A preliminary survey of the flora and vegetation of an ex-situ conservation area (Hyde Park Zoo Sanctuary and Tropical Gardens Inc., Guyana)

Abstract

Hyde Park Zoo Sanctuary and Tropical Gardens Inc. is a local ex-situ conservation area located at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, Guyana. It serves to manage and conserve species of wild flora and fauna, boasts several diverse native and exotic species, and hosts a rescue centre for wild captures. Over a six (6) week period, flora & vegetative visual surveys were conducted there to i) identify and classify the species of flora found at accessible parts of the site (according to the official established map of the area), and ii) report these findings in a comprehensive report in order to establish a database of the preliminary findings of the study. Based on the preliminary findings of the study, a total of ninety-nine (99) plant species from twenty (20) families were identified. The largest family group was found to be Arecaceae with 15 species. Leguminosae and Bromeliaceae both contained 6 species each. Other representative families were Apocynaceae, Orchidaceae, Rosaceae and Aracaceae. Seventy-nine species (80.8%) were exotic and nineteen (19.4%) species were found to be native. None of the identified species were found to be under threat, or near extinction. Based on these preliminary findings, it is established that the area has great taxonomic and conservation potential, and with effective management along with strategic planning, the area can serve as an ex-situ conservation model, where both native and exotic species thrive together.