Roraima climbing mouse (Rhipidomys macconnelli roraimae), Mount Roraima.

Climbing Mount Roraima - Part 7

The summit plateau of Roraima has few animals. There is a tiny population of coatis, and two species of mice. Roraima climbing mouse is common, especially near campsites, but the smaller Roraima mouse (Podoxymys roraimae) is very rare - I only saw it once.

Roraima climbing mice, Mount Roraima.

Greater flowerpiercer (Diglossa major), Roraima.

Almost every bird you see on the plateau is either a species endemic to the tepuis, or a subspecies endemic to Roraima and Kukenan.

Greater flowerpiercer, Roraima.

There are two subspecies of Andean sparrow on Roraima. Zonotrichia capensis roraimae breeds at the base of the cliffs, Z. c. macconelli (shown on the photos) - on the summit plateau. The summit race is larger and darker.

Black Polydesmus millipede, Roraima.	Because of cold weather and poor soils, there are few invertebrates on the plateau. Most are black or very dark: millipedes, spiders, leeches, dragonflies, butterflies, beetles, scorpions, and weird semi-aquatic crickets. Sometimes you don't see a single insect for hours. There are no biting insects on the plateau, although there's plenty around the mountain. There's also no fish in rivers.	Black carnivorous leech, Roraima.
	Black dragonfly larva, Roraima.

Roraima toad (Oreophrynella quelchii).

The most interesting animal of the plateau is the tiny, very cute Roraima toad. There is a related species on almost every high tepui in the area. It is common on flat rocks, and can be heard calling before rain. These toads are very ancient, but not older than dinosaurs (as some tourist booklets claim).

Roraima toad playing dead.

Roraima toad.

Back to Part 6