Biodiversity of the Rewa Head B Zoological Society of London ...

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The data reveal a typical situation of high numbers of prey species to predators. Redrumped agouti (Dasyprocta cristata), paca (Agouti paca) and green acouchy (Myoprocta exilis) were the most abundant, comprising 25.2%, 15.3% and 13.5% respectively of mammals recorded. Surprisingly no jaguars (Panthera onca) were recorded despite a known high density from previous expeditions. The reason for this is unclear although may be related to the unseasonably high water levels experienced during the expedition, meaning game would be more dispersed throughout the forest and less focussed on the river. In comparing our results with those from Pobawau Creek and Cacique Mountains camera trapping sites set up by CI in the Eastern Kanukus RAP, it is interesting to note that white-lipped and collared peccaries (Tayassu pecari and T.tajacu) were the most abundant species recorded there, whereas they recorded no Brazilian tapir (Tapirus terrestris), which is the fifth most abundant species recorded in the Rewa Head camera traps. When looking at the effectiveness of identifying medium to large mammalian species in a short period of time using camera traps, table 1 reveals that of the 17 species observed this way, all were recorded after only 12 days of camera trapping. It appears therefore that in order to record more species requires either a much longer sampling period, or a much broader camera network. This would also give more robust RAI figures. Observations We found a high diversity of primates, with all of Guyana’s 8 species recorded. Of particular importance were the Guianan Shield endemics, the black spider monkey (Ateles paniscus) classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN, the Guianan saki (Pithecia pithecia) and, the Guianan red howler monkey (Alouatta macconnelli), recently upgraded to full species, of which over 7 groups were recorded during drift transects. Figure 20. Fresh bush dog (Speothos venaticus) print at the entrance to a paca den on the riverbank. Rare and elusive animals, bush dog are an indicator of undisturbed habitat. Fresh footprints of bush dog (Speothos venaticus) seen investigating the burrow of a paca along the banks of a tributary feeding the Rewa are firm evidence for the presence of this unusual canid in the Rewa Head. The bush dog is an elusive and poorly understood animal, with most data on its behaviour and diet derived from anecdotes. In one study on diet in the Brazilian Pantanal, de Souza Lima et al (2009) recorded that the predominant prey found in faeces was the nine-banded long-nosed armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), which appears abundant in the Rewa Head. Although its range is large and it is found throughout Amazonia, it is considered to Biodiversity of the Rewa Head 17
occur in low densities throughout that extent. The IUCN red list classifies the species as ‘Near Threatened’ being likely to suffer a 10% decline over the following decade due to habitat degradation (Zuercher et al 2008). Several burrows of the giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) were found in the Rewa Head. This species is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN. Figure 21. Brazilian tapir (Tapirus terrestrisi) photographed 10ft from boat. Brazilian tapir (Tapirus terrestris) appeared to be abundant in the Rewa Head. During drift surveys we observed 5 in total on the banks or in the river. As with curassow and paca, the tapirs we encountered appeared remarkably nonchalant about our presence, allowing us to approach to within several yards without causing alarm. To give a rough guide to the density of these animals in the Rewa Head, along a 40 mile stretch of river, while conducting drift transects over several days, we recorded 97 fresh tapir roads, equating to approximately 2.5 fresh roads every river mile. This coupled with the fact that they were the fifth most numerous species in the camera traps suggests a strong, healthy population. Table 2. Comparison of diversity of mammalian orders in three survey sites in Guyana. Site Iwokrama Rewa Head Eastern Kanukus Reference 18 Biodiversity of the Rewa Head Lim and Ergsrtom 2004 Pickles, McCann, Holland 2009 Montambault and Missa 2002 Survey duration (days) 37 + 49 22 8 Marsupialis 7 2 11 Xenarthra 4 4 9 Primates 5 8 8 Carnivora 8 10 16 Perissodactyla 1 1 1 Artiodactyla 4 2 5 Rodentia 15 5 9 44 32 59
Page 1 and 2: Zoological Society of London, Regen
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Page 8 and 9: Co n t e n t s Executive Summary 3
Page 10 and 11: ex e C u t i v e su m m a r y The r
Page 12 and 13: te a m Rob Pickles. BSc Zoology Rob
Page 14 and 15: Unlike its larger neighbour to the
Page 16 and 17: The first outsiders to begin exploi
Page 18 and 19: Chapter 1. Mammalian Species Divers
Page 20 and 21: Method In surveying the Rewa for si
Page 22 and 23: Table 1. Species diversity and rela
Page 26 and 27: Figure 22. Pale-throated three-toed
Page 28 and 29: Figure 24. A White-plumed Antbird (
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Page 32 and 33: Figure 34. Yellow-footed tortoise (
Page 34 and 35: ecorded claim boards over 20 river
Page 36 and 37: Figure 37. The area leased to Groun
Page 38 and 39: Chapter 5. Conservation value of th
Page 40 and 41: Figure 39. A relict leviathan, the
Page 42 and 43: Groenendijk J, Hajek F, Duplaix N,
Page 44 and 45: ap p e n d i x i Mammalian Diversit
Page 46 and 47: ap p e n d i x ii Avian Diversity a
Page 48 and 49: Scarlet Macaw Ara macao F U S Golde
Page 50 and 51: Amazonian Barred Woodcreeper Dendro
Page 52 and 53: Capuchinbird Perissocephalus tricol
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