Brownsberg Nature Park (BB) (23536)
Suriname, South America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2008
National site name: Brownsberg Natuurpark (BB)
Central coordinates: Latitude: 4.9215, Longitude: -55.2008
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 43 to 532
Area of KBA (km2): 158.818368
Protected area coverage (%): 76.32
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD’
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The park is unique in that it is a 450 m high tabletop mountain area with tropical rainforest trees covering its slopes. Some hilltops are over 500 m. The flora and fauna of the park is representative of eceosystems usually found farther south in the country. Due to the high biodiversity, the accessibility and the infrastructure, this park is serving as a center for research, nature education and public awareness, as well as ecotourism. It is leased by Stinasu from the government.
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: The total number of species recorded in Brownsberg is 391, of which 30 are biome restricted. Hence it is an IBA on the A3 criterion. Non-bird biodiversity: Aside from the many bird species this site is also known for the monkeys which are the most visible mammals in this area. Further more 62 reptiles species, of which 31 snakes, 17 lizards and 1 caiman,116 Mammals species of which 57 bats, 20 rodents,8 monkeys and 5 cats species,2 peccaries,2 armadillos,2 anteaters,2 sloths and 2 deer species, 52 fish species and 15 Amphibian species. Brownsberg also has a rich plant diversity, 1053 plant species and 112 orchid species have been recorded.
Other site values: Owned by the state but leased by STINASU for a period of 75 years. Suralco has a mining consession on the plateau.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Landuse. Aside from the mining consession,the local people are illegaly mining gold.
Land use: energy production and mining | hunting | nature conservation and research | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Largescale illegal gold mining. Large scale poaching. Recently the goldminers have been removed from the park but they have returned. More actions against the goldminers will be neccesary. Suralco has a exploration concession for mining of bauxite. There are no plans in the near future for mining. If bauxite mining would take place it would mean complete destruction of the plateau. As a consequece all activities like ecotourism would stop.
Additional information
References: Brownberg Nature Park management plan 1991-1995, H. A. Reichart. Mangement Plan 2005-2010 Brownsberg Nature Park (Suriname),P. A. Teunissen