Expedition documented 1,300 species in Suriname Amazon

The leaf beetle (Stilodes sedecimmaculata) is only found in the Guyana Shield. There are more than 35,000 species of leaf beetle in the world. This species was found during the International Rapid Assessment Program in southwest Suriname in August and September, 2010. Photo copyright Trond Larsen.
 

Conservation International (CI) released data this week, on the biodiversity of southwest Suriname, where 1,300 species were filed. Among these, there are 45 species which may be new to science such as frogs, fresh water fish, beetles, insects, dragonflies and cicadas. The expedition also documented a large number of rare species.
 

The technique used was called Rapid Assessment Program. The survey, involving the work of 53 scientists, was carried out along the Kutari and Sipalwini rivers, near the Kwamalasumuto village in August and September 2010.
 

Among new species found were the ‘cowboy’ frog (Hypsiboas sp), armored catfish/scarlet pleco (Psueudacanthicus sp) and the rainbow cicada/crayola katydid (Vestria sp). Examples of known species are the horned frog (Ceratophrys cornuta), spiny conehead katydid (Lobiscelis bacatus) and the scarab dung beetle (Coprophanaeus lancifer).
 

Besides making a biological inventory of the region, this CI expedition also had the task of discovering new opportunities for ecotourism. In line with the official communiqué, “ the primeval nature of the Kwamalasamutu region and its cultural heritage makes this a unique destination for the more adventurous tourist.’’

Trond Larsen, one of the researchers, shows how the group worked closely with the indigenous Trio community and Suriname students.

“ It’s vital to know what species exist and where they live in order to avoid their extinction”, he says. Annette Tjon Si Fat, another team member adds “The information gathered in this expedition will be used for regional conservation and, we hope, for ecotourism development”.

The next stage of the research will be in March, in the southeast of the country.
 

Copie o código e cole em sua página pessoal:

A taste of Suriname
 

Embraced by the forest