Canaima

About Canaima

Canaima National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls. The park is characterized by unique table-top mountains called tepuis, vast savannas, and dense tropical forests. It is home to numerous endemic species and represents one of Earth's oldest geological formations.

Fauna

The park's diverse ecosystems support a rich variety of wildlife, including 118 mammal species, 550 bird species, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Notable residents include giant anteaters, jaguars, giant river otters, harpy eagles, and the cock-of-the-rock. Many species found on the tepui summits are endemic to these isolated ecosystems.

Flora

Canaima hosts over 300 endemic plant species, particularly on the tepui summits where isolation has led to unique evolutionary adaptations. Notable species include carnivorous plants like sundews and pitcher plants, numerous orchids, and bromeliads. The lower regions feature vast savannas and dense rainforests with towering emergent trees.

Geology

The park's most distinctive features are its ancient tepuis - table-top mountains formed from Precambrian sandstone and quartzite that date back over two billion years. These flat-topped mountains, including the famous Mount Roraima, were created through millions of years of erosion, leaving behind some of the oldest exposed rock formations on Earth.

History

The park region has been home to the indigenous Pemon people for thousands of years. Canaima was officially established as a national park in 1962 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The area gained international recognition following Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 1912 novel 'The Lost World,' which was inspired by the park's dramatic tepui formations.

Notable Features

Angel Falls, the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall at 979 meters (3,212 feet), is the park's most famous landmark. Other remarkable features include the Gran Sabana region, numerous waterfalls including Sapo and Hacha Falls, and the mysterious flat-topped tepuis such as Mount Roraima and Auyantepui.

Climate & Weather

Canaima National Park experiences a tropical monsoon climate with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). The region sees significant rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November. Despite being near the equator, the tepui highlands can experience cooler temperatures and frequent mists, creating distinct microclimates throughout the park.