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| High woods (false) coral snake. Photo by Rainer Deo |
The eight annual Trinidad and Tobago Bioblitz took place at Tabaquite, central Trinidad on November 2nd to 3rd 2019. The event was organized by the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists' Club (TTFNC) along with support and help from The University of the West Indies Life Sciences Department. TTFNC President organized the herpetology group enthusiasts (and co-organized the event itself) and Club member Rainer lead the survey teams during the night to search for herpetofauna.
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| Cat-eyed snake predating on a treefrog. Photo by Adam Fifi |
Over the course of the weekend, the herpetology team observed approximately 50 species of reptiles and amphibians. Some of the highlights included the rare high woods (false) coral snake (Erythrolamprus zweifeli), including both colour morphs, the elusive rain lizard (Kentropyx striata), the Trinidad stream frog (Mannophryne trinitatis) - Trinidad's only endemic frog, and possibly all three species of native freshwater turtle species! A very impressive haul over the course of the weekend and special thanks to all the volunteers and everyone else that made it possible! Where will the next T&T Bioblitz take place and what would we come across then?
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| Spot-nosed gecko. Photo by Renoir Auguste |
There is increasing evidence that the Trinidad and Tobago herpetofauna are changing, with new species being recorded, either to the country from afar, or to science! Bioblitz represents an important way for citizens to participate and learn about biodiversity recording and conservation through active participation. Anyone can be a part of Bioblitz.
To learn more about the local reptiles and amphibians of Trinidad and Tobago, including how you as a citizen can identify them yourself, check out the field guide to the amphibians and reptiles of T&T (see more details on where to get the book here or contact the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists' Club).
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| Polka-dot treefrog. Photo by Rainer Deo |
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| Trinidad leaf-nesting frog. Photo by Adam Fifi |
