Herpetofauna results from the Toco Bioblitz

Bioblitz results. Photo by Renoir Auguste

The seventh annual Bioblitz of Trinidad and Tobago came and went. The amphibian and reptile group which consisted of two main groups; one from the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists' Club and the other by Serpentarium observed 37 species over the weekend. These 37 species consisted of 13 species of amphibians, 11 lizards, 11 snakes, one crocodilian and one sea turtle.

Although we wished that all 37 observations were of herpetofauna living in the wild, this was not the case. The one sea turtle observed was a green sea turtle carcass with shell on nearby beach. With some parts of the turtle still in the shell, it was uncertain as to what may have caused its demise. It would be a shame if this was an act of poaching by people in the area. Sea turtles are still poached in Trinidad and Tobago despite year-long legal protection. The Serpentarium also observed a roadkill snake (Leptophis  coeruleodorsus).

Perhaps the most notable amphibian sighting was that of the narrow-mouth frog Elachistocleis sp. These explosive breeders are difficult to spot unless they are out calling in abundance, but we managed to spot one not too far from the coastline in secondary forest type vegetation.

Elachistocleis sp. Photo by Rainer Deo

Although we did not spot any rare or elusive reptiles, seeing four Bothrops along a single trail at Cumana on the same night was very notable. One local in the area did mention to us that there are many "Mapepire Balsains" (the local common name for Bothrops) along the trail, and he did not exaggerate. The four individuals were all observed along the side of the trail and were all estimated to be about two to four feet (60 to 120 cm) long. Considering we saw four, there is a great likelihood that there are more individuals in the area nearby.

Special thanks to all the volunteers that came out and especially Rainer Deo for the photos. The full list of species observed at the Bioblitz will be made available in the final report and will be shared here when it is compiled and completed.

Bothrops sp. Photo by Rainer Deo