The Lost World - Page 4

An endangered park

Although Kaieteur National Park is protected since 1927, it remains threatened by human activities, especially illegal mining. The area, rich in diamonds and gold, attracts treasure hunters. The resulting problems are mainly pollution and deforestation. The presence of many endemic species is one of the reasons for a rigorous protection of the park. Species whose biotopes are too badly damaged, might disappear forever!

The results of Philippe’s research project will be used in the drawing up of effective conservation and management plans. The Guyanese government is urged to enforce stricter laws to prohibit disturbing activities. Philippe is also hoping that the results of the research will contribute to the inclusion of the region on the Unesco world heritage list. Only a well-thought and scientifically sustained policy can save the endemic species of Guyana.

Schooling

A major part of the project is the education of the local people. Philippe states that “successful and efficient nature conservation begins with education. Two research assistants, one park warden, one teacher and nine pupils from the nearby village of Chenapau are trained in herpetological field work and basic taxonomy. This schooling is vital to the progress of the project.”

Deokie Arjoon, a Guyanese biologist, preparing specimens with Festus, one of our young Amerindian trainees from the village of Chenapau.

Furthermore, workshops were organized for the teachers of Chenapau village school. Those can then convince their fellow-villagers of the importance of protecting the area and the benefits this contains for them. Through posters and games, they can share their knowledge of amphibians and reptiles with their pupils.

One of the teachers of the village of Chenapau presenting us a lesson during the workshop. © Philippe Kok

Illegal deforestation by diamond miners is threatening unique species in the area. © Philippe Kok

A porkknocker (local name for diamond miners) very interested by one of the posters we made for the kids of the Chenapau village. © Philippe Kok

Reuben, a pupil at the Chenapau village school, is proudly showing his teachers how to preserve a dead snake by formalin injection. © Philippe Kok

Teachers looking at the posters of most common Reptiles and Amphibians of Kaieteur National Park that each of them received for use in their classrooms. © Philippe Kok

These kinds of expeditions are very important, because their contribution to nature conservation occurs at different levels: they make an impact at a political as well as at a local and social level. The project is funded by the DGDC (Directorate-General for Development Cooperation) through the Belgian Focal Point to the Global Taxonomy Initiative, and received additional financial support of the National Science Foundation (U.S.A.), the Smithsonian Institution`s Biodiversity of Guianas Program (U.S.A.) and the CEIBA Biological Centre (Guyana).