Wild Postcard Gallery Guyana

Where Did All the Animals Go? project launched Guyana Outreach Programme on International Bioversity Day 22 May, 2020. This gallery showcases the rich biodiversity of Guyana as well as its talented artists. The Guyana OutreachTeam includes Mayor Waneka Arrindell of Linden, Dr Raquel Thomas, Arianne Harris (Art Ambassador), Rehana Ragoobeer and Reshma Persaud of Iwokrama who you can read about in Meet the Team. Follow WDATAG Guyana Facebook page which showcases Guyana wild animal art and conservation news here.

The first drawing Jane received for this gallery is by Sophia Bhagwandeen age 18 of Georgetown. Sophia's imaginative drawing of an iconic Harpy Eagle with a snake, is a pure celebration of Guyana's rich, diverse and precious wildlife, as well as a representation of the treasured relationship the WDATAG? project has with Guyana and the WDATAG Guyana Team. For further details about Wild Postcard Gallery and how to submit your drawing please visit the main gallery here. Jane would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to Wild Postcard Gallery Guyana.

Included in the gallery are:

Iwokrama Rainforest Centre Staff Drawings 2021
MacKenzie Primary Staff, Parents & Guardians Drawings 2021

A beautiful working sketch by Rehana Ragoobeer, WDATAG Co-partner, depicting some of her favourite wild animals, including a jaguar and toucan, two iconic species which inhabit this richly biodiverse country.

This exceptional study of an endangered green sea turtle was created by Arianne Harris, WDATAG? Co-Partner and the project's first Art Ambassador. Arianne is a biologist and artist with a rich family heritage in Guyanese art. Her drawing captures the delicate beauty and vulnerability of this species. Read about Arianne's life here.

The team is thrilled to have received this magnificent drawing of a Harpy Eagle by Chandradatt who said:

"I decided to participate in this activity because I saw it as something fun and creative and so I did not want to miss out on the opportunity."

This effortless drawing of a yellow-tortoise is iconic of these placid creatures, the fifth-largest tortoise species on the planet. Yellow-footed tortoise are not only threatened by habitat destruction but also hunted as food for humans and captured for the pet trade. Puja said of this gentle animal:

"I have rescued several of them here in Guyana and they hold a special place in my heart." Since submitting her drawing Puja has shared her story: My family and I currently have 3 adults and 6 young tortoises in our care. The three adults were rescued by my father, Roopchan, from hunters who brought them out of the interior to sell for their meat. We discovered eggs a couple months after that, which was a big surprise.

They are fed a diet of fruit and vegetables (watermelon seems to be a favorite!) and are allowed to roam freely in the yard where they eat surrounding grasses. Unfortunately, none of the tortoises have been returned to the wild as yet because they keep being brought back by hunters and the cycle continues.

Puja and her father hope someday the tortoises can be returned safely to the wild but in the meantime, they are safe and living a wonderful life in their care. Jane asked Puja if she could share her stunning photos of the tortoises. She said:

"I think sharing them would serve to shed some light on species that needs protecting here in Guyana where the wildlife trade is prevalent. The yellow-footed tortoise is currently classified as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List."

The jaguar is a precious icon of Guyana that inspires many people not just in this incredible country, but globally. Shemendra's stunning drawing illustrates just why this species is so iconic in Guyana; magnificent, powerful and elusive, the jaguar presides over a landscape and biodiversity that fundamentally demonstrates the word 'beauty'.

Shane's monumental drawing of a critically endangered Great Hammerhead Shark is a tremendously important submission to this gallery. Not only does the drawing illustrate the beauty of this marine species but Shane's statement captures the aim of WDATAG project:

"I drew a Great Hammerhead Shark because I feel not enough people in Guyana realize that we have quite a few marine shark species in our waters, and it is important to identify this because species such as the great hammerhead shark are endangered while many of us do not even know that they live in our waters."

Hema Persaud's outstanding drawing of a Great Armadillo, also demonstrates an imaginative technique, darkening the paper surrounding the drawing but leaving a band unrendered as if to further emphasis the armadillo's shield mentioned in Hema's statement here:

"The word armadillo when translated from Spanish to English means “little armored one”. I was inspired to draw such a fascinating mammal based upon this fact because although such a small animal is very vulnerable, it has it's own shield provided naturally. Such a tough shell is composed of boney plates in the dermis covered by horny scales."

At just 11 years old Troyanna has created a monumental drawing of a Jaguar, again demonstrating just how highly regarded this species is in Guyana. Troyanna's drawing is a true celebration of this beautiful species renown for its alluring golden eyes and exquisite coat which is adorned with black rosettes. Jaguars are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, Human wildlife conflict and the illegal trade in wildlife. Where once they were hunted for their coats, due to anti-fur campaigns and laws protecting this species the demand for jaguar fur coats has waned but they are still hunted for their fur and body parts. With around 17,000 remaining in the wild, their population is sadly decreasing and their conservation status is now listed by the IUCN as NEAR THREATENED. Read more about the jaguar here:

https://www.bornfree.org.uk/animals/jaguars

It's always great to meet the artists behind the drawings. Here are Rebecca Jamnah, and friend Royquinn Fredericks with the fantastic, bold and iconic drawings they created of their favourite wild Guyana animals. Rebecca has a degree in Earth and Environmental Studies and said:

"I love wildlife and everything you guys are doing. Keep up the good work!" Thank you Rebecca.

Reanna's tremendous drawing was accompanied with an insightful statement that captures the essence of WDATAG? project perfectly - to highlight the array of exciting species humans are fortunate to share the planet with and to recognise each animal as an individual being that lives its life according to its needs. Reanna said:

The animal that I've highlighted in my drawing is none other than the South American Coati. Yes, a coati! Before submitting I asked my younger sibling "What's this animal?" and the response I got was "Oh, that's a raccoon!". I sort of made the same face that my friend in the drawing is making, "How could this child not know what I am?". You see, the name "coati" and the animal itself isn't that popular but when spotted, locals would refer to this fella as a "ringtail". It is kind of obvious why they would call it that. It has rings on its tail. Imagine not being known by your real name, pretty sad, and that's why I chose this fella. To let his name be known. They may be of least concern according to the IUCN Red List but it should also be known that the population trend of this lad is decreasing, "They don't even know my name and they don't even know that my people are dying". Pretty sure that some don't even know that his kind exists! Well, that's all Mr. Coati and I have to say right now. We have a busy schedule of foraging for food. Remember the name. Coati. South American Coati. No! Not coyote. Unthink that.

Another marvellous and symbolic drawing from Reanna who said:

The vulnerable Lowland Tapir that's known as the "Bush Cow" in Guyana is often hunted for its meat and other body parts contributing to their decrease in number. The meat of the tapir is said to be a delicacy and the cuts within the body of the tapir in the drawing simply showcase the slaughter.

Reanna has incorporated a map of Guyana in her bold and iconic drawing of a Giant Otter.

Another extraordinary drawing of a Jaguar by a very talented 8 year old from Guyana. Dario has captured the iconic roar in the face of this mighty big cat.

Sophia's poignant statement accompanying her beautiful tiger drawing, reflects the effects of manmade destruction on the natural world both globally and in her home country of Guyana. Her statement also echoes one of the pivotal aims of WDATAG? project, to give children, communities, and wildlife a voice. Sophia said:

"Although tigers are not found in my country they are beautiful and magnificent creatures. They are NOT safe in their own habitat, a place they call home. Humans are the greatest threat to these magnificent creatures. While some choose to save them many choose to destroy them. Although there are an estimated 3,900 species alive today, that's still not enough and much work needs to be done. In the 1900s they were approximately 100,000 species alive. Of the nine subspecies of tigers only six species are alive today. From skin to bones, humans take everything from them including their homes. HUMANS ARE NEVER SATISFIED. They will keep hunting and taking until nothing is left. The earth is home to animals as well and not only humans but because these animals don't have a voice, humans choose to take everything they want."

Jaguar VU Mary Melville, age 17 orphanage for girls, Guyana

Kingfisher LC Kimberly Singh, Georgetown, Guyana

IWOKRAMA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE STAFF WORKSHOP

The following outstanding drawings of vulnerable Guyanese wildlife were created by the talented staff of Iwokrama International Centre during March 2021 WDATAG? Guyana Wildlife workshops for the Great North Museum: Hancock exhibition:

White-lipped Peccary VU Arianne Harris, WDATAG? Art Ambassador

Pale-throated Three-toed Sloth LC Arianne Harris, WDATAG? Art Ambassador

American Manatees VU Dr. Raquel Thomas, WDATAG? Guyana Outreach Team

Arapaima Arapaima gigas DATA DEFICIENT Dr Raquel Thomas Director Iwokrama

Black Caiman CD (Conservation Dependent) Reshma Persaud, age 29, WDATAG? Guyana Team

Reshma Persaud, WDATAG? Guyana Team

Lowland Tapir VU Micah Davis, Head Ranger Iwokrama International Centre

Harpy Eagle NT Micah Davis, Head Ranger Iwokrama International Centre

Micah Davis, Head Ranger Iwokrama International Centre

Pebas Stubfoot Toad VU Nesha Andries age 20, Guyana

Nesha Andries

Arapaima Arapaima gigas DATA DEFICIENT J. Jaipaul

Red Billed Toucan VU Celestine Leo age 45, Guyana

Celestine Leo

Giant Anteater VU Vernon Honario, Guyana

Vernon Honario

Guianan Cock-of-the-rock LC Rohanie age 28, Guyana

Rehanie

Red Siskin EN Maclene Oswald age 36, Guyana

Maclene Oswald

Giant Otter EN Lezlene Danieli age 27, Guyana

Giant Armadillo VU Lezlene Danieli age 27, Guyana

Lowland Tapir VU Lezlene Danieli age 27, Guyana

Guianan Red Howler Monkey LC Lezlene Danieli age 27, Guyana

Lezlene Danieli

White-lipped Peccary VU Dennize Mithelhozer age 20, Guyana

Guiana Spider Monkey VU Dennize Mithelhozer age 20, Guyana

Dennize Mithelhozer

Red-rumped Agouti LC Clifton age 33, Guyana

Clifton

Sun Parakeet EN Colin Jarvis age 33, Guyana

Colin Jarvis

Black Caiman CD Lorindo Honorio age 33, Guyana

Lorindo Honorio

South American Bushmaster VU Dwarka Singh age 39, Guyana

Dwarka Singh

Blue-cheeked Amazon NT Ann Johnny age 27, Guyana

Yellow-footed Tortoise VU James age 50, Guyana

James

Jaguar NT Richardson age 29, Guyana

Giant Armadillo VU Mark age 40, Guyana

Mark

Pebas Stubfoot Toad VU Leonie, Fairview

Leonie, Fairview

MACKENZIE PRIMARY, LINDEN: GUYANA WILDLIFE WORKSHOPS

The following incredible drawings of vulnerable Guyanese wildlife were created by the talented Staff and Parents of MacKenzie Primary School, Iwokrama International Centre staff and WDATAG? Guyana Team during March 2021 WDATAG? Guyana Wildlife workshops for the Great North Museum: Hancock exhibition: