 The Caroni wildlife sanctuary  Nariva River  Black-crested Antshrike |
Trinidad and TobagoThis twin-island state in the southern Caribbean is called "the land of the hummingbird." Its second highest mountain is called El Tucuche - The Hummingbird. When a hummingbird alights on a branch bathed in sunlight, with each and every turn of its body it flashes a brand new colour. This is known in ornithology as directional iridescence - a term used to describe the vibrant flashes of varying colour created. Trinidad and Tobago can be described thus, for in any direction you travel in these islands you are dazzled by the particular natural 'iridescence' that shimmers in each of our varied natural habitats for the enjoyment of those who take the time to see. Trinidad is renowned for its variety of habitat types: from rain forest and montane forest through wetlands and natural savanna to coastal mudflats and sandy shorelines. These reveal an amazing diversity of animal and plant species. It is no wonder that key sequences of several major wildlife documentaries by the BBC wildlife unit, The National Geographic Society, Green Umbrella and many more by independent units, have been filmed here. In Trinidad and Tobago, 468 bird species have been recorded as of January 2008. There are almost 700 butterfly species, 26 species of frogs, 38 snakes, 23 land mammals, more than 65 bat species and an unusual diversity of marine life. Some of the major sites such as the Asa Wright Nature Center, the Point a Pierre Wild Fowl Trust and the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, are internationally renowned. Follow the links above to learn more about the different habitats. |
 Scarlet Ibis returning to roost  Northern Range rainforest  Bamboo forest |