Sipaliwini Savanna

The Sipaliwini Savanna is a protected area and nature reserve in Suriname. The reserve is located to the south of the Sipaliwini River in the far south of the country. The reserve measures 100,000 hectares, and has been a protected area since 1972. The majority of the reserve consists of a savannah which in turn is a continuation of the Brazilian Tumucumaque Mountains National Park. The reserve is in pristine condition with almost no human habitation.[2]

This article is about the regio of Sipaliwini Savanna. For the town of Sipaliwini Savanna, see Sipaliwini Savanna (town).
Sipaliwini Savanna
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Map showing the location of Sipaliwini Savanna
Map showing the location of Sipaliwini Savanna
LocationCoeroeni, Sipaliwini District, Suriname
Nearest citySipaliwini Savanna
Coordinates1.9603°N 56.2665°W / 1.9603; -56.2665
Area1,000 km2 (390 sq mi)[1]
Established1972

History

The area was first explored in October 1935 by A.J.H. van Lynden who was surprised to discover an immense savannah behind the dense rain forests.[3] In 1962, a study was started whether the savannah could be used for animal husbandry, however the transport costs via airplane would make the enterprise unprofitable.[4] A detailed study into the plant and animal life commenced in 1968.[5]

This reserve is one of the last frontiers in the tropics, and relatively little is known about the region.[6]

Overview

The savannah consists of large grasslands with wetter islands of trees. Bird life is abundant,[7] and the savannah is where the blue poison dart frog was discovered in 1969.[8][9] In 2005, six birds that had never been recorded in Suriname were seen on the reserve. It includes a new species of sun parakeet, and a new rufous-sided scrub tyrant.[10] The savannah is home to the harpy eagle and the jaguar.[9]

Accessibility

The Sipaliwini Savanna is very hard to reach. The Sipaliwini Airstrip is accessible by small planes. From the airstrip, it takes another 2 to 3 hour to reach the reserve along trails, or a canoe journey along the Sipaliwini River. Permission to enter the territory has to be obtained from the granman (tribal leader) who resides at Kwamalasamutu.[11]

Threats

The reserve is not guarded. Poaching, and collecting of endangered species are a problem. Burning of the savannah by the Amerindians is also a problem.[12]

References
  1. Ouboter 2001, p. 2.
  2. "Natuurreservaten Suriname". Reisgraag (in Dutch). Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  3. "Op zoek naar de Zuidgrens" (PDF). Sipaliwini Savanna. 1938. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  4. "Verslag van een Bodemverkenning op de Sipaliwini Savanne 19-30 Juli 1962, Paramaribo". Wageningen University and Research (in Dutch). 1962. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  5. "Welcome to the Plants of the Sipaliwini Savanna". Sipaliwini Savanna (in Dutch). Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  6. Burton Kim & Thomas E. Lee Jr (2018). "Community Ecology and Phylogeography of Bats in the Guianan Savannas of Northern South America" (PDF). MDPI. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  7. "Geography The Sipaliwini Savanna". Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  8. "Zoology". Sipaliwini Savanna. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  9. Ouboter 2001, p. 86.
  10. B.J. O’Shea (2005). "NOTES ON BIRDS OF THE SIPALIWINI SAVANNA AND OTHER LOCALITIES IN SOUTHERN SURINAME, WITH SIX NEW SPECIES FOR THE COUNTRY" (PDF). University of Minnesota. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  11. Ouboter 2001, p. 85.
  12. Ouboter 2001, p. 87.

Bibliography
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