Guyana: SRCS launches Shulinab Giant Anteater Community Safe Zone in 2023

Guyana: The South Rupununi Conservation Society in Guyana reflected on the final six months of 2023 and recalled their activities, achievements and successes. The period was quite successful for the SRCS as they launched the Shulinab Giant Anteater Community Safe Zone, which aimed to protect these species. Giant Anteaters are an important member of the ecosystem in the South Rupununi, and they help to control the ant population, which can save crops at villagers' farms, which is why the SRCS aims to safeguard the Giant Anteater at all costs. [caption id="attachment_65549" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Guyana: SRCS launches Shulinab Giant Anteater Community Safe Zone in 2023 (PC - Facebook)[/caption]

The Society also completed the first year of the SRCS Citizen Science Curriculum and attended the 21st Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles with Caiman House, Yupukari Village.

They also hosted a workshop in Karaudarnau Village on Rabbit Genetics in South America with the Field Museum and Karaudarnau Village.

Furthermore, the Society trained another 24 individuals from 12 communities as Environmental Education Facilitators during the past six months.

They started their third year of the Environmental Education Curriculum under which individuals are trained about the factors about protecting the environment.

A major highlight from this period was the hosting of the 3rd Sand Creek Turtle Festival with Sand Creek Village and the Protected Areas Commission.

[caption id="attachment_65550" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Sand Creek Turtle Festival[/caption]

The SRCS has facilitated more than 300 Traditional Knowledge Classes in 4 communities and also started a Giant Armadillo research project in the communities of Maruranau, Shea and Awarewaunau.

The Society implemented environmental solutions as part of the SRCS Citizen Science Curriculum. All in all they mentioned that it was a great year for them and they will walk into 2024 with new aims of launching and achieving more great things.

While recalling their successes, the Society extended their gratitude to all their partners for collaboration and support. These partners included the Sustainable Wildlife Management - Programme Guyana, Amazon Conservation Team Suriname, SGP Guyana, Frankfurt Zoological Society, Field Museum and Conservation International Guyana.

"Thank you also to all of our partner villages for their collaboration and support. Finally, thank you to all of the SRCS members, facilitators and rangers for your dedication, commitment and enthusiasm," they added and wished everyone all the best for 2024.