Bakhuys mountains (23533)
Suriname, South America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2008
National site name: Bakhuys gebergte
Central coordinates: Latitude: 4.5733, Longitude: -56.8165
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 32 to 946
Area of KBA (km2): 5612.94208
Protected area coverage (%): 3.19
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Bakhuys gebergte (mountains) is situated north-west of the Central Suriname Nature Reserve. There are many bauxite hills, varying in height from 300 to 946 m. The water from this area streams to the Coppename river in the east, the Kabalebo river in the west. The Nickerie river has here it's origin. The hills and valleys are covered with pristine forest, forest on terra firma and swamp forest. On some places there is liana forest. The area is known for its natural resources. Most important are bauxite and diamonds. The Biodiversity is very high.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: There are three near-threatened species breeding in Bakhuys gebergte, Morphnus guianensis Crested Eagle, Harpia harpyja Harpy Eagle and Amazona dufresniana Blue-cheeked Parrot. The total number of bird species found in Bakhuys is 378. There are 40 Biome restricted species. Hence it is an IBA on A1 and A3 criteria.
Other site values: Owned by the state. Billiton has an exploration consession for bauxite it is almost sure that the hill tops will be mined in the near future.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Landuse. Aside from the exploration activities in the Bakhuys consession area nearly none. There are two touristresorts nearby Blanche Marie and Kabalebo.
Land use: energy production and mining | not utilised (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Billiton has an exploration consession for bauxite it is almost sure that the hill tops will be mined in the near future. An environmental impact assesment has been done.The report is available on the internet. The whole area is very important for mining, most important are bauxite and diamonds. If a exploitation permit will be granted the total area that will be mined is about less than 1%, which will be situated in the North- west. An advantage of the presence of Billiton is that they guard the area effectively against hunters.