Geography

The Iwokrama Forest encompasses about almost one million acres (3,710 sq. km / 371,000 hectares / 1,432 sq. miles) with a boundary of 442km (274 mi.). At its widest, the area is 85 km (53 mi.), and the greatest extent in a north-south direction is 80km (50 mi.). The Georgetown-Lethem Road dissects the Forest, traversing about 72km (45 mi.) between the northeastern and southern boundaries. The Forest lies between 4 and 5 degrees north latitude and 58.5 and 59.5 degrees west longitude.

The Forest's boundary is arbitrary with respect to the regional ecosystem. Resources flow between the Iwokrama Forest and surrounding areas (Rupununi Wetlands, Pakaraima Mountains) through wildlife and fish migrations, and through extensive foraging by predators like Harpy Eagles and Jaguars. The Forest lies within the Guiana Shield, a region distinct from Amazonia, although there is some cross drainage during rainy seasons.

Hydrology

Waterways form all but 3% of the Forest's boundary. The Essequibo River, the third largest drainage system in South America after the Amazon and Orinoco, form the eastern boundary; the northern boundary is the Siparuni River. The Burro-Burro River runs through the centre, and most of its watershed is within the Forest.

>Learn more about Hydrology (.pdf, 315KB)

Landforms and Soils

The elevation of the Forest rises from 30m (98 ft.) above sea level to the 1000m (3281 ft.) tall Iwokrama Mountains. The terrain is generally rolling. Other major physical features are the Pakatau Hills in the northwest, and Turtle Mountain in the northeast. There are six Land Systems, each containing several subsidiary units.

>Learn more about Landforms and Soils (.pdf, 38KB)

Geology

The geology of the area includes acid intermediate volcanics, subvolcanic granites, gabbro-norite sills and dykes, granitoids and greenstone.

>Learn more about Geology (.pdf, 220KB)

Climate

The region receives between 1,400mm (55 in.) and 3,000mm (118 in.) of precipitation per year. Of the total rainfall, 50 to 70% occurs between May and August.

>Learn more about Climate (.pdf, 239KB)