads, amount of solid waste, presence of wildlife (birds and mammals), and vegetation in 35 plots at Inca trail network in Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. The evaluations were performed between 2008 and 2010 on three tourist trails: 1) Traditional Inca Trail, 2) Valley trail, and 3) Salkantay trail. The depth of the road showed greater variation in trail 3. The abandoned solid wastes (kg) were: 45.1, 129.8, and 143.8 for 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. Plastic wastes were more abundant. Organic wastes (mainly feces) were produced by cattle and horses. Regarding the presence of fauna, the following numbers were registered: 1) 21 species of birds and 3 of mammals on route 1, 2) 18 species of birds and 3 species of mammals on route 2, and 3) 16 species of birds and 1 species of mammal. According to CITES, Puma concolor and Vultur gryphus are listed in Appendix I, and Lycalopex culpaeus is listed in Appendix II. According to the List of Endangered species of Peru, P. concolor is listed as Near Threatened (NT), and V. gryphus is listed as Endangered (EN).