Kaw Marshes Nature Reserve
French Guiana
The Kaw Marshes Nature Reserve, established in 1998, spans approximately 94,700 hectares between the communes of Roura and Régina in French Guiana. It is the third largest nature reserve in France and the largest wetland area in the country. Nicknamed the "Everglades of Guiana," the reserve encompasses diverse ecosystems including mangroves, flooded savannas, marsh forests, and tropical rainforests. The reserve is home to an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the black caiman, red ibis, and the primitive hoatzin bird. It supports 535 bird species, representing 74% of French Guiana's avifauna, and shelters 98 mammal species including jaguars, giant otters, and manatees. The reserve's flora features carnivorous plants like bladderworts and native water hyacinths adapted to the ecosystem. Human activity is limited and regulated within the reserve, which uniquely includes the village of Kaw within its boundaries. Visitors can explore the reserve by canoe or pirogue, guided by naturalists, offering close encounters with the region's rich biodiversity and landscapes. The reserve is accessible only by water, preserving its pristine nature and offering an authentic ecotourism experience.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Kaw Marshes is during the dry season for easier navigation and better wildlife observation. Booking guided tours by canoe or pirogue in advance is recommended to maximize the experience. Visitors should prepare for a remote environment with limited facilities and wear appropriate clothing and insect repellent. Discounts may be available for group bookings or local residents. The reserve is accessible only by river, so plan transportation accordingly.
Zajímavosti
- •The Kaw Marshes Nature Reserve is the third largest nature reserve in France by area, covering nearly 95,000 hectares.
- •It is often called the 'Everglades of Guiana' due to its vast wetland ecosystems.
- •The reserve hosts 74% of the bird species found in French Guiana, totaling 535 species.
- •Four species of caiman inhabit the reserve, including the rare black caiman, for which the reserve serves as a sanctuary.
- •The reserve's flora includes carnivorous bladderwort plants and native water hyacinths, which are not invasive in this ecosystem.
- •The village of Kaw is uniquely located within the boundaries of the reserve, blending human presence with protected nature.
Historie
The Kaw Marshes area has been inhabited since pre-Columbian times by indigenous peoples.
European colonization began in the late 16th century, with significant land management efforts in the 18th century such as poldering by Jean Samuel Guisan in 1783.
The nature reserve was officially established in 1998, replacing earlier protections dating back to 1989.
It has been recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance since 1993.
Management of the reserve has evolved over time, with current oversight shared between the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Guyane and local municipalities.
Průvodce po místě
Village of Kaw
A small village situated within the reserve, offering cultural insight into the local community living harmoniously with the surrounding wetlands. It includes a church, post office, school, and rural clinic.
Mangrove and Flooded Savanna Ecosystems
These ecosystems form the core of the reserve's wetlands, supporting diverse plant species such as Cyperus and Araceae, and providing habitat for numerous aquatic and bird species.
Fauna Highlights
The reserve shelters rare and notable species including the black caiman, red ibis, hoatzin bird, jaguar, giant otter, manatee, and multiple species of caiman and fish like electric eels.
Flora Highlights
The plant life includes carnivorous bladderworts that trap small organisms, as well as native water hyacinths adapted to the local ecosystem, contributing to the unique botanical diversity.
Guided Canoe and Pirogue Tours
Visitors can explore the reserve via guided boat tours, which provide opportunities to observe wildlife closely, including caimans by moonlight, and experience the primary and flooded forests along the Kaw River.
Kontakt
Telefon: 0694 90 27 28
