Kanuku Mountains Protected Area

Teeming with healthy populations of rare and endangered species, these rainforest-covered mountains are nestled in the heart of Guyana’s tropical savannahs. Its unusual combinations of forest, savannah, wetland and mixed habitats results in an explosion of wildlife. For instance, the Kanukus have the highest recorded bat diversity in the world with 89 species. The mountains also represent one of the few areas on the continent where rare Guiana Shield species mix with endangered Amazonian “giants”, including the Giant River Otter, Harpy Eagle, Giant Anteater, Black Caiman and Giant River Turtle. The Kanukus are also home to the Macushi and Wapishana people, who have traditionally depended on the mountains for food, water, shelter and medicines.