Since the limnological research on the man-made Brokopondo Reservoir in
the 'sixties, numerous data have been collected on the ecology of
Surinam rivers and swamps. This book is a compilation of these data: it
is the first comprehensive survey of the aquatic ecology of one of the
peripheral areas of Amazonia. The geomorphology of the country, situated
on the Guyana Shield, is the main factor determining the limnological
properties of rivers and creeks. This results in an overall picture that
is quite different from Amazonia. The emphasis of The Ecosystems of
Suriname is on the living aquatic resources, including aquatic and
swamp vegetation, phyto and zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, fish,
amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Although most of Suriname is still in
a pristine state, the human impact on fresh waters is considerable in
those areas of rapid economic development, emphasizing the necessity of
conservation measures, specially tailored for aquatic ecosystems.
The Ecosystems of Suriname is a valuable acquisition for all
scientists, environmental managers and others interested in tropical
aquatic ecology.