Discovering the call of the Golden Tree Frog for the first time

The golden tree frog (Phytotriades auratus) and its its microhabitat, the giant arboreal bromeliads of the species Glomeropitcairnia erectiflora. Photo by Rick Lehtinen. || New research reveals the first characterization of the vocalization, behaviour, and tadpole diet of the golden tree frog from El Tucuche in Trinidad. This new information can be applied to inform management of this endangered and environmentally sensitive species. The full study can be read at the following link (for the next 50 days).

New snake species described from Trinidad

[Chironius nigelnoriegai sp. nov (Trinidadian Sipo, Machete). Photo by John Murphy]. || A new study has shown that the Trinidad population of Chironius carinatus (locally called Machete snake) is an undescribed species. Based on genetic analysis from the new study, the snake has been described and named Chironius nigelnoriegai sp. nov. (Trinidad Sipo). The new snake species has been named in honour of local born biologist Dr. Nigel Noriega. Link to the study can be read here.

Worm lizard produces vocal sounds

(White worm lizard, Amphisbaena alba. Photo by Renoir Auguste) || Many animals emit sounds to communicate. For example, frogs, birds, insects, and monkeys. However, with the exception of geckos, vocal sounds in reptiles is rare. A recent study has revealed that the white worm lizard (Amphisbaena alba) produces vocal sounds - the first in this species and worm lizards. The exact function of the vocal sounds still requires further examination, though it could likely be a defensive behaviour that these fossorial lizards use to communicate. This elusive lizard is found in Trinidad, and across South America. In Trinidad, it appears to be found mainly across the Northern Range. Link to the study can be found here.

New study suggests that there are two species of green anacondas, not one

(Green Anaconda. Photo By John Murphy). A new study by Rivas and colleagues (2024) (link) has revealed that the green anaconda consists of two cryptic species that are genetically distinct. They are the the Northern Green Anaconda (Eunectes akayima s.p nov) and Southern Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus). For those wondering what species we have in Trinidad, it is Eunectes akayima, the Northern Green Anaconda. Another updated species name for a herpetofauna found in the country. For more information, including distribution of the two species of green anacondas and morphological comparisons, full details of the study can be found here (link).

New lizard for Trinidad discovered in garden

Anolis lizards are widespread across the Caribbean and continental Americas. In Trinidad and Tobago, there is one confirmed plus one putative native species. All others are introduced species, all from other Caribbean islands. However, a recent discovery by S. George was made of a new lizard species record for the country - the grass anole (Anolis auratus). This species is native to South and Central America. The discovery was published in the local journal Living World, which can be found at the link here.

Frog in Trinidad rediscovered after nearly thirty years

The Suriname toad (Pipa pipa) is an aquatic frog found across South America and on the island of Trinidad. The last reported documentation of the frog in Trinidad came in the 1990s. In 2023, local naturalists observed the frog in-situ in southern Trinidad. A link to the published natural history note can be found here.