tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25026171331764072052024-03-12T21:23:54.231-07:00The Herpetology of Trinidad and Tobagothe amphibians & reptiles of Trinidad and TobagoJohn C. Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06024060563494957012noreply@blogger.comBlogger269125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-58103272635458712852024-02-18T14:07:00.000-08:002024-02-19T05:09:39.680-08:00New study reveals that there are two species of green anacondas, not one<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNedMNd0Ah3u9AFTdvT66DLeJ8thLI373Yt7E-67L5BkwKirr_EvWSY2sH4ue1W1WRRdybLFxE1S7QBmrBxMP4NoChHGrXdMcGY6PJw84k_oPCa_rXkB4Xt_i6jjwT-l3dhYtNkVwyH9LGodDADTwPha4G4_Yy-famr_Fyb9vTVjTr8MGDObQEdKkg5ibx/s580/eunectes.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNedMNd0Ah3u9AFTdvT66DLeJ8thLI373Yt7E-67L5BkwKirr_EvWSY2sH4ue1W1WRRdybLFxE1S7QBmrBxMP4NoChHGrXdMcGY6PJw84k_oPCa_rXkB4Xt_i6jjwT-l3dhYtNkVwyH9LGodDADTwPha4G4_Yy-famr_Fyb9vTVjTr8MGDObQEdKkg5ibx/s400/eunectes.jpg"/></a></div>(Green Anaconda. Photo By John Murphy).
A new study by Rivas and colleagues (2024) (<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/16/2/127">link</a>) has revealed that the green anaconda consists of two cryptic species that are genetically distinct. They are the the Northern Green Anaconda (<i>Eunectes akayima</i> s.p nov) and Southern Green Anaconda (<i>Eunectes murinus</i>).
For those wondering what species we have in Trinidad, it is <i>Eunectes akayima</i>, 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 (<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/16/2/127">link</a>).Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-77072230629027886212024-01-08T12:37:00.000-08:002024-01-08T12:37:11.708-08:00New lizard for Trinidad discovered in garden <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIW2qkDFPJd3Djb8_5UgbYJPeZYN9vdBDqYvMq2qI8foe7bttnLdwEKcOG2b7T-hy9QYBP8MFu5dE_Maze4lHX0tEGej5MKs4Em0ZwlxF7rekR25nIzLLYcMkFcokn3yPB4ZEZqWeNC_Tntcdsx4w5V9Eyl3F8YPD8sf7Hv2_umZpVCFWqxmWYSS2peT7/s798/grass%20anole.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="607" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIW2qkDFPJd3Djb8_5UgbYJPeZYN9vdBDqYvMq2qI8foe7bttnLdwEKcOG2b7T-hy9QYBP8MFu5dE_Maze4lHX0tEGej5MKs4Em0ZwlxF7rekR25nIzLLYcMkFcokn3yPB4ZEZqWeNC_Tntcdsx4w5V9Eyl3F8YPD8sf7Hv2_umZpVCFWqxmWYSS2peT7/s400/grass%20anole.png"/></a></div>
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 (<i>Anolis auratus</i>). 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 <a href="https://ttfnc.org/livingworld/index.php/lwj/issue/view/44">here</a>.Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-42861996891703118462024-01-06T15:28:00.000-08:002024-01-06T15:28:53.149-08:00Frog in Trinidad rediscovered after nearly thirty years<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFYQtJ1twA_aotpe-5xFUlBOtpXxjSCQ9Fa_5qZR7p_YV9Nnq-YppJL7RV-OKI1gJCK7uMIqrd2Zsfq9I-GyuG4QQAEBYkdqeWmH7qBQ5WL2bb6yHJvMUtTpUWmlC4QG9xs04FjHDLpbg-Da5U-rk40RZTlu8zyH-ZQZugm_CzDI_hfLBtMLQEgdOIaKJ/s891/F9X6clTWcAALMmL.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="891" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFYQtJ1twA_aotpe-5xFUlBOtpXxjSCQ9Fa_5qZR7p_YV9Nnq-YppJL7RV-OKI1gJCK7uMIqrd2Zsfq9I-GyuG4QQAEBYkdqeWmH7qBQ5WL2bb6yHJvMUtTpUWmlC4QG9xs04FjHDLpbg-Da5U-rk40RZTlu8zyH-ZQZugm_CzDI_hfLBtMLQEgdOIaKJ/s400/F9X6clTWcAALMmL.png"/></a></div>
The Suriname toad (<i>Pipa pipa</i>) 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 <a href="https://journals.ku.edu/reptilesandamphibians/article/view/20954">here</a>. Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-78751172624064358842023-11-28T06:58:00.000-08:002023-11-28T06:58:36.768-08:00Community science reveals new frog in Tobago for the first time<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu1iEafXQ2AehS-yjA9MPcb3zunAMWxw3Lw3hXr6JZ0XpG8Z0EErrkNFMS-KnHV9waO0k3CUCRTcK3ELCQ4LATaxS9eHI13TiF2x7Wn8Ht9GqjsQ4iJ0iNzv6d5tdCiUSLVGNces6nMlB-Xg-LVbTeXGeO28uNkldTE9HSfboJOs06eAcQ4ktHlOBJGPi/s3083/Auguste_Fig.%201.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="3083" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu1iEafXQ2AehS-yjA9MPcb3zunAMWxw3Lw3hXr6JZ0XpG8Z0EErrkNFMS-KnHV9waO0k3CUCRTcK3ELCQ4LATaxS9eHI13TiF2x7Wn8Ht9GqjsQ4iJ0iNzv6d5tdCiUSLVGNces6nMlB-Xg-LVbTeXGeO28uNkldTE9HSfboJOs06eAcQ4ktHlOBJGPi/s400/Auguste_Fig.%201.png"/></a></div>(Lesser dark-spotted thin-toed frog: <i>Adenomera</i> cf <i>hylaedactyla</i>. Photo by Renoir Auguste). || "Community science
events like the Bioblitz and platforms like iNaturalist (iNaturalist.org) have great potential for not only educating the public about local wildlife, but increasing scientific knowledge of wildlife distribution". The following natural history note publication is another example of this, as a frog not officially reported for Tobago (but has been for Trinidad), was revealed to not only be present in Tobago, but apparently established as well, given that it was seen at four different locations, well over 10 km apart. The 2023 national Bioblitz at Buccoo Tobago inspired this discovery. We further advocate other naturalists to share photos of frogs and other wildlife across both islands, as they may turn out to be new records! Link to read the publication <a href="https://journals.ku.edu/reptilesandamphibians/article/view/20741">here</a>. It is especially important to document frogs as they are the most threatened terrestrial vertebrate animals on Earth (link to previous blog and article <a href="https://herpetologytt.blogspot.com/2023/10/why-we-need-to-save-and-better-protect.html">here</a>).
Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-26775917897783493232023-10-05T12:50:00.001-07:002023-10-07T06:25:18.343-07:00Why we need to save and better protect amphibians<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt6pSm0E8jLqYEM5lQkR-wshqUkR3Vw1uThVHf9rq-hHsgtQenlOsvu_piGV6YoNHBF2DNeHHqXmoFWWEtPfYs5MaqWWOG3r_eP3Wkwyd1BWdj9eYUnOHqm_wBEMmSmpuudYLy5hs02xCKUbUFXsk2ofyJu9LF1ojPnWfC0cBdH-SrS-qHLZnC1m1rQ8x/s2489/P.turpinorum%20amplexus%20pair.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1648" data-original-width="2489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt6pSm0E8jLqYEM5lQkR-wshqUkR3Vw1uThVHf9rq-hHsgtQenlOsvu_piGV6YoNHBF2DNeHHqXmoFWWEtPfYs5MaqWWOG3r_eP3Wkwyd1BWdj9eYUnOHqm_wBEMmSmpuudYLy5hs02xCKUbUFXsk2ofyJu9LF1ojPnWfC0cBdH-SrS-qHLZnC1m1rQ8x/s400/P.turpinorum%20amplexus%20pair.jpg"/></a></div> (Photo: Turpin's frog, <i>Pristimantis turpinorum</i>, mating pair, observed in Tobago. Photograph by Renoir J. Auguste). |
A recent study published in the journal Nature has highlighted <b>Ongoing declines for the world's amphibians in the face of emerging threats</b> (<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06578-4#citeas">link to open access paper here</a>). It highlights 41% of the world's amphibians are threatened with extinction. "Amphibians are the vertebrate class more threatened than any other (more than mammals, birds, reptiles). Among the global threats impacting amphibians, climate change has emerged as one of the primary drivers of declines within the last two decades (2004 - 2022). The greatest concentrations of threatened amphibian species have been found to occur in (but not limited to) the Neotropics, including the Caribbean islands". From my general reading of the literature, amphibian species on islands can potentially be more vulnerable to global threats like climate change because of smaller ranges and specific microhabitat requirements. As noted in the study published in Nature, "scaled-up investment is urgently needed to help reduce current trends. In particular, increased political will and sufficient resource commitments are necessary for the conservation of amphibians". Unfortunately, from my point of view, there appears to be little resources geared towards amphibian conservation in some places, especially where they are needed the most such as in the Caribbean. This is a call to attention to all stakeholders (government, policy implementers, private companies, local community persons, ecotourists, NGOs) to commit to saving your local/native amphibians. Why? Amphibians are important to both the natural ecosystem, and to humans. Amphibians feed on a variety of insects, including ones we call pests, and are food to other animals. Amphibians are also of medical importance to people, based on research being carried out on the biochemisty of their skin. Important work and resoruces have gone towards tackling climate change issues towards human developed areas (example flooding), and on other vulnerable/important animals like bees, and hunted game mammals. However, this report clearly identifies that amphibian conservation efforts need improving. The time to act is now. Let's all work together towards protecting these amazing animals, because if the world lost all its frogs, there would be no world left for us humans.Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-27696708875005848962023-05-03T10:58:00.000-07:002023-05-03T10:58:16.086-07:00Deadly fungus detected in the Endangered Golden Tree Frog<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoQYfn3QE6o3WG09rE6kSCWsmi1zV4BH80kACaM6lL6PQpRHCXvQjUAdeKg2jedoluLroPS0cbrmbdGUuJguVfh_Ax0v5pQRaeGY9xI4JMS1GNrvEOJZVgfPGpNGKFZX8pwUgVEYLkWNYqbVupTtt4YWOpeNTCM8WGkpZYQbvxe_u9dAmHF5-DAT5qQ/s1200/20220812_200328.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoQYfn3QE6o3WG09rE6kSCWsmi1zV4BH80kACaM6lL6PQpRHCXvQjUAdeKg2jedoluLroPS0cbrmbdGUuJguVfh_Ax0v5pQRaeGY9xI4JMS1GNrvEOJZVgfPGpNGKFZX8pwUgVEYLkWNYqbVupTtt4YWOpeNTCM8WGkpZYQbvxe_u9dAmHF5-DAT5qQ/s400/20220812_200328.jpg"/></a></div>Golden Tree Frog (<i>Phytotriades auratus</i>) from Trinidad. Photo by Rick Lehtinen. ||| The golden tree frog is found in Trinidad and Venezuela. It is a species restricted to mountain tops, and lives almost entirely in bromeliads on trees. This frog species is currently considered endangered by the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/55830/109536434">IUCN</a>, and is threatened by climate change and habitat degradation. However, a recent publication by Lehtinen, Borowsky, Auguste, Kosowsky and Richards-Zawacki in Herpetological Review 54(1) 2023 reports that the deadly <a href="https://www.amphibianark.org/the-crisis/chytrid-fungus/">chytrid fungal pathogen (Bd)</a> was detected in individuals from El Tucuche in Trinidad. The chytrid fungus has been responsible for amphibian declines and extinctions across the world. This is a worrying find for the endnagered golden tree frog, and warrants urgent need for further monitoring and improved management on El Tucuche, but also on Cerro del Aripo where they are found on the island, as well as in Venezuela.Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-66238782630680486402023-03-30T05:33:00.000-07:002023-03-30T05:33:17.290-07:00Nocturnal basking in a freshwater turtle from Trinidad<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQ7mMyngf_Cg1Ar3RPhjLnzqUj-oAe_H1VoaqlwWWGIMyhH55UyXjQoTnRjwxLlo3D0S1GfFuMT4QlvdLUSbt54GuxFohP4ynsGinuePLjLwY9oF1leO67VYXBLopYdJjnjiX6JAbqqSylFTpXHjOorTxL3kEVNl86vr8JTcWTfZQLEewax78MZLcVw/s4128/K.scorpioides_RJA.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQ7mMyngf_Cg1Ar3RPhjLnzqUj-oAe_H1VoaqlwWWGIMyhH55UyXjQoTnRjwxLlo3D0S1GfFuMT4QlvdLUSbt54GuxFohP4ynsGinuePLjLwY9oF1leO67VYXBLopYdJjnjiX6JAbqqSylFTpXHjOorTxL3kEVNl86vr8JTcWTfZQLEewax78MZLcVw/s400/K.scorpioides_RJA.jpg"/></a></div> Scorpion mud turtle (<i>Kinosternon scorpioides</i>). Photo by Renoir Auguste. ||| A recent study was published and it assessed nocturnal basking in freshwater turtles from across the world, including surveys from Trinidad and Tobago. An incidental observation of nocturnal basking was recorded with the scorpion mud turtle in an urban area in southern Trinidad which was included in the global assessment. Further, surveys using wildlife cameras took place at Point-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust to further evaluate whether turtles were basking at night, or only during the day. The only species caught on cameras were the non-native red-eared sliders (<i>Trachemys scripta elegans</i>; native to the United States), and they were only recorded basking during the day. Interestingly, globally, only tropical (but not temperate) species were observed basking at night, suggesting that environmental temperature plays a key role in this behaviour. It would be noteworthy if more observations of basking behaviour are recorded for the other freshwater turtle species in Trinidad. I encourage local herpers and herpetologists to keep an eye on the freshwater turtles near them, so we can use the information to better protect them! ||| Link to early view of study <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989423000793">here</a>.Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-73576816998051823022023-03-13T09:28:00.001-07:002023-03-15T11:31:41.475-07:00Amphibians and their Conservation in Trinidad and Tobago<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGJUJ1j5_dMtIE_XeX0S1ma-oOQsvjyyjPVNnSAUmnaZIWA4vcOprPGJ9aJt4OOe22WpSt5D13cONBGBJTsRoLGbrXsI0pUcmzwWJC0uAcxWpcf2Wy0yrjfzY9A8r801O8BC0yD2T6BpPwnCt4sZ8AO7Jdy36SRdFa7MtNLvbyV27qwxUB9HQPPSwnQ/s770/Caribbean%20Amphibian%20book.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGJUJ1j5_dMtIE_XeX0S1ma-oOQsvjyyjPVNnSAUmnaZIWA4vcOprPGJ9aJt4OOe22WpSt5D13cONBGBJTsRoLGbrXsI0pUcmzwWJC0uAcxWpcf2Wy0yrjfzY9A8r801O8BC0yD2T6BpPwnCt4sZ8AO7Jdy36SRdFa7MtNLvbyV27qwxUB9HQPPSwnQ/s400/Caribbean%20Amphibian%20book.png"/></a></div>
A new book has been published "<a href="https://pelagicpublishing.com/products/the-conservation-and-biogeography-of-amphibians-in-the-caribbean">The Conservation and Biogeography of Amphibians in the Caribbean</a>". In it, Chapter 12 features an updated review of the "Amphibians and their conservation in Trinidad and Tobago". The book is edited by Neftali Rios-Lopez and Harold Heatwole, published by Pelagic Publishing. Summary of the book's description:
An expansive and detailed review of the biology of Caribbean amphibians, considering their threats, conservation and outlook in a changing world. Amphibians are the group of vertebrates undergoing the fastest rate of extinction; it is urgent that we understand the causes of this and find means of protecting them. This landmark illustrated volume brings together the leading experts in the field. As well as offering an overview of the region as a whole, individual chapters are devoted to each island or island-group and the measures used to protect their amphibians through legislation or nature reserves. The biological background of insular biogeography, including its methods, analysis and results, is reviewed and applied specifically to the problems of Caribbean amphibians – this includes a re-examination of patterns and general ideas about the status of amphibians in the Anthropocene. The Conservation and Biogeography of Amphibians in the Caribbean offers an important baseline against which future amphibian conservation can be measured in the face of climate change, rising sea level and a burgeoning human population.
The book can be bought on <a href="https://www.nhbs.com/3/series/amphibian-biology">NHBS</a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Conservation-Biogeography-Amphibians-Caribbean/dp/1784272671/ref=sr_1_3?crid=32P7X68PQCGKL&keywords=caribbean+amphibians+book&qid=1678724736&sprefix=%2Caps%2C322&sr=8-3">Amazon</a>. DOI: 10.53061/RCJP8789Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-89670044542372904712022-10-18T16:40:00.001-07:002022-10-25T10:15:20.211-07:00Another species name change for one of Trinidad's frog<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6mO910UWEu0g6t38sTaWr3xNJMdMIJsafEg5dibvyheS6KxfU0Pz7tvf73dS9kZYudEeCB9ypaoEamgOkQX03CGThhlb8vIQjka6zEHgaZWVfvA3LcGWv1YOkQUA02mt_4nfZ1V-2xKE76O93wUJFGQfICvP5rMFNuQH_KyiokzTfNGjvno3em5QVA/s1080/IMG_20220924_090356_239.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6mO910UWEu0g6t38sTaWr3xNJMdMIJsafEg5dibvyheS6KxfU0Pz7tvf73dS9kZYudEeCB9ypaoEamgOkQX03CGThhlb8vIQjka6zEHgaZWVfvA3LcGWv1YOkQUA02mt_4nfZ1V-2xKE76O93wUJFGQfICvP5rMFNuQH_KyiokzTfNGjvno3em5QVA/s400/IMG_20220924_090356_239.jpg"/></a></div>(Banana tree dwelling frog, <i>Boana platanera</i> - formerly/most recently known as <i>Boana xerophylla</i>, from Trinidad. Photo by Renoir Auguste).
There has once again been a change in the species name for one of Trinidad and Tobago's frogs. The species (and genus) name for this frog has gone through many changes. From <i>Hyla crepitans</i> - <i>Hypsiboas crepitans</i> - <i>Boana crepitans</i> - <i>Boana xerophylla</i> - now, it is <i>Boana platanera</i> for all populations north of the Orinoco Basin (including Trinidad and Tobago populations) based on updated genetic and call data (<a href="https://www.biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.4981.3.1">link to study here</a>). This is no doubt a challenge to persons and organizations adapting and keeping up with the correct list of species names found here in the country. But these taxonomic changes do serve an important purpose as it sheds light on species diversity. It may not be surprising if the name chamges again, as more data comes through. But for now, the rattled-voice or emerald-eyed tree frog will be updated to be known as the Banana tree dwelling frog, <i>Boana platanera</i>, here, in Trinidad and Tobago.Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-41199431426252960762022-10-03T16:35:00.003-07:002022-10-03T16:35:43.241-07:00Cloacal prolapse in a Trinidad frog<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYh9q4nzrIJg2nvgVYL7lGPYmOb45RkJJGyQ2YFnqhEqX2TskOGOQZi4VYGg4H54e_Q5k4CJwnMANiaUSR70pL-iIb7Q4erge5MTDj9_gyGZb_Er3uKbhR6eT4zJdX0pTfGasWlDAT1D33T71E5Wb0bXGW6Kqk0IClRVQzUAL2my-FK6-tEkGUpZ5Ew/s720/B.xerophylla.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYh9q4nzrIJg2nvgVYL7lGPYmOb45RkJJGyQ2YFnqhEqX2TskOGOQZi4VYGg4H54e_Q5k4CJwnMANiaUSR70pL-iIb7Q4erge5MTDj9_gyGZb_Er3uKbhR6eT4zJdX0pTfGasWlDAT1D33T71E5Wb0bXGW6Kqk0IClRVQzUAL2my-FK6-tEkGUpZ5Ew/s400/B.xerophylla.jpg"/></a></div>Photo of Emerald-eyed treefrog (<i>Boana xerophylla</i>) by Renoir Auguste.
In the latest edition of the journal Herpetological Review 53(3) 2022: page 464, features a natural hsitory note documenting cloacal prolapse in a local frog found across Trinidad and Tobago. To learn more about it, see the link <a href="https://ssarherps.org/herpetological-review-pdfs/">here</a>. Click on Herpetological Review 53, under edition 3, natural history notes, download pdf, page 464.Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-14377472103039715532022-06-13T13:53:00.003-07:002022-06-13T13:58:36.117-07:00Herping in Trinidad and Tobago (Part 1): Environmentally Sensitive Areas<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQ3tLjoqKxh0jRtcCgg0YTvy9kis-M_38uIjDhi836lL4C1wp9BGlX2Fo_4x24Fy6gqZofjocu2DkMPwRtaJQlTOYF8T87xNYt8pCrryKF4kB1WUawVgUO2uieOruwCT2V5NIXnLFTM8Wra3M2MDXYS8ba8e2YfoxRfjttgCwXtdqo9MC46kDQIuuZA/s3264/IMG-20220611-WA0002.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQ3tLjoqKxh0jRtcCgg0YTvy9kis-M_38uIjDhi836lL4C1wp9BGlX2Fo_4x24Fy6gqZofjocu2DkMPwRtaJQlTOYF8T87xNYt8pCrryKF4kB1WUawVgUO2uieOruwCT2V5NIXnLFTM8Wra3M2MDXYS8ba8e2YfoxRfjttgCwXtdqo9MC46kDQIuuZA/s400/IMG-20220611-WA0002.jpeg"/></a></div> (Aripo Savannas Environmentally Sensitive Area, Trinidad. Photo by Renoir Auguste).
Currently, there are tree designated Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in Trinidad and Tobago: The Aripo Savannas, Matura, and Nariva Swamp. Each comprises a variety of hbitats, from savanna grassland, to wet forests, coastal beaches, and marsh swamps. Because of this, there are a high diversity of amphibians and reptiles. Example of some of the herpetofauna found in these ESAs can be found <a href="https://meridian.allenpress.com/journal-of-herpetology/article/52/1/86/198500/Diversity-and-Species-Composition-of-Amphibians-of">here</a> and <a href="https://www.biotaxa.org/hn/article/view/42452">here</a>. For local and international persons interested in seeing native herpetofauna, these three areas are highly recommended. Whether you want to see nesting leatherback turtles, venomous snakes, or a range of frog species, Trinidad's three ESAs are the places to visit. All three do require permits to enter from the Forestry Division of Trinidad and Tobago. For persons not familiar, hiring a guide is strongly recommended, and needed (for Matura beach). For more information on herping in Trinidad's three ESAs, do not hesitate to contact me. Stay tuned for a follow up post where I will highlight other areas in Trinidad and Tobago where herping would be must see places to check out!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTqNk4AS_JcOt21Ai400yZ3nWzjuU2WX2sRqbI5v9goI1we4MVOIgqRPYizaEkNRvVSeOXGaotdUAAVFWkxuC6yM_cUQ3KCT0UHUzLaoQPctKuunQ1YyvRKbtevShc3LaKLNuwfothy71ZOWi8SsLX9Ptx7fEyCmlTagC5Iz5rPrjYIbHzQyZV-LBkw/s4128/20190721_181515.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTqNk4AS_JcOt21Ai400yZ3nWzjuU2WX2sRqbI5v9goI1we4MVOIgqRPYizaEkNRvVSeOXGaotdUAAVFWkxuC6yM_cUQ3KCT0UHUzLaoQPctKuunQ1YyvRKbtevShc3LaKLNuwfothy71ZOWi8SsLX9Ptx7fEyCmlTagC5Iz5rPrjYIbHzQyZV-LBkw/s400/20190721_181515.jpg"/></a></div> (The venomous <i>Bothrops atrox</i>, Fer-de-lance, observed in Matura, Trinidad. Photo by Renoir Auguste).
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEN-cjfaPjq5RZd-12mE24peyLQzf14pqxUsgfWWjn_kjkvEl07tGg1BIGGePLFGULUdmOljctqloKihpg0K8Cam8wNggQMmKDdH6hHfabC4j2IAInJskfGsYQyRFqgwbxMr2ZiO5VrXbNQA84vgzmFxlA7VXOO3QAWVsqGaCDUt-DuSUKAb3T9vaIoQ/s1706/Galap.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="1706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEN-cjfaPjq5RZd-12mE24peyLQzf14pqxUsgfWWjn_kjkvEl07tGg1BIGGePLFGULUdmOljctqloKihpg0K8Cam8wNggQMmKDdH6hHfabC4j2IAInJskfGsYQyRFqgwbxMr2ZiO5VrXbNQA84vgzmFxlA7VXOO3QAWVsqGaCDUt-DuSUKAb3T9vaIoQ/s400/Galap.jpg"/></a></div>(<i>Rhinoclemmys punctularia</i>, Painted-wood turtle, observed in Aripo Savannas, Trinidad. Photo by Renoir Auguste).
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAsGYRpEFJVZaT_9rIs9LLqiHu0swDQ3JSJzBGuplTKSX7nn_Bx-Ut_8ROb9r2TigNFTZSR4D_-rVumdPqAlCuwM3Lph7-2gfgTQ5DY_z5Ee2JSePGgSJPURt724tL9iilZ8qKKjYu50qz6E0FWs2FDECkP3ijmxq4TGGHJxxQ08SZYsowQ_mmI0l5Q/s719/P.%20paradoxa.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="719" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAsGYRpEFJVZaT_9rIs9LLqiHu0swDQ3JSJzBGuplTKSX7nn_Bx-Ut_8ROb9r2TigNFTZSR4D_-rVumdPqAlCuwM3Lph7-2gfgTQ5DY_z5Ee2JSePGgSJPURt724tL9iilZ8qKKjYu50qz6E0FWs2FDECkP3ijmxq4TGGHJxxQ08SZYsowQ_mmI0l5Q/s400/P.%20paradoxa.png"/></a></div>(<i>Pseudis paradoxa</i>, paradox frog, observed in Nariva Swamp, Trinidad. Photo by Renoir Auguste).Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-53175213156725859822022-05-27T06:34:00.002-07:002022-05-27T06:34:53.586-07:00One of Trinidad's elusive frogs: is it restricted to the southwest of the island?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IpnrncSVzi8QLWoP0k7cGCRgVg5W2FSTcD2Fol4kOAACHX5hMm0Ug4WwF4GjOWNSq49Fj04xectDzL6JxoY26d2o0z_ZkQXeTUTgkqH8LwERj6hxNN1GJ-51_NXxOCpi_QyMNcQ8glrjtGRihSn01CXUi9OIpiG4LnTkWy__FJIqoL2j28_GG7m7Yg/s2960/20220501_203737.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="2960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IpnrncSVzi8QLWoP0k7cGCRgVg5W2FSTcD2Fol4kOAACHX5hMm0Ug4WwF4GjOWNSq49Fj04xectDzL6JxoY26d2o0z_ZkQXeTUTgkqH8LwERj6hxNN1GJ-51_NXxOCpi_QyMNcQ8glrjtGRihSn01CXUi9OIpiG4LnTkWy__FJIqoL2j28_GG7m7Yg/s400/20220501_203737.jpg"/></a></div>
(Photograph by Renoir Auguste). Barbour's thin-toed ditch frog (<i>Leptodactylus insularum</i>) is widely found across South America. In Trinidad, though, records of this frog are mostly only from southwest Trinidad - near Icacos and Cedros (<a href="https://ttfnc.org/product/field-guide-amphibians-reptiles-trinidad-tobago/">Murphy et al. 2018</a>). Or so we thought? Recently, the frog has been observed (by me) in southeast Trinidad - at the same locality over both wet season in August 2021 and the dry season in May 2022. This suggests that a stable population occurs there, in addition to the population in southwest Trinidad. This is a native frog species that feeds on insects. They have also been found to have important antimicrobial properties in their skin, thus offering potential medical importance to people. Greater appreciation and effort are needed to protect this elusive frog from southern Trinidad. To learn more about the frogs found in Trinidad and Tobago, and why they are important to the environment and people, check out the Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Trinidad and Tobago (<a href="https://ttfnc.org/product/field-guide-amphibians-reptiles-trinidad-tobago/">link</a>).Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-76841966632007467492022-01-02T05:56:00.001-08:002022-01-02T05:56:49.837-08:00Conservation of three endemic Pristimantis frogs in Trinidad and Tobago<i>Pristimantis</i> is one of the most species rich genus of animals on Earth. Trinidad and Tobago has three species of frogs in that genus. One is found in Trinidad and Tobago (Urich's litter frog <i>Pristimantis urichi</i>), the other two are found on Tobago only (Charlotteville litter frog <i>P. charlottevillensis</i>, and Turpin's litter frog <i>P. turpinorum</i>).
A recent published study (<a href="https://esj-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/1438-390X.12107">link here</a>) provided updated and novel information on the ecology, conservation status, and genetics of these frogs. Based on the conservation status, the frogs were previously listed as Vulnerable, Least Concern, and Vulnerable, respectively (for <i>P. urichi, P. charlottevillensis, P. turpinorum</i>). However, based on the ecological information such as distribution and relative abundance, these were amended to be Least Concern, Vulnerable, and Data Deficient, respectively. More genetic data are needed for populations in South America, but data in this study found that <i>P. turpinorum</i> is closely related to Venezuelan species, more so than <i>P. urichi</i> and <i>P. charlottevillensis</i>.
Further biological information is needed, especially for <i>P. turpinorum</i> which was classified as Data Deficient. How threats such as climate change and land use change will affect these frogs remain larely unknown. Hopefully these gaps will be filled in the near future so as to protect these unique and endemic frogs which play an integral role in biodiversity.
To learn more about one of these three frogs, see this local newspaper story feature (<b><a href="https://newsday.co.tt/2022/01/02/charlotteville-litter-frog-a-species-found-only-in-north-east-tobago/">link here</a></b>).
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdnrqzE1f8tmqrqPq5Wj14rdjJwiSpKH7VtR-Gu1DZSgfXEnzlzIhev8Zj1er05ICJYezVTo7SL0qXpdf7uHNJIJrwZmsC9lVFwbN44enHamPK_tK00NGy8L1TzRUHNCS9ZuHTz1Mdu8PlRclV3dJtU4F_By4QKbMcG8Nsqecx_yCWfjKHmLxov08b2g=s657" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="657" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdnrqzE1f8tmqrqPq5Wj14rdjJwiSpKH7VtR-Gu1DZSgfXEnzlzIhev8Zj1er05ICJYezVTo7SL0qXpdf7uHNJIJrwZmsC9lVFwbN44enHamPK_tK00NGy8L1TzRUHNCS9ZuHTz1Mdu8PlRclV3dJtU4F_By4QKbMcG8Nsqecx_yCWfjKHmLxov08b2g=s400"/></a></div>
<i>Pristimantis turpinorum</i> pair observed in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve. Photo by Renoir Auguste.
Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-43183507432982493172021-11-04T14:12:00.000-07:002021-11-04T14:12:14.447-07:00Rediscovery of an elusive snake in TobagoSnakes are often elusive animals. One can be walking along a forest trail and there could be one hiding in plain sight. The elusiveness of snakes, though, has resulted in some species not being observed for many years, sometimes even for decades. Observing elusive snakes in nature, can thus be rewarding and beneficial, not only for snake enthusiasts, but for the conservation of the species and biodiversity.
An example of a snake that was recently rediscovered on the island of Tobago after going many years without being observed is the Hallowell's ground snake (<i>Atractus fuliginosus</i>). This small harmless snake (up to 30cm long) is a forest dwelling snake that lives in leaf litter. They feed on small soil invertebrates, making them important components of ecological food webs. A recent publication (reference below) documents updated records of this elusive snake on the island of Tobago (West Indies) over the past 7 years where records prior were scarce for more than a decade. Natural history notes on the species were documented based on these rare observations, and bioloigsts now know more about the snake. Perhaps this elusive snake is more common than we realise. Or worse, perhaps it is in danger of becoming extinct.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7MjjsobkmY/YYRLIufGBlI/AAAAAAAARa8/AGgikFXf434Q6l9wyEp0j1-o78uFQ2AQACLcBGAsYHQ/s6016/Atractus%2Bfuliginosus_RJA.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7MjjsobkmY/YYRLIufGBlI/AAAAAAAARa8/AGgikFXf434Q6l9wyEp0j1-o78uFQ2AQACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Atractus%2Bfuliginosus_RJA.JPG"/></a></div> <i><i>Hallowell's ground snake<i></i></i>, Atractus fuliginosus</i>. <i>Photo by Renoir Auguste</i>. ||
<b>Reference: Murphy, J.C., Braswell, A.L., Weems, J., Auguste, R.J., Rivas, G.A., Rutherford, M.G., Schargel, W.E., and Jowers, M.J. 2021. The Rediscovery of Hallowell’s Ground Snake, <i>Atractus fuliginosus</i>, on Tobago with Notes on its Natural History. Herpetological Review 52(3): 488-492.</b>Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-15116656831751803882021-09-22T07:34:00.000-07:002021-09-22T07:34:13.883-07:00The importance of surveying Herpetofauna in EIAs<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-pSRrOB_3M/YUs9a3dlS7I/AAAAAAAARGw/Vh-CL65dDmMvPGjzCQJSSfDVJB4PGPgQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s6016/Galap%2B1.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-pSRrOB_3M/YUs9a3dlS7I/AAAAAAAARGw/Vh-CL65dDmMvPGjzCQJSSfDVJB4PGPgQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Galap%2B1.JPG"/></a></div>
<b>Painted wood turtle aka Galap (Rhinoclemmys punctularia). Photo by Renoir Auguste.</b>
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an important tool used to help mitigate threats to biodiversity during anthropogenic development. Ecological surveys of fauna and flora are a core component of EIAs to gauge potential threats to wildlife in a proposed development area. Among fauna surveyed, the majority of assessments historically surved have been done on birds (for terrestrial areas) and freshwater and marine benthic organisms (for aquatic areas). Birds are relatively easy to survey. They often fly within sight, and also have distinct calls for the more secretive species. However, herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) should be given more consdieration for all EIAs moving forward.
<b>Amphibians</b> are among the most threatened animals globally. They are sensitive to both terrestrial and aquatic pollution, and are especially susceptible to habitat loss. Amphibians would make ideal organisms to assess the biodiversity of a particular area. In addition to their sensitivity to habitat alteration, they make up important components of ecosystems, acting as predator and prey to a variety of other animals, and also can provide health benefits to people through research on their medically important compounds and diet comprising disease carrying mosquitoes. Amphibians can be secretive in habitats where they occur, but like birds, they also have species specific calls that can be used to identify and more easily record their presence. Trained herpetologists who can identify frog calls can thereofore be useed to help survey amphibians in an area.
<b>Reptiles</b> also comprise important animals in ecosystems. They are mostly predators but also prey to many other animals. However, unlike amphibians, they do not make species specific calls (except some geckos), so tend to be more challenging to survey quantitatively. Reptiles (e.g. lizards), though, do tend to sometimes exhibit site fidelity, which means they like sticking around a particular area. This could then be used to assess where they like to live, and environmental conditions they prefer. This information can better inform EIAs.
<b>There are a lack of trained herpetologists</b> that can identify frog calls and identify certain elusive reptiles in the country. If you are an EIA reviewer, developer, or consultant, we urge you to consider having herpetofauna as species to be surveyed in EIAs. Surveying for one taxa but not other major ones leaves an important gap in how biodviersity could be impacted by development. It is our responsibility to ensure all wildlife are managed sustainably. For more information on this post, do not hesitate to contact the author. Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-48157761513212417312021-07-20T07:38:00.000-07:002021-07-20T07:38:22.501-07:00New Publication <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ing8ns-XDGA/YPbfHMW_t_I/AAAAAAAAga0/kADQ9D4uGN0NCJmalCNc2ri-8F9PNDingCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/ISHBH%2Bad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ing8ns-XDGA/YPbfHMW_t_I/AAAAAAAAga0/kADQ9D4uGN0NCJmalCNc2ri-8F9PNDingCLcBGAsYHQ/w495-h640/ISHBH%2Bad.jpg" width="495" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>John C. Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06024060563494957012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-76297793162315496982021-07-13T16:41:00.005-07:002021-07-13T16:43:39.977-07:00Conservation status of the Dwarf Marsupial Frog in Trinidad, Tobago, & Venezuela<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhm2d6RBq_U/X5NG7lhyUdI/AAAAAAAANw8/T3IESacmEwM8KGdPlb5epsFlR2l4No5_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/Flectonotus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhm2d6RBq_U/X5NG7lhyUdI/AAAAAAAANw8/T3IESacmEwM8KGdPlb5epsFlR2l4No5_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Flectonotus.JPG" width="320" /></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Drawf marsupial frog (<i>Flectonotus fitzgeraldi</i>) female with eggs on back. Photo by Renoir Auguste<br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>The dwarf marsupial frog is a small frog found in Trinidad, Tobago and Venezuela. It is a forest specialist species usually found in vegetation with closed canopy and near streams. They are called Marsupial frogs because the females carry their eggs in a pouch on their back, like the marsupials from Australia (that have the pouch by their belly). </p><p>The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2004 regarded the dwarf marsupial frog as endangered. That status remained unchanged for 16 years. However, a team of researchers from Trinidad, Venezuela, UK, EU, & US compiled biological data done on the species in its respective range which provided important information for its conservation. Based on the surveys, the frog was found to be widely distributed across Trinidad, northeast Tobago and northeastern Venezuela. As such, the group, lead by professor Roger Downie from Glasgow University suggested that the conservation status be downgraded from Endangered to Least Concern. </p><p> This is an important milestone for this species based on the updated information provided by this study. However, further studies on number of individuals in its range are needed to continuously monitor the species, as it can potentially revert to its more threatened status because of climate change, habitat alteration and diseases because of its very specific habitat requirements.</p><p><b>Reference</b>: </p><p><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Smith, J., Jowers,
M.J., Auguste, R.J., Hoskisson, P., Beyts, C., Muir, G., Greener, M.S., Thornham, D.,
Byrne, I., Lehtinen, R., Eyre, M., Rutherford, M.G., Murphy, J.C., De Freitas, M., Rivas G.A., and Downie, J.R. <b>2021</b>.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">The distribution and conservation status of the
dwarf marsupial frog (<i>Flectonotus
fitzgeraldi</i>) in Trinidad, Tobago and Venezuela. <i>Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 15(1): 36-56.</i></span></p><p><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Link to paper <a href="http://amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/pdfs/Volume/Vol_15_no_1/ARC_15_1_[General_Section]_36-56_e273.pdf">here</a>: http://amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/pdfs/Volume/Vol_15_no_1/ARC_15_1_[General_Section]_36-56_e273.pdf</span></p>Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-7557510149170211812021-06-23T17:15:00.000-07:002021-06-23T17:15:39.777-07:00Rutherford's Vine Snake From Trinidad Specializes In Eating Lizards<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHHfZ8hmh2M/YNPJHA1mt4I/AAAAAAAAQbE/R_n0MuI_A9AAUl3jB1s0btRkgjHc10EqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/C300.tiff" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="2041" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHHfZ8hmh2M/YNPJHA1mt4I/AAAAAAAAQbE/R_n0MuI_A9AAUl3jB1s0btRkgjHc10EqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/C300.tiff"/></a></div> <b>Photo of Rutherford's Vine Snake (<i>Oxybelis rutherfordi</i>) predating on a Beachrunner lizard (<i>Cnemidophorus lemniscatus</i>). Photo by Marie-Elise Maingot.</b>
Rutherford's Vine Snake (<i>Oxybelis rutherfordi</i>) or as locals refer to them "Horsewhip", was a recently (re)described species of snake found in Trinidad and Tobago and northern South America. Populations found here were previously thought to be the same as the widespread Brown Vine Snake (<i>Oxybelis aeneus</i>), but research showed they are two distinct species. In Trinidad and Tobago, Rutherford's Vine Snake is widespread, found in forests, coastlines, and even in residential gardens.
Data on the diet of this species, and snakes in general are poorly known. Filling this gap is important as it allows us to learn more about how these animals use their environment and interact with it. A newly published Natural History Note was published in the journal "<b>Phyllomedusa</b>" and it documents five lizard species that Rutherford's Vine Snake feeds on. Observations were documented by keen citizen scientists from across Trinidad that luckily were able to photograph the snake predating on a lizard. These observations can be very rare to observe and thus highlighting them adds to biological data.
To read more about the five lizard species that the Rutherford's Vine Snake feeds on, see <a href="https://www.revistas.usp.br/phyllo/article/view/187593/173274">this link</a> to a pdf describing the events that took place here in Trinidad.
If you are a passionate photographer, or generally enjoy nature, do not hesitate to share your photos of reptiles and amphibians with us! You can reach out to us on Instagram on the page "<b>Herp.Research.TT</b>", or email the <b><a href="https://ttfnc.org/">Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists' Club</a></b> asking for the Herpetology Group Leader.Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-15860449194933260112021-05-08T08:32:00.001-07:002021-05-08T08:40:45.278-07:00Boa constrictor feeds on a variety of prey, including doves <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj1Bx0rB0MQ/YJam9NCNcEI/AAAAAAAAP4k/gXzmugGLOrM0js4HR28F8rSlU-PhpxSvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Fig.%2B1..jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj1Bx0rB0MQ/YJam9NCNcEI/AAAAAAAAP4k/gXzmugGLOrM0js4HR28F8rSlU-PhpxSvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Fig.%2B1..jpg"/></a></div> <b>Boa constrictor predating on a Ruddy ground dove. Photos provided by Adam Fifi.</b> <b>||</b>
The Boa constrictor, locally known as Macajuel or red-tailed boa, is a common snake found across both Trinidad and Tobago (Murphy et al. 2018). This large, non-venomous snake is a top predator in ecosystems where they reside and help maintain food web balance. Boa constrictors feed on a variety of other animals, including small mammals such as rodent pests, lizards, and sometimes birds. Indeed, although Boa constrictors may be found mostly on the ground, they do sometimes climb up trees, which enables them the ability to prey on birds. An example can be seen in the <a href="https://ttfnc.org/product/field-guide-amphibians-reptiles-trinidad-tobago/">Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Trinidad and Tobago</a> where an individual was observed predating on a crested oropendola, photographed by Edward Barrow. A Living World article by Hayes and Gabriel (<a href="https://ttfnc.org/livingworld/index.php/lwj/article/view/16/16">2019</a>) also highlights another common bird (kiskadee) that the Boa constrictor feeds on. However, an additional bird prey includes the very widespread and common Ruddy ground dove. This is perhaps the most easily seen and common bird in urban gardens, near residential areas. Thus, it may not be too surprising that the Boa constrictor also feeds on them. This natural history observation is the first reported documentation of this particular prey species, and was published in the international journal Herpetological Review in March <a href="https://ssarherps.org/herpetological-review-pdfs/">2021</a>. This event took place on Gasparee island, and no doubt Boa constrictors continue to predate on other small animals there, and across Trinidad and Tobago. <b>||</b>
<b><i>References</i></b>
<b>Murphy, J.C., Downie, J.R.,...Auguste, R.J. 2018. A field guide to the amphibians and reptiles of Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists' Club. 336 pp. <b>||</b>
Hayes, F.E., and Gabriel, R.L. 2019. Predation by a Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor) on a Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) in Trinidad, W.I. Living World 2019: 47-48. <b>||</b>
Auguste, R.J. and Fifi, A. 2021. Boa constrictor diet. Herpetological Review 52:146-147.</b>Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-18180869302368376632021-02-28T14:23:00.000-08:002021-02-28T14:23:16.947-08:00A new species of frog re-described from Trinidad<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PUHCUZbz38/YDwTj3NEN0I/AAAAAAAAPJE/pwlJ4iQmLYUqL6vpKcrOSCyjYFI8cGA3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s3419/Elachistocleis.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="2057" data-original-width="3419" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PUHCUZbz38/YDwTj3NEN0I/AAAAAAAAPJE/pwlJ4iQmLYUqL6vpKcrOSCyjYFI8cGA3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Elachistocleis.JPG"/></a></div>
Photo: (<i>Elachistocleis nigrogularis</i> sp nov). Photograph by Renoir Auguste.
Every year, new species are being described for the first time, adding to the list of wildlife on Earth. In addition to new species being described (and discovered for the first time), some species are being re-described as new, distinct organisms. These new re-descriptions are based on a closer inspection of the organisms' DNA, morphology, and other biological characteristics. Over the past decade, new species have been re-described from Trinidad and Tobago. And now there is another.
Narrow mouth frogs (in the genus <i>Elachistocleis</i>) are found across South America, and Trinidad. One of these narrow mouth <i>Elachistocleis</i> frogs was recently described as a new species, distinct from others in the same genus. The scientific name is <i>Elachistocleis nigrogularis</i>, and it got its name (<i>nigrogularis</i>) referring to its black throat that both the males and females have, a distinguishing feature compared to its cousins. This frog (seen in the photograph above), is active mainly at the start of the rainy season where it can be heard calling, which sounds like a long whistle-like call that can be heard just before heavy rains. One may have heard them while passing by the Aripo Savannas, Arena Forest, or Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary in Trinidad.
These frogs feed on ants and termites and are important parts of the environment. They are the latest new species to be described from Trinidad and Tobago. They will not be the last!
To read the scientific paper, here is the DOI link: 10.1007/s13127-021-00487-y or you can contact the Herpetology Group leader of the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists' Club (ttfnc.org).Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-44899629224498114462020-12-29T05:28:00.003-08:002020-12-29T05:32:41.196-08:00A new lizard recorded for Trinidad & the importance of Citizen Science<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYjBCwNTw7s/X5NEXfI2umI/AAAAAAAANww/Fyoby5vQH1YW5YuDAWP11d2vrAjB0h0VQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Figure%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYjBCwNTw7s/X5NEXfI2umI/AAAAAAAANww/Fyoby5vQH1YW5YuDAWP11d2vrAjB0h0VQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Figure%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mourning gecko (<i>Lepidodactylus lugubris</i>). Photo by Adam Fifi<br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Among exotic reptiles, lizards are the most abundant group introduced to new regions, and even to different countries. One particular group of lizards seem to drift far away from their native countries - Geckoes! No doubt, human facilitation through movement of goods and people have aided in the distribution of animals, including lizards. </p><p>Trinidad and Tobago has had at least a half a dozen lizards introduced to the country. Most of these have been Anolis lizards (at least 6 species). However geckoes are about halfway behind with at least 3 new species to the country. One of these is the mourning gecko (<i>Lepidodactylus lugubris</i>). The gecko was first reported on the citizen science application iNaturalist, and have subsequently been found by others across the country. This short natural history note documents their distribution in the scientific literature for the first time, and commends the efforts of persons that took photos and uploaded to iNaturalist. </p><p>If you don't use or are familiar with iNaturalist, it is highly recommended. Who knows, maybe you may photograph an animal in the country and it turns out to be a new record for the country!</p><p><b>Reference:</b> </p><p><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-TT" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Auguste, R.J.<b>, </b></span></span><span lang="EN-TT" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Fifi, A. 2020<b>. </b>Additional record of the invasive
mourning gecko <i>Lepidodactylus lugubris</i>
(Dum<span style="color: #1d1d1b;">é</span>ril and Bibron, 1836) from Trinidad and
Tobago, with comments on citizen science observations. <i>Herpetology Notes </i>13: 1111-1112 (<a href="https://www.biotaxa.org/hn/article/view/62331/64683">link to pdf of paper here</a>)</span></p><p><span lang="EN-TT" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></p><br /><p></p>Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-48714323749506306772020-12-29T05:24:00.004-08:002020-12-29T05:31:53.743-08:00Cryptic diversity in the black-headed snake from Trinidad & Tobago?<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3f7-VF-Rk8A/X5NBspGw1MI/AAAAAAAANwk/XODZhcKdZl45UNaoFM-xDhqcWZnxk-ILACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Tantilla.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3f7-VF-Rk8A/X5NBspGw1MI/AAAAAAAANwk/XODZhcKdZl45UNaoFM-xDhqcWZnxk-ILACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Tantilla.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Black-headed snake (<i>Tantilla melanocephala</i>). Photo by Renoir Auguste<br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Previous studies have shown that some widespread species are in fact cryptic species - or species that resemble each other superficially, but are actually two or more different species. This aspect can have serious implications towards conservation of species, as each species has their own unique traits. Thus, studies examining the cryptic diversity in species is important for conservation management.</p><p>The black-headed snake (<i>Tantilla melanocephala</i>) is a widespread snake found across Central, and South America. It is also found on Trinidad and Tobago and southern Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. A recent study examined the genetic materials and morphology of specimens from T&T and compared them to northern South American individuals. It was found that the populations on T&T are related to those on Venezuela - which is a common trait among many other species. Further studies are needed, but this one sets a landmark foundation to examine other individuals from across its range.</p><p><b>Reference</b>: </p><p><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Jowers, M.J.,
Rivas, G.A., Jadin, R.C., Braswell, A.L., Auguste,
R.J., Borzée, A., and Murphy, J.C. 2020. Unravelling the species
diversity of a cryptozoic snake, <i>Tantilla melanocephala</i>, in its northern
distribution with emphasis to the colonization of the Lesser Antilles. <i>Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 14(3): 206-217 (<a href="http://amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/pdfs/Volume/Vol_14_no_3/ARC_14_3_[Taxonomy_Section]_206-217_e268.pdf">pdf here</a>)</i></span></p><p><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b><span style="background: white;"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-54730046174340891212020-12-10T12:50:00.001-08:002020-12-10T12:50:27.140-08:00Conservation Status of Trinidad & Tobago Frogs updated on IUCN 2020 v3<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rShwcWlVtE/X5QevWFcipI/AAAAAAAANxU/FlPmF8Bh9wcmPRXwhD91SI1vnmeOncv6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1120/Chapter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1120" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rShwcWlVtE/X5QevWFcipI/AAAAAAAANxU/FlPmF8Bh9wcmPRXwhD91SI1vnmeOncv6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Chapter.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tobago Glass Frog (<i>Hyalinobatrachium orientale tobagoense</i>). Photo by Renoir Auguste<br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /> The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a widely, credited source of species' conservation status across the world. Thousands of species have been assessed, many more (hundreds of) thousands are yet to. Trinidad and Tobago (currently) has 35 recognized species of amphibians, all Anurans or frogs and toads. All 35 species have been assessed on IUCN and their updated conservation status came out in the 2020 version 3 update. Local and international experts were consulted to provide information to assess each species.</p><p>From the new update, 30/35 (85%) species are listed as Least Concern, or not currently threatened with immediate extinction. One species is listed as Endangered, three as Vulnerable, and one Data Deficient. </p><p>The Endangered species is the golden tree frog (<i>Phytotriades auratus</i>). This species was previously listed as a Trinidad endemic frog and Critically Endangered, but the IUCN Amphibian SSC Group believes that its discovery in Venezuela warrants a lower threat level because of its wider distribution, despite its very restricted microhabitat.</p><p>The three Vulnerable species are all Tobago endemics: The Tobago stream frog (<i>Mannophryne olmonae</i>), Charlotteville litter frog (<i>Pristimantis charlottevillensis</i>), and Tobago glass frog (featured in photo above). The Vulnerable threat level was assigned given their restricted area of occupancy.</p><p>The one frog listed as Data Deficient, is the Tobago endemic Turpin's litter frog (<i>Pristimantis turpinorum</i>). Since its formal description in 2001, very little information is known about its biology, likely because of its very secretive habits, with too few specimens observed. This species is a prime example where research is needed to help provide much needed information about updating its conservation status, and prohibiting its potential extinction. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T663y_Keim8/X5QiKsoKOaI/AAAAAAAANxg/eS7-zU2HloAX0ffPZyFESMKvMtl68Oq3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1442/IUCN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="1442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T663y_Keim8/X5QiKsoKOaI/AAAAAAAANxg/eS7-zU2HloAX0ffPZyFESMKvMtl68Oq3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IUCN.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Turpin's litter frog (<i>Pristimantis turpinorum</i>). Photo by Renoir Auguste<br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>More work needs to be done, but at least provisional efforts have contributed to us knowing more about these important animals, some of which can be found nowhere else in the world.</p><p>Links to some of the species' IUCN status:</p>https://www.iucnredlist.org/Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-12829314464973041582020-12-07T15:37:00.003-08:002021-04-21T10:37:33.059-07:00Citizen Monitoring of Green Iguanas in Trinidad and Tobago<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fPiAM8lQe0o/X5NK8_cwHmI/AAAAAAAANxI/bhdO4Bym98gDxqiOAKQBeLMQ1E_9boT-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Green%2BIguana%2BRenoir%2BJ.%2BAuguste.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fPiAM8lQe0o/X5NK8_cwHmI/AAAAAAAANxI/bhdO4Bym98gDxqiOAKQBeLMQ1E_9boT-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Green%2BIguana%2BRenoir%2BJ.%2BAuguste.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Green iguana (<i>Iguana iguana</i>). Photo by Renoir Auguste<br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> The green iguana (<i>Iguana iguana</i>) is widely distributed (ubiquitous) across Trinidad and Tobago. It can be found in forests as well as in urban gardens and parks. In Trinidad and Tobago they are hunted for their meat. Although the green iguana is perhaps very abundance currently, there have been no targeted efforts to document its distribution and abundance locally. This perhaps may be because of different reasons, with lack of funding being one of them. </p><p>During the restrictions enforced by safety precautions for managing covid-19 spread, a call was made in April 2020 by the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists' Club Herpetology Group Leader to Club members and members of the public across urban areas in Trinidad to document green iguanas from their backyard. Persons were reached out mainly using social media. During the very short period, over a hundred iguanas were reported from across urban areas in Trinidad which was published in the international journal <i>Reptiles and Amphibians</i>. This rapid assessment illustrates how citizen science can contribute to ecological data in a short time frame with limited expenses. Hopefully, the data can be used to better manage exploited green iguanas in urban areas in Trinidad, and provide a baseline for future studies on the exploited reptile.</p><p><b>Reference</b>: </p><p><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Auguste, R.J</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">. 2020. Using citizen science to rapidly determine the distribution
of exploited green iguanas (<i>Iguana iguana</i>)
across urban Trinidad and Tobago. <i>Reptiles & Amphibians 27(3): 419-421.</i></span></p><p><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Link to paper <a href="https://journals.ku.edu/reptilesandamphibians/article/view/14859/13522">here</a>:</span></p>https://journals.ku.edu/reptilesandamphibians/article/view/14859Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502617133176407205.post-31772462519252959242020-10-30T11:27:00.001-07:002020-10-31T12:09:07.003-07:00Peptides in two Trinidadian frogs reveal antimicrobial resistance<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NYGVfbRY5PQ/X5iQ7yTBLPI/AAAAAAAANzM/bK_u26tAu_0hyKa4d_6D70R5fE21es_0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s3663/DSC_0437%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="3663" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NYGVfbRY5PQ/X5iQ7yTBLPI/AAAAAAAANzM/bK_u26tAu_0hyKa4d_6D70R5fE21es_0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0437%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Barbour's thin-toed frog (<i>Leptodactylus insularum</i>). Photo by Renoir Auguste<br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><br /></p>
Frogs are vitally important to ecosystems, and to people. Their importance in ecosystems stems from the roles they play acting as predator and prey to a variety of animals. Their ecological importance also benefits people, as frogs prey on insects, including pests to crops and mosquitoes. However frogs also play an important role in medicinal values. In particular, the peptides in frog skin secretions have been used to treat diseases, for example diabetes.
Trinidad and Tobago has at least 35 species of frogs (amphibians). Thus far, at least two frog species have shown to have peptides useful for medicine, including the paradoxical frog (<i>Pseudis paradoxa</i>), and the Trinidad leaf-nesting frog (<i>Phyllomedusa trinitatis</i>). Now, two more species can be added to the list. A recent published study by Barran and colleagues (2020) found antimicrobial resistant properties in two species. These are the Trinidadian thin-toed frog (<i>Leptodactylus nesiotus</i>), and Barbour's thin-toed frog (<i>Leptodactylus insularum</i>).
Barran and colleagues' study further exemplifies the importance of conserving frogs in Trinidad and Tobago, and all citizens should do their part by learning more about them, and conserving them for generations to come.
Citation: Barran, G.; Kolodziejek, J.; Coquet, L.; Leprince, J.; Jouenne, T.; Nowotny, N.; Conlon, J.M.; Mechkarska, M. Peptidomic Analysis of Skin Secretions of the Caribbean Frogs Leptodactylus insularum and Leptodactylus nesiotus (Leptodactylidae) Identifies an Ocellatin with Broad Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity. Antibiotics 2020, 9, 718.
Link to paper here: <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/9/10/718#cite">pdf</a> Renoir J. Augustehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05747074221637990231noreply@blogger.com0