New information on the Endangered Golden Tree Frog

Golden tree frog (Phytotriades auratus). Photo: Zak Ali. || The golden tree frog is an elusive frog, found only on mountain tops on the island of Trinidad and Venezuela. As a result of its restricted distribution, it is an endangered species. Major threats to the species include climate change, disease, and habitat loss. Due to its restricted distribution at the top of mountains, biological information on the species is limited. As a result, this limits the capability of conservation efforts for this species. In July 2025, a group of Trinidadian naturalists accompanied American biologists to the summit of El Tucuche on Trinidad. There, the aim was to gather important information on the species. The additional aim was to gather photos and videos of the frog to help raise awareness on the importance of this threatened amphibian. While on the mountain, a dozen individual golden tree frogs were observed in one night. Interestingly, we observed biological features never before reported. These included microhabitat use, adult diet, and another potential skin disease. All of these factors are important for improving the conservation management of this endangered species. To read more about these findings, see link to the reference below or you can watch this short video on the history of the golden tree frog in Trinidad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGMuPOkXY1k&t=305s. Reference: Auguste, RJ et al. 2025. Natural history notes on the endangered Golden Tree Frog Phytotriades auratus from Trinidad. Living World. 2025: 47-48. https://ttfnc.org/livingworld/index.php/lwj/article/view/auguste2025

Rare snake feeding on another rare snake in Tobago

Tobago false coral (Erythrolamprus ocellatus) swallowing a One-lined ground snake (Atractus fuliginosus) in Tobago (Photo by Renoir Auguste) || Observing what snakes eat in the wild is rare. During a drive in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago in 2023, we came across what looked like a roadkill snake. Interestingly, it was two snakes, of which both are rare to observe in Tobago. Even more interesting, it appeared one (Tobago false coral or Tobago red snake) was attempting to predate on the other (One-lined ground snake). It was unfortunate that both specimens had died, likely from a vehicle running over them. However, from this observation, we now have an idea of what the Tobago false coral likes to eat, and what hunts the one-lined ground snake in Tobago. To read more about this natural history note, check out Herpetological Review issue 55(4), pages 575-576 which can be downloaded as a PDF online.

Attempted predation of the one-lined ground snake (brown) by the Tobago false coral (red). Photo: Renoir Auguste.

Herping in Trinidad & Tobago Part 2: Main Ridge Reserve (Amphibians)

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.

History of Amphibian Research in Trinidad & Tobago

[Tobago glass frog, Hyalinobatrachium orientale tobagoense. Photo by Renoir Auguste]. When most people think of amphibians (frogs) in Trinidad and Tobago, the crapaud or cane toad is typically the first that comes to mind. But did you know T&T has 35 species of amphibians? These frogs come in different sizes, shapes, and colours. They occur mostly in forests, but also in savannas, marshes, and even in our homes (usually the crapaud or Johnstone whistling frog). Most of what we know about the amphibians in the country can be traced to key figures over the last few decades. If you are interested in learning more about the history of amphibian research in T&T, then perhaps you may want to start with Julian Kenny's 1969 book on the Amphibia of Trinidad. One key line from his book is “Since Parker’s 1933 list was published, the names of nine of the twenty-three species have been altered in one way or another, some even at the generic level, while two unrecorded species have been found. Further, “surprisingly little recorded on general life histories of the Trinidad species or of mainland representatives of these species”. You may be wondering why I am pointing out that quote: more on that later. In Kenny's book, he first documented 25 species of amphibians (on Trinidad only). He provided data on distribution, habitat preferences, and identification keys for the frogs found on the island. In particular, not only did he devise keys to identifying adult frogs on Trinidad, but tadpoles too, which, can be challenging! These identification keys are mostly still used today, more than half a century ago.

Fast forward to the 1990s, and the other integral person to contribute to knowledge on T&T's amphibians is John Murphy. Murphy produced a landmark book, the first for the country documenting both the amphibians and the reptiles known from T&T. His book, based on more than 10 years of research provided information on the distribution of species (updated from Kenny's 1969 book), natural history (a gap that Kenny noted prior), and also new names to some of the species on the islands. Changes to species names sometimes happens when new scientific data arises, particularly DNA. Murphy has been studying T&T's herpetofauna for well over 40 years now, and without him, we would know so little about the underappreciated herps in the country.

We move forward to 2018, and Murphy, together with colleagues put together an updated version of his 1997 book, a field guide - one we can take with us in the field (a bit smaller than his 1997 book). This guide provides updated information on the distribution, natural history, and names to more species (though some names have changed since!). This field guide is still one of the most used references to amphibian research in the country.

Now, in 2023, a chapter was (finally) published in a Caribbean amphibian conservation book. The book features information on amphibians for all the Caribbean countries that have amphibians, including T&T. The chapter is authored by local and international researchers who have all contributed to herpetology in the country. Unlike the field guide, it is not readily available locally, but can be purchased online for interested persons. Here, we provide updated information on T&T's amphibians since the field guide came out. Some notable upates include the redescription of a new species of frog, an update on the conservation status of all the frogs in the country, and new natural history information.

Overall, amphibian conservation and research in Trinidad and Tobago has had a strong foundation, thanks to Kenny, Murphy, Downie, and others. It is in the best interest of all that we continue this and contribute to sustainable biodiversity management in the country - and not to leave out amphibians!

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.

Community science reveals new frog in Tobago for the first time

(Lesser dark-spotted thin-toed frog: Adenomera cf hylaedactyla. 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 here. It is especially important to document frogs as they are the most threatened terrestrial vertebrate animals on Earth (link to previous blog and article here).

Why we need to save and better protect amphibians

(Photo: Turpin's frog, Pristimantis turpinorum, mating pair, observed in Tobago. Photograph by Renoir J. Auguste). | A recent study published in the journal Nature has highlighted Ongoing declines for the world's amphibians in the face of emerging threats (link to open access paper here). 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.

Deadly fungus detected in the Endangered Golden Tree Frog

Golden Tree Frog (Phytotriades auratus) 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 IUCN, 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 chytrid fungal pathogen (Bd) 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.

Nocturnal basking in a freshwater turtle from Trinidad

Scorpion mud turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides). 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 (Trachemys scripta elegans; 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 here.

Amphibians and their Conservation in Trinidad and Tobago

A new book has been published "The Conservation and Biogeography of Amphibians in the Caribbean". 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 NHBS or Amazon. DOI: 10.53061/RCJP8789

Another species name change for one of Trinidad's frog

(Banana tree dwelling frog, Boana platanera - formerly/most recently known as Boana xerophylla, 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 Hyla crepitans - Hypsiboas crepitans - Boana crepitans - Boana xerophylla - now, it is Boana platanera for all populations north of the Orinoco Basin (including Trinidad and Tobago populations) based on updated genetic and call data (link to study here). 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, Boana platanera, here, in Trinidad and Tobago.

Cloacal prolapse in a Trinidad frog

Photo of Emerald-eyed treefrog (Boana xerophylla) 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 here. Click on Herpetological Review 53, under edition 3, natural history notes, download pdf, page 464.

Herping in Trinidad and Tobago (Part 1): Environmentally Sensitive Areas

(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 here and here. 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!

(The venomous Bothrops atrox, Fer-de-lance, observed in Matura, Trinidad. Photo by Renoir Auguste).

(Rhinoclemmys punctularia, Painted-wood turtle, observed in Aripo Savannas, Trinidad. Photo by Renoir Auguste).

(Pseudis paradoxa, paradox frog, observed in Nariva Swamp, Trinidad. Photo by Renoir Auguste).

One of Trinidad's elusive frogs: is it restricted to the southwest of the island?

(Photograph by Renoir Auguste). Barbour's thin-toed ditch frog (Leptodactylus insularum) is widely found across South America. In Trinidad, though, records of this frog are mostly only from southwest Trinidad - near Icacos and Cedros (Murphy et al. 2018). 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 (link).

Conservation of three endemic Pristimantis frogs in Trinidad and Tobago

Pristimantis 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 Pristimantis urichi), the other two are found on Tobago only (Charlotteville litter frog P. charlottevillensis, and Turpin's litter frog P. turpinorum). A recent published study (link here) 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 P. urichi, P. charlottevillensis, P. turpinorum). 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 P. turpinorum is closely related to Venezuelan species, more so than P. urichi and P. charlottevillensis. Further biological information is needed, especially for P. turpinorum 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 (link here).

Pristimantis turpinorum pair observed in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve. Photo by Renoir Auguste.