Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Travel
Nature's Isolated Giants
Tepuis, often referred to as "houses of the gods" by the indigenous Pemon people, are awe inspiring, flat topped mountains found in the Guiana Highlands of South America. These geological wonders are mostly located in Venezuela and western Guyana.
They rise dramatically from the surrounding jungles, creating a breathtaking sight. Tepuis are made of ancient sandstone, formed during the Precambrian era, around 600 million years ago, giving them some of the oldest rock formations on the planet.
Their isolation from surrounding ranges makes them unique, as they are usually solitary structures rather than part of a connected range. Famous examples of tepuis include Auyantepui, which is home to Angel Falls, the tallest waterfall in the world, dropping 979 meters from the tepui’s summit. Other famous tepuis include Mount Roraima and Autana, each offering their own stunning geological features and unique ecosystems.
Formation and Geography
The tepuis were once part of an expansive plateau that covered the area between the Orinoco River and the Amazon Basin, created during the breakup of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. Over millions of years, this plateau eroded and fragmented, leaving behind the isolated peaks we see today.
These majestic structures, which can range from 1,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level, are typically found in the Gran Sabana region of southeastern Venezuela, with the highest concentration of tepuis located near the borders of Brazil and Guyana.
The tepuis themselves are primarily composed of quartzite, a highly durable and weather resistant rock, which contributes to their towering, steep cliff faces. The large, flat summits of the tepuis often have intricate sandstone formations and labyrinthine cave systems, some of which are home to unique and undiscovered species.
Ecological Significance
The tepuis are often referred to as biological islands due to their isolation from the surrounding forests. This separation has allowed species to evolve in these areas with little or no external influence. The summit ecosystems of the tepuis differ greatly from the lush rainforests at their base.
The tops of the tepuis experience cooler temperatures and frequent rainfall, while the base is characterized by a warm, humid, tropical climate. The isolation has allowed the evolution of species that are highly specialized and adapted to these distinct environments.
Some species of plants and animals found on the tepuis are considered living fossils, as they have evolved in isolation for millions of years. In fact, the tepuis are often referred to as "the Galapagos Islands of the mainland" because of their rich biodiversity and high number of endemic species that cannot be found elsewhere in the world.
A Rich Ecosystem of Endemic Life
Due to their isolation, tepuis are home to an array of endemic species plants and animals that are found only in these regions. For example, the pebble toad, which lives on some tepuis, can roll itself into a ball to escape predators, blending perfectly with the rocky landscape. This adaptive behavior helps the toad avoid threats by using camouflage and rolling away to safety.
The flora on the tepuis also exhibits remarkable adaptations, with one third of the vegetation being endemic. These plants, such as carnivorous pitcher plants, bromeliads, and orchids, thrive in the nutrient poor conditions of the tepui summits.
The harsh conditions on the tepuis have led to the evolution of species that are specifically adapted to survive with minimal resources. For example, the nutrient poor soil on the tepuis means that many of the plants are carnivorous, capturing insects to supplement their nutritional needs. The region’s fauna, including endemic amphibians, reptiles, and birds, also exhibits unique evolutionary traits that set them apart from other species found in the surrounding lowlands.
Cultural and Adventure Appeal
The tepuis have captured the imagination of explorers and adventurers for centuries. The remoteness and dramatic landscapes have inspired numerous stories, including Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel "The Lost World", where tepuis are depicted as home to dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. While no mythical beasts reside there, the tepuis are still a paradise for explorers and nature lovers.
The vast, often inhospitable terrain, with its steep cliffs and dangerous rock formations, has made the area a prime destination for climbers, hikers, and those seeking an adventure in one of the world’s most unique environments.
The area’s rugged beauty is matched by its environmental significance, with some tepuis remaining untouched by human activity due to their remote locations. Visitors often reach these isolated mountains by helicopter due to the difficult terrain. Despite the challenges, the tepuis are a prime destination for those seeking to witness one of the last truly untouched wildernesses on Earth.
"The unearthly vegetation was fleshy and lurid, so green the air was green," David Nott
