The Main Ridge Forest Reserve is one of the oldest desginated forest reserves in the world. It is found on the island of Tobago, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Here, multiple unique amphibians and reptiles can be found - some of which exist nowhere else in the world!
Among the unique amphibians that can be found here include a handful of endemic frogs. If you are walking along a trail in the Reserve during the day, you would most likely hear the Tobago stream frog calling. However, at night, more frogs are active and can potentially be detected (especially during the rainy season). These include three species of leaf litter frogs in the genus Pristimantis = (charlottevillensis, turpinorum, urichi). The first two are only found in Tobago, while the latter only occurs on Trinidad & Tobago.
Pristimantis charlottevillensis, Charlotteville litter frog can be easily seen in the Main Ridge. Among the three
Prisitmantis species, this one is the largest and can often be seen on the ground. A distinct feature if the golden colour of their eyes.
Pristimantis turpinorum, Turpin's litter frog is perhaps one of the hardest frogs to see if herping in the Main Ridge. The species is currently classified as 'data deficient', meaning we know very little aout the frog. This is worrying as the frog is also only found in Tobago, yet could be threatened! More information is needed so that we can better protect the frog for generations to come.
Pristimantis urichi, Urich's litter frog is widespread across the Main Ridge. These frogs have a light blue colour in the upper part of the eyes - a distinct feature of this species. They are usually very well hidden in vegetation as they call about a metre off the ground. But if you look closely and follow the sound of their peep call, you may spot one!
Perhaps though, the most charismatic frog on the island is the Tobago glass frog (
Hyalinobatrachium orientale tobagoense). These frogs have transparent skin on the belly, meaning you can see their organs, even their heart beating! These small, green frogs can be found near streams. The males are the one that guard the eggs, so most often you might spot a male calling on a leaf over hanging water.
For more information on these frogs, check out "The field guide to the amphibians and reptiles of Trinidad and Tobago"!
Available here.
|| Stay tuned for the follow up post highlghting some of the unique reptiles (lizards and snakes) that can be found in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago!
All photos by Renoir Auguste.
