Biodiversity wealth of Guyana-A summary

The Guiana Shield covers an area of approximately 2.5 million square kilometres with a distinct floristic province consisting of over 8000 species of which approximately 50% are believed to be endemic to the Shield (Maguire, 1970). According to Berry et al (1995), 3763 plant species of 118 genera belonging to 4 families are endemic to Venezuelan Guayana (i.e. Venezuela part of the Guiana Shield of which 61 endemic genera occur in Guyana. Among regional endemic found in Guyana are Victoria amazonica, Arapaima gigas, Pteroneura brasiliensis, and Priodontes giganteus. Chlorocardium rodiei, a prime timber species has a range almost 98% restricted to Guyana. An estimated 20% of Guyanaís 500 orchids are endemic to Guyana. Other notable endemic tree species are Dicymbe alstoni, Vouacapoua macropetala, and Swartzia Ieiocalycina, The Guiana Shield is a neotropical centre of endemism (Prance 1982, 1989). Guyana, with an area of 215,000 square kilometers, is one of five countries in the world with a very high percentage forest cover and low human population pressure.

The extremely low population pressure in most of the forest belt has facilitated the occurrence of large expanses of pristine rainforest supporting over 7100 plant species; 1400 chordates; 834 arthropods; 426 fungi; 33 bacteria; 13 nematodes; 44 algae; 17 molluscs and an estimated 30 viruses. The 1400 plus chordates comprise 123 mammals; 711 birds; 102 reptiles; 77 amphibians; and 352 freshwater fish (GAHEF/UNEP 1992). Most of these biodiversity inventory figures have undergone upward revisions recently, with significant increases in the arthropod and fungal taxa. ( Taken from: http://www.unep.org/biosafety/files/GYNBFrep.pdf)

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Blue Saki (Thraupis episcopus)

The blue saki or blue-gray tanager ( Thraupis episcopus is) a well-known and common bird in Guyana. They inhabit a range from Mexico South to Bolivia and in Northern Brazil. The bird is called blue jean in Trinidad and Tobago. Blue saki It primary diet consists of fruits (frugivore). For this reason, they are considered as very effective seed dispersers; however they may also feed on nectar and insects. The bird measures about six to seven (6-7) inches in length, which includes its two inch long tail. The sexes are similar, but the immature is much duller in plumage. They are extremely social birds and usually seen in pairs or small groups. Pairs remain together year-round and often accompanied by adult offspring, as well as other foraging flocks containing unrelated individuals (Dmitri Allicock). The Blue Saki was especially popularized in the 1970’s by Guyanese Legend, Dave Martins who wrote an inspirational song called “Not a blade of grass” during the border

Guyana 50th anniversary

Today marks 50 years since British colony of Guiana became Guyana. "The days ahead are going to be difficult. Tomorrow, no doubt, we as Guyanese will indulge in the usual political conflicts and differences in ideology. But today, to my mind, is above such petty matters. For today Guyana is free." (Former President, Burnham)

Canje Bridge-Berbice

The Canje Bridge replaced an old swing bridge structured of iron and concrete by Joseph Westwood,an English Civil Engineer in 1891.This antiquated mechanism was an historical landmark for more than 85 years.It was swung out to allow the tall masts of sugar-laden vessels to go through,then the two portions were swung back in to allow the flow of vehicular traffic again.The current bridge which became operational in February 1978 is 1,732 feet long,33 feet wide and 45 feet high crossover which took 18 months to complete. (Extracted from Dave’s Television Channel 8 (DTV-8) Canje Bridge Canje Bridge

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