Copi Nature Reserve
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Map showing the location of Copi Nature Reserve
Map showing the location of Copi Nature Reserve
LocationPara District, Suriname
Nearest cityStolkertsijver
Coordinates5°30′48″N 54°48′05″W / 5.513333°N 54.801389°W / 5.513333; -54.801389
Area180 km2 (69 sq mi)[1]
Established1986
Governing bodyStinasu

The Copi Nature Reserve (Dutch: Natuurreservaat Copi) is a protected area and nature reserve in Suriname. The reserve is located along the blackwater Cassewinica Creek. The reserve measures 18,000 hectares, and has been a protected area since 1986.[1]

Overview

The reserve contains a large amount of possumwood (Hura crepitans) which was the main reason for protecting the area. It also contains numerous spectacled caimans (Caiman crocodilus crocodilus), some giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis),[2] and Cuvier's dwarf caimans (Paleosuchus palpebrosus).[3]

The reserve consists of dry savannas, short grass savannas, and some grass and fern swamps.[3] Copi Nature Reserve is the only state-owned dry clay savannah in Suriname; the other two are privately owned.[4]

Access

The indigenous Lokono[5] village of Copi is located in the area, however it only has a few inhabitants. The indigenous population has the right to fish and hunt in the reserve. Copi can be reached by boat from Stolkertsijver.[1]

Archaeology

The Copi Nature Reserve contains archaeological traces from pre-Columbian times. There are also several abandoned plantations and forts located in the reserve.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Ouboter 2001, p. 45.
  2. ↑ Mohadin 1993, p. 3.
  3. 1 2 Mohadin 1993, p. 5.
  4. ↑ Ouboter 2001, p. 47.
  5. ↑ "Dorpen en Dorpsbesturen". Vereniging van inheemse dorpshoofden in Suriname (in Dutch). Retrieved 25 February 2021.

Bibliography


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