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The Orinoco delta is a
vast, intricate labyrinth of waterways weaving through a
simmering jungle to carry the waters of the Orinoco to the
Atlantic Ocean. The Orinoco Delta - the landmass now known
as Delta Amacuro State - has formed over the course of thousands
of years as the mighty river has deposited millions of tonnes
of sediment into the ocean. Over the last century alone,
some 1,000km² has been added to the delta, which continues
to extend into the Atlantic at a rate of 40m per year over
its entire 360km coastline. The Orinoco branches off into
over 60 caños (waterways) and 40 rivers which diffuse
through 41,000km² of forested islands, swamps and lagoons.
The Delta and its Wildlife
The delta is divided into upper and lower regions, west
and east of the Caño Macareo respectively. This division
is a consequence of the flood control program initiated
in the 1960s; Caño Mánamo was dammed, reducing
seasonal flooding in the north and making the land more
suitable for cattle farming. There was, however, a cascade
of knock-on effects in the region. The reduced water levels
in the upper delta caused the region to become tidal, and
water levels now rise and fall by 1-2m daily. In the dry
season, salt water now moves further up the waterways, which
has had a significant effect on the flora and fauna of the
area and has forced resident Warao to relocate, seeking
fresh water upriver. The lower delta, still under the influence
of the Orinoco, is subject to flooding during the dry season,
when water levels may vary by up to 15m. Since 1991, 331,000ha
of the lower delta has been protected under Mariusa National
Park.
A massive variety of habitats has arisen within the delta,
both terrestrial and aquatic. Mixed tropical rainforest,
dominated by towering palm trees, prevails over much of
the terra firma, fostering a variety of flora including
fruiting trees, orchids, bromeliads and arboreal ferns;
the latter of which flourish in the moist air of the canopy.
Grassland swamps and marshes brim with aquatic plants, and
estuarine waterways towards the ocean are thick with mangroves.
Throughout the delta, the caños are themselves hugely
diverse in form. Wide channels break off into narrow rivulets,
isolated pools and lagoons. Some, heavy with sediments are
brown in color, others are black with tannic acids. Many
are carpeted with vast floating meadows of water hyzcynths
(bora) and grasses, slowly drifting along with the current.
Needless to say, the wildlife of the delta is also extremely
rich and varied. Jaguar, puma, ocelot, red howler and capuchin
monkeys, capybara, agouti, giant otter, manatee and dolphins
are just a handful of the countless species of mammal that
can be observed in their natural habitats. Among the extensive
bird population are hoatzin, macaws, parrots, toucans, caciques,
kingfishers, cormorants, egrets, falcons, hawks, harpy-eagles,
weaverbirds and hummingbirds. There is also an untold number
of amphibians, reptiles and fish species, including anaconda,
boas, vipers, fer-de-lance, coral snakes, iguana, cayman,
turtles, piranha, stingrays and catfish.
Report about any problems
and errors to: info@exploremargarita.com
Copyright © 1998 - 2003 by Tucupita Expeditions C.A.
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