Criteria ix, x UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription 2000 | Type Natural Reference 1017 Phone +55 48 9820-2152 | |
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UNESCO region Latin America and the Caribbean Similar Coppename River, Voltzberg, Tafelberg - Suriname, Brownsberg Nature Park, Julianatop | ||
The Central Suriname Nature Reserve (Dutch: Centraal Suriname Natuurreservaat (CSNR)) was created in 1998 by Conservation International and the government of Suriname from the fusion of three existing nature reserves: Ralleighvallen, Tafelberg and Eilerts de Haan gebergte. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for its pristine tropical rainforest ecosystem, and contains 16,000 square kilometres (6,178 sq mi) of both montane and lowland primary tropical forest including sections of the Guyana Highlands.
It is known for its rapids and bird species, including the Guiana Cock of the Rock (Rupicola rupicola). A research station is located at the foot of Voltzberg and the area is tourist attraction.
Some of the most outstanding features in Central Suriname Nature Reserve are several granite domes - uplifted monoliths of granite rising high above the surrounding rainforest. Barren surface of dark-colored granite is exposed to impact of Sun thus creating unique xerophytic biotope which includes also endemic plant species. The best known granite dome is the 245 m high Voltzberg.
Other attractions include the Julianatop (1230 m), the highest mountain in Suriname, the Tafelberg (Table Mountain, 1026 meters), the Van Stockum Berg (360 m), Duivelsei (Devil's Egg), a rock seemingly balanced on the edge of a mountain.
Eilerts de Haan Nature Park is named for Johannes Gijsbert Willem Jacobus Eilerts de Haan, an explorer who died in Suriname's interior.