Rapids and indigenous artifactsin the Kabalebo River I Rode brulaap (Alouatta macconnelli), Red Howler Monkey t was quite hot during our bus ride from Apoera to Labaria, Lanspuntslang (Bothrops atrox) Fer de Lance Thoas zwaluwstaart, Page (Papilio thoas) Thoas swallowtail, King Swallowtail Wannawiro. Fortunately, ample time was allotted for this ride, which normally takes about 2.5 hours. So at the most beautiful spots along the route, we decided to go for a walk while the van slowly followed. A good choice. The route runs through undisturbed tropical forest. Along lush and 昀氀ower-rich forest edges and roadsides, we saw beautiful butter昀氀ies, dragon昀氀ies and orchid bees. The birdwatchers too could very happily add several new species to their list. The drive ended at the Kabalebo River where we changed for a short canoe ride. After about 20 minutes of boating, we reached the island on which the Wannawirolodge is located. The island lies in between Sulas whose sound can be heard anywhere and everywhere. It is a small paradise surrounded by water and undisturbed tropical rainforest. A family of howler monkeys followed us curiously from the tall trees around the lodge. Over the next few days, we made several excursions into the surrounding area, cruising the riverbanks in search of birds and other aquatic wildlife. We visited a rock with petroglyphs, long ago carved into the rock by indigenous people. Our guide specialised in amphibians and reptiles found a beautifully coloured dyeing poison dart frog. In the forest, a pontoon boat lay on its side. It reminded us of recent 昀氀oods of this river that can be very turbulent during heavy rains. Later in the evening, while some of the group was already lying on one ear, the ‘diehards’ led by our guide went for another island tour. We found several Labaria snakes (common lancehead), tree frogs and moths whose eyes lit up brightly in our headlights. Even the large caiman, which immediately took o昀昀 when we landed on the island, now allowed itself to be extensively admired. About 10 metres from the riverbank enclosure, a number of dragon昀氀y species, including some Hetaerina Damsel昀氀ies, were busy hunting mosquitoes and 昀氀ies. They usually hunt from the end of a twig or water plant. The last rays of the sun cloaked the delicate insect in a bronze-red colour. In Surinamese nature, you usually don’t have to look far for such gems. You can just sit on a stone and let nature come to you. Verfschildersgi昀欀ikker (Dendrobates tinctorius) Painted Dart Frog I su magazine su magazine 37 37 Wi l d l i f e of Sur i name Foto: Jap Smits
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