Biodiversity in Suriname should be protected by law. This was the view expressed by Conservation International at the presentation of the discovery of many new species in the south of the country. At least 46 of the species are new to Suriname. Some might even be new to science.

Legislation on biodiversity could also save the forest in Suriname’s Kwamalasamutu region. As many as 1,300 plant and animal species were found in this region when a team of scientists explored the area in 2010. “It’s a remarkably significant discovery for a three-week expedition,” says Armand Moredjo of Conservation International.

Cowboy frog
Surinamese conservation expert Krishna Gajapersad was the logistical coordinator of the Kwamalasamutu expedition. He explains how the cowboy frog was named on the spot:

“It had never been seen before by scientists – there are still places on earth where scientists haven’t been yet. The finder makes up the name, but the creature is also given a scientific name.”

Another new animal species that was found was the armoured catfish, which has spikes to protect it against piranhas. Gajapersad says the locals were familiar with the fish: “They have been eating it for centuries.” But as it has never been described by scientist, it is considered a new species.

Gajapersad warns that pollution caused by gold mining poses a serious threat to biodiversity. However, he does hope the discoveries will encourage ecotourism in the region.

Rock paintings
On the expedition, the scientists also found rock paintings nearby an Indian village. The petroglyph site Werehpai was discovered in 2000 and is the oldest known settlement in the south of Suriname – most likely there was habitation as long as 5,000 years ago. The site has the largest concentration of rock paintings ever found in the Amazon Basin.

In March, another expedition will travel deep into the interior of Suriname to explore the mountain region close to the Brazilian border.

Take a look at the photos from the press release “An Armored Catfish, a ‘Cowboy Frog’, and a Rainbow of Colorful Critters discovered in Southwest Suriname” by Conservation International.

(hs/dd)