Rhynchospora bakhuisensis

The Bakhuis Mountains are characterized by high species richness and endemism and, due to their inaccessibility, relatively intact habitats, however, the threat of human impact is growing. The species is found in an area of very low human foot print (Sanderson et al. 2002). However, there are proposed mining developments, with associated infrastructure, in the region. For example, the agreed exploration of 2,800 km² of primary forest for bauxite mining by BHP Billiton and Suralco. Although mining activities may occur in the future in part of the Bakhuis Mountains, the Bakhuis area referred to in the mining details is reported to consist ‘of closely spaced hills up to 480 m in elevation’. So it is possible that the range of mountains with the higher elevation, where this species was recorded, is not covered by the proposed mining area and it is not thought to be a threat in the near future. This may be particularly so as high elevation bauxite, over 300 m, is considered to be low grade and most bauxite occurs in the 250-450 m range (Alumina AWC 2007, Goodland 2009). The Bakhius bauxite project has three phases scheduled over 50 years and it has been estimated that only 5% of the 2,800km² concession area, or 140km² will be disturbed (Goodland 2009). This species is described as a robust perennial with a woody rhizome, but its resilience to disturbance is unknown. The biology and ecology of this recently described species has not been studied. Vegetation recovery on nutrient poor soils is often slow.

The Bakhuis Mountains are not part of the Central Suriname Nature Reserve (Unesco World Heritage Site) and do not yet appear to benefit from any protection. Several International institutions and NGOs are actively engaged in promoting the conservation of the ecosystems of the Guiana Shield region. The impact of proposed mining should be studied as part of the pre-development assessment process and modified to avoid or minimize environmental damage. The Bakhuis Mountains, which are relatively little known botanically, are currently the subject of biological inventories (Ooboter and Hammond 2008). It is recommended that, if possible, seeds of this species should be collected and stored as part of ex situ conservation efforts.