Réserve naturelle nationale du mont Grand Matoury, Protected nature reserve in Matoury, French Guiana
Réserve naturelle nationale du mont Grand Matoury is a protected forest area with mountains, streams, and open spaces south of Cayenne. It combines different habitats like mangroves and savannas that together form a complex ecosystem.
The area was used from the 17th century during colonial times and later developed with rum distilleries, before being protected in the 1940s. The shift from extraction site to protected reserve marks a turning point in how this land came to be valued.
The name comes from the mountain that has long shaped how local people see and move through this landscape. Visitors walking the trails can experience how the forest, water, and wildlife are deeply connected here.
The National Forestry Office maintains the trails, which are open only to foot traffic for protection purposes. Domestic animals are not permitted, which helps keep wildlife undisturbed and free to move naturally.
The area is home to a remarkable diversity of bats, with dozens of species that are most active at dusk and dawn. These nighttime hunters play a crucial role in the forest but often go unnoticed by visitors.
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