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]
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