Marine and estuarine wildlife
Five species of sea turtle nest on Surinamese beaches. They include the leatherback turtle(Dermochelys coriacea, the largest species: 400 kg for 1.60 m), the olive ridley turtle(Lepidochelys olivacea, the smallest), the green turtle(Chelonia mydas) and the hawksbill turtle(Eretmochelys imbricata). All these species are protected. Matapica and the Galibi Nature Reserve are the main beaches that welcome thousands of females every year between February and August. However, the Surinamese coastline is ever-changing, with some beaches disappearing in favor of others, depending on sea currents. At nightfall, under a starry sky, you can see the magnificent spectacle of egg-laying, or witness the hatching of the little turtles two months later, rushing to the sea as soon as they have hatched. The leatherback is the largest species of sea turtle, weighing around 500 kg and measuring 1.80 m. Every year, between April and August, thousands of females travel incredible distances to lay their precious eggs, which hatch two months later.
The pink-bellied Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), also known as the costero, is another beautiful sight to be seen on a stroll along the estuaries, and is one of Suriname's must-see activities. At an average of 70 kg and 1.80 m, it is one of the smallest members of the cetacean family! Long misunderstood, this dolphin has recently been the subject of studies that have made it possible to distinguish two species: the Tucuxi(Sotalia fluviatilis), a pink dolphin found in the brackish waters of the Amazon basin, and the Guiana dolphin(Sotalia guianensis), which frequents the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts from Nicaragua to Brazil. WWF organized a survey in 2015 on Suriname's 4 major rivers and along the coast: 10 groups of Guianese dolphins were observed, ranging from 1 to 8 individuals. Between the Suriname River and Commewijne, the chances of seeing them are high, and even of catching a glimpse of their pink bellies when they jump in front of the boat. The operators offering this outing are generally conscientious and follow strict rules to avoid disturbing their behavior. This wonderful discovery can be made easily, without having to go very far: not far from the capital, you can take a boat trip on the river with Waterproof Tours Suriname, for example, and discover the riches of this special environment.
The rarerCaribbean manatee (Trichechus manatus) is also a beautiful sight to behold. Long mistaken for mermaids on account of their teats and swimming paddles, they belong to the Sirenian order. Weighing from 400 kg to over a ton and ranging in size from 2.50 to almost 4 m, these placid aquatic mammals feed on plants, and are unfortunately suffering the effects of the growing human presence in estuaries (boat propellers, nets, poaching and environmental pollution are all contributing to the decline of the species). For some Amerindian populations, it is said to embody the spirit of the water, and is responsible for drownings and overturned pirogues.
Another local resident is the piranha. The mere mention of its name makes you shudder! The term refers to several species of fish found in Amazonian rivers. These sharp-toothed predators group together to attack large prey. However, they only attack in the presence of blood in the water, which they can detect from several kilometers away. While it's possible to swim in Suriname's rivers, it's best to refrain from doing so if you have wounds or open sores... for your own safety!
The animals of the jungle
Dendrobates, monkeys, snakes, insects of all sizes: the variety of species you'll encounter in the forest is astonishing. While you can get an idea of Suriname's fauna at the Cultuurtuin Botanical Garden Zoo, not far from the center of Paramaribo, it's by going deeper into the interior that you'll discover the animals of the Amazon in all their majesty. Watching them requires patience and determination: as some species are seen at dawn and others at night, you'll need to adapt and learn to move silently, eyes riveted to the trees, particularly in the heart of Brownsberg Nature Park or the Central Suriname Nature Reserve.
As for mammals , Suriname is home to almost 200 species of all sizes. The tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is South America's largest land mammal, weighing up to 300 kg. Although increasingly rare due to poaching and deforestation, felines are present in the Amazon rainforest, including the majestic jaguar(Panthera onca), the puma(Puma concolor) and the ocelot(Leopardus pardalis). Primates are also plentiful, and some species are easy to spot: for example, you'll hear the famous calls of the peaceful howler monkeys(Alouatta seniculus) and appreciate the agility of the spider monkeys (Ateles paniscus), both of which have prehensile tails. Various species of game are also widespread in Suriname (and appreciated in Creole cuisine), including hinds, agoutis, peccaries and the famous cabiaï, also known as capybara(Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris). The latter is the world's largest rodent, reaching a length of 1.35 m and a weight of 65 kg. Some of Suriname's mammals also stand out for their originality: the armadillo, with its banded carapace; marsupials, with their belly pouches; and the giant anteater(Myrmecophaga tridactyla), with its elongated snout enabling it to rummage through termite mounds and anthills. Fun to watch include the slow, graceful sloth sheep (also known as the three-toed sloth or aï) and the agile, curious giant otter(Pteronura brasiliensi). The latter is much rarer than the sloth: you'll be lucky to catch a glimpse of it in Suriname's most remote rivers. It can measure up to 1.80 m and weigh 45 kg, and is also a fully protected species.
Interms of insects, the Amazon rainforest is one of the most important reservoirs: multicolored butterflies, original longhorn beetles, robust beetles or giant ants, scientists have listed some 2.5 million insect species. Yet research continues, and every year many new species are added to the list. Among the best-known are the famous mygale, not as aggressive as it's made out to be, and the famous morpho, a giant butterfly with an electric blue color.
Last but not least, reptiles (130 species in all) and amphibians (99 species) are equally important and easy to encounter: snakes are plentiful in the forest, but you'll need to be patient to spot them. Contrary to popular belief, attacks are rare and not all are venomous. Frogs and dendrobates are numerous and brightly colored, synonymous with danger for potential predators. The famous blue dendrobate(Dendrobates azureus) is one of the most beautiful representatives. As for the caimans - easily spotted at night thanks to the light from lamps reflecting in their eyes, particularly in the Copi Nature Reserve - there are 4 species: the spectacled caiman(Caiman crocodilus), the most common, the black caiman(Melanosuchus niger), which can reach 7 m in length, and the red and grey caimans.
A birdwatcher's paradise
With over 700 recorded species, Suriname is a favorite with ornithologists the world over! Whether you're in the forest or near the cities, the ornithological diversity is obvious to the eye and titillating to the ear. Enjoy the song of the parrots, the bright red of the ibis(Eudocimus rubber) in the Wia Wia Nature Reserve, the piercing call of the macaws in the Peruvia Nature Reserve, the clumsy flight of the toucans, or the magnificent colors of the rock cock(Rupicola peruvianus). In the forest, rare birds such as hoccos, agamis, maralas, tanagers, bellbirds, bald coracines and red-throated caracaras can also be observed.
But the most impressive of all is the forest eagle, better known as the fierce harpy(Harpia harpyja). Very rare throughout its range, it is a powerful, massive bird, measuring one meter in length and weighing 9 kg. Its short wingspan (2 m) enables it to move swiftly through tree branches to prey on monkeys and sloths. Its thick, pointed beak and talons enable it to keep its prey in flight all the way to the nest. This prey can weigh up to 70% of its own weight.
Another famous Surinamese bird is the picolette. Don't be surprised to see these small, caged birds on bicycles or hanging from trees. They're famous for their singing, and can earn their owners a handsome sum in contests held on Independence Square in Paramaribo. The competition has very precise rules: the cages are set up next to each other so that the males can compete against each other. During a timed competition, the bird sings, ideally short and numerous songs, consecutively. Unfortunately, as a result of extensive harvesting in their natural habitat, picolettes are endangered in Suriname and French Guiana.
Bigi Pan, in the Nickerie district, is the most popular reserve for birdwatching. The Cultuurtuin (botanical garden), 2 km from downtown Paramaribo, also attracts many species, as does the Peperpot Nature Park in the Commewijne district.
Flora and nature reserves
Little adapted to mass tourism, Suriname reveals authentic territories little trodden by man, and it is through its reserves and parks that one can observe the astonishing diversity of the Surinamese flora and fauna. The vegetation is most luxuriant, with about 4,500 species of plants, ranging from the cheese tree to the water lily, through the orchid and the hibiscus. The plants and trees you will discover here are extraordinarily diverse due to the wide variety of environments: savannahs, swampy areas, small rivers and large estuaries, not to mention the immense tropical forest. A flight over the canopy allows to quickly probe this richness: some trees reach 60 m high!
In the Brownsberg Nature Park alone, more than 1,450 species of plants have been recorded, including amazing mosses and ferns. Of this variety of plants, 138 species are considered rare and 12 are endemic to this mountain. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve displays an equally impressive variety: among the 3,000 species of plants listed, about 50 are rare and endemic to the area.
Among the Surinamese plant species of note is the neem tree(Azadirachta indicata), which originated in India. This tree, also called "village pharmacy", has many medicinal virtues. Anti-malarial, it also acts against fever, thirst, skin diseases or scorpion and snake bites.
Palms are also an important species in Suriname: oil palms (Elaeis guieensis) or Tallipot palms(Corypha umbaculiferaa), they are everywhere and render many services to man. Some of these plants (considered as such, because they have a stipe as a trunk) even produce edible seeds and very good for health, and that many animals like the toucan come to taste. To discover them all, it is best to go to the Peruvia Nature Reserve, known for its important collection, including the famous tarpaulin palm(Mauritia flexuosa).
In Paramaribo, you will appreciate the shade provided by the magnificent royal palms(Roystonea regia) of the Palmentuin: originally from Venezuela, they can measure up to 50 m high! In the capital, one should not miss the majestic Mahogany(Swietenia mahagoni) or mahogany trees from America or the West Indies, known for their resistance to fire. Long exploited for the production of furniture and quality housing, they are now endangered. Also in the capital, every Sunday morning at Cultuurtuin, orchid lovers are sure to find something to their liking at the orchid market, with species ranging from the most common to the most exceptional.
Finally, among the aquatic plants, the magnificent and rare blue lotus is worth mentioning: in the wetlands, especially at Fort Nieuw Amsterdam, it was imported by the Indonesians and can even be tasted in some dishes.
