31 new/potentially new species discovered in Kaieteur – Upper Potaro

By Stabroek News On In Guyana News |
Herpetologist Andrew Snyder encountered a rotting tree stump with numerous holes while out on a night hike in primary rainforest along the upper Potaro River. Shining his flashlight into a large hole revealed this possibly undescribed tarantula (Subfamily: Ischnocolinae). Other tarantulas of the same species occupied various other small holes, implying that this may be a communal species, which is an uncommon behaviour in tarantulas. Tarantulas in the subfamily Ischnocolinae lack urticating, or irritating, hairs, which are often the first line of defence for New World tarantula (Andrew Snyder photo – WWF Guianas website)
Herpetologist Andrew Snyder encountered a rotting tree stump with numerous holes while out on a night hike in primary rainforest along the upper Potaro River. Shining his flashlight into a large hole revealed this possibly undescribed tarantula (Subfamily: Ischnocolinae). Other tarantulas of the same species occupied various other small holes, implying that this may be a communal species, which is an uncommon behaviour in tarantulas. Tarantulas in the subfamily Ischnocolinae lack urticating, or irritating, hairs, which are often the first line of defence for New World tarantula (Andrew Snyder photo – WWF Guianas website)

A recent Biodiversity Assessment Team (BAT) survey of the Kaieteur National Park (KNP) and the Upper Potaro area has led to the discovery of up to 31 new or potentially new species to science.

The BAT Report, the second of a three-part series, lists 31 new or potentially species, including plants, fishes and insects. These comprise three plant species, five dragonfly and damselfly species, 15 aquatic beetle species, two crustacean species and six fish species. However, it notes that species identifications were still being taxonomically finalised at the time the report was prepared.

At the launch of the report last Thursday evening at the Cara Lodge, Country Manager of the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) Guyana Aiesha Williams noted that the group of local and international researchers which ventured deep into the areas in 2014 went in search of new data on the different groups of animals as well as the quality of the water.

“We have set aside this evening