Upuigma-tepui explained

Upuigma-tepui
Elevation M:2100
Map:Venezuela
Map Size:250
Location:Bolívar, Venezuela
Coordinates:5.0861°N -61.9564°W

Upuigma-tepui, also known as El Castillo, is a tepui in Bolívar state, Venezuela.[1] A relatively isolated peak, both it and nearby Angasima-tepui lie just south of the vast Chimantá Massif, from which they are separated by the Río Aparurén valley. Upuigma-tepui is situated entirely within the bounds of Canaima National Park.[2]

The imposing peak of Upuigma-tepui has an elevation of around 2100m (6,900feet). Its highly uneven summit is dotted with numerous rock towers and deep crevasses which make it practically impossible to traverse. Summit vegetation is predominantly in the form of tepui scrub and dense stands of herbaceous plants. The mountain has a summit area of 0.63sqkm and an estimated slope area of 13sqkm.

The first documented people to climb Upuigma-tepui were John Arran, Ivan Calderon and Steve Backshall, in 2007. Upon reaching the summit, they discovered several previously unknown species of plants and animals.[3] [4]

See also

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Huber, O. (1995). Geographical and physical features. In: P.E. Berry, B.K. Holst & K. Yatskievych (eds.) Flora of the Venezuelan Guayana. Volume 1. Introduction. Missouri Botanical Garden Press, St. Louis. pp. 1–61.
  2. Torres, I.N. & D.D. Martín (November 2007). Web site: Informe Final de la Evaluación del Parque Nacional Canaima, Venezuela, como Sitio de Patrimonio Natural de la Humanidad. . Mejorando Nuestra Herencia.
  3. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/destinations/latin_america/article2837116.ece Conquering a virgin Venezuelan tepui
  4. http://www.adventurecamera.co.uk/2007_assignments.html Lost Land Of The Jaguar - The First Ascent of Upuigma Tepuis in Venezuela for BBC Natural History Unit