Page 47 - BBC Wildlife Volume 36 #04

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CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
If you’re someone who’s always seeking out
intriguing and hard-to-find animals, then a
trip to Guyana is sure to keep you entertained
and allow you to tick a few creatures off your
list – including the Jabiru. The tallest flying
bird found in South and Central America,
this impressive stork can grow up to 1.15m in
height, and is renowned for its large wings.
Male Jabiru tend to be around 25% larger
than their female counterparts, so you should
OUT OF THE ORDINARY be able to tell the sexes apart just by looking
‘Guyana’ translates as ‘land of many waters’, at them. The Jabiru is characterised by its
which is certainly fitting as the country is big, black and slightly upturned beak, white
home to a multitude of creeks, rivers and feathers, and the band at the base of its neck,
waterfalls, including Kaieteur Falls, one of which is pink when the bird is inactive but
the world’s longest single-drop waterfalls turns a deep scarlet colour when it is irritated.
by volume. Almost five times the height Jabiru are found near rivers and ponds,
of Niagara Falls, it lies within the Kaieteur usually in large groups, and particularly like
National Park, where, undisturbed by open wetlands such as flooded savannahs.
hordes of tourists, you can catch a glimpse They tend to feed in flocks on all kinds of
of toucans, macaws and golden tree frogs. aquatic creatures, including fish, frogs, snakes,
Guyana is a wonderfully unique blend insects, crabs and turtles, and usually forage
of the Caribbean and South America. It for prey by wading through shallow water.
features vast open spaces, pristine rainforests When you’re on the lookout for these birds,
and ecosystems, mountains, thousands of it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled for their
tree and plant species, and diverse wildlife, nests. Built from sticks in a team effort by
making it a dream destination for nature- both parents and nestled among the branches
lovers and adventure-seekers alike. of tall trees, they can grow up to several
The country’s capital, Georgetown, is a metres wide and deep over a succession of
garden in itself, decorated with abundant breeding seasons. And if you spot a pair of
flora and fauna and home to more than Jabiru flapping their wings at each other,
200 species of bird. Here you’ll find parks, you may be witnessing a form of courtship!
museums, a zoo and an array of historical Other species you’re likely to see in
buildings, including St George’s Cathedral, Guyana - a bird watching hot spot - include
which is thought to be the world’s tallest eagles, parrots, hawks, owls and toucans.
wooden building. Guyana is also a fantastic The country is also home to a wide range
place to experience community tourism, of fascinating mammals, such as jaguars,
as many of the eco lodges are operated by pumas, tapirs, giant otters, manatees,
the friendly Indigenous peoples, allowing white-faced Saki monkeys and Capuchin
them to share their culture and show the monkeys, as well as various reptiles,
best of what their country has to offer, from rattlesnakes and Emerald Tree boas
while running a sustainable business. to caimans and Matamata turtles.