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Wildlife and Natural Wonders
Bordering Brazil, Guyana, and French Guiana, Suriname is a remarkable land of pristine beauty and vibrant culture. It has one of the highest percentages of tropical forest in the world, and has received international recognition for its landmark conservation efforts. In addition to the diversity of its wildlife, Suriname also has a rich human culture, consisting of Amerindians, Maroons, Creoles, East Indians, Javanese and Dutch.
Noted travel writer William Leitch notes “if there are treasured spots to reveal to travelers, Suriname is first among them“ On this expedition, we visit some of the most remote nature reserves in Suriname. Our journey begins and ends in Paramaribo, whose monumental center is classified a World Heritage Site. An hour’s flight to Western Suriname brings us to uninhabitated Kabalebo known for its remarkable biodiversity. This part of Suriname is home to many wild animals such as tapir and wild cats like the jaguar as well as an amazing number of birds.
Traveling to the northeast coast, we visit the Galibi Nature Reserve, designated for the protection of sea turtles. We visit during peak nesting season and can expect to see nesting leatherback and green sea turtles, and learn about sea turtle biology first hand. Leatherback sea turtles can reach six feet in length and may weigh as much as 1,000 pounds. Seeing these ancient ocean dwellers should be one of the highlights of the trip.
We conclude our adventure at Raleighvallen, dramatically situated along the Coppename River, and visually dominated by gigantic granite domes that rise up above the jungle canopy. Internationally known to biologists as a bird and monkey paradise, this unspoiled tropical forest is refuge for numerous species of mammals and birds, including the spectacular Cock-of-the-Rock, Harpy eagles, three species of macaws, giant river otters, herds of peccaries, and primates. This reserve is part of The Central Suriname Nature Reserve which protects some of the most remote, ancient, and pristine wilderness on Earth and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Naturalist Pepper Trail, Ph.D. from Cornell University, studied of the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock in Suriname for his doctoral thesis. He has studied the behavior and conservation of birds around the world with the support of the National Geographic Society, the Smithsonian Institution, and other groups. He works as wildlife and forensic biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Although his specialty is birds, his interests range broadly from mammals to poetry and photography. Since 1999, he has led trips to Suriname for the Oceanic Society.
Although located in remote areas, our nature lodges are quite comfortable, offering double occupancy rooms with private bath with a range of amenities. One bird lek hike is optional and the expedition can be enjoyed by anyone in general good health.
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