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ANNEX 3:
SPECIES NOTES
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ANNEX 3:
SPECIES NOTES
FLORA NOTES
Andira inermis (Angelin), a large evergreen tree with a height of 100', is a native of the West
Indies, tropical America and West Africa, and is widely distributed throughout both islands; as
far rainfall and soil conditions are concerned, it is not an exacting species. Angelin has been
planted as an ornamental. The hard wood is strong and durable; it can be made into planks and
used in construction.
Brown ealatifolia (Cooperhoop) is a small evergreen, under-storey tree growing to a height of
about 8 m. Cooperhoop is common in all types of moist rain forest in Trinidad and Tobago.
Although the wood is hard and heavy the tree is too small to for useful timber production.
Buchena viacapitata (Yellow Olivier), a large evergreen tree reaching 30m in height and 1m in
diameter, very similar to White Olivier but easily distinguished by its yellowish slash.
Carapa guianensis (Crappo) is a very large evergreen, approaching 150'. Found in the
southern West Indies and tropical America, it is widely distributed in moist forest, and an
important timber species. In crappo-guatecare forests it represents the very moist end of
conditions while Guatecare represents the drier end.
Cecropia peltata (Bois Canot) is a medium-sized deciduous tree reaching a height of 70'.
Found in the West Indies, Venezuela and Guyana, this species is widely distributed throughout
the republic, occurring in practically all types of forest; its abundance depends on the extent to
which the canopy has been broken, and it is essentially a second-growth species. It can be
dominant on cleared forest land a year or so after disruption, especially on poor soils, and
tolerates a wide latitude of rainfall, from 50" to over 100".
Clathrotropis brachypetala (Blackheart) is a medium-sized evergreen tree reaching a height of
80’ to 90’. Ranging from the West Indies to Guyana, Blackheart usually occurs among the
sub-dominants in moist forest types. (M)
Clusia spp. (Matapal) is a medium-sized, spreading, evergreen tree growing up to 20 m tall. Its
seed can sometimes germinate on other trees, in which case the seedling grows as epiphyte for
sometime, eventually sending roots into the ground which encircles the host tree on the way
down and strangling it.The wood of the tree is not used.
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SPECIES NOTES
Cordia spp. (Lay-Lay) are relatively common plants. They can range from small shrubs and
trees on disturbed areas, to larger, sub-dominant trees of 80ft height. They are considered rare
though, in developed forests.
Cyclanthus bipartitusis an understory herbaceous plant mostly occurring in moist shady places
along streams, in forest, and in abandoned cocoa estates.
Didymopanax morototoni (Jereton/Matchwood) is a fairly large evergreen tree with a height
exceeding 80'. Ranging from Central America to tropical South America it is widely distributed
in the republic but is nowhere abundant, in crappo-guatecare-cocorite forest types it is
considered occasional, elsewhere rare. Jereton is a fairly common tree in second growth areas,
the wood was formerly used in the local match industry.
Eschweilera subglandulosa (Guatecare) is a medium-sized evergreen tree up to 35m high and
1m in diameter. It is widely distributed and present in practically all types of forest and isis one
of the more valuable timber species. The fruits are of an urn-shaped woody capsule containing
1 to 3 light brown seeds. The flowers are in panicles, large, about 6 cm in diameter, white with a
yellow center.
Ficus sp., include several species of strangling figs, trees that begin as epiphytes on the trees
they eventually strangle.
Heliconia spp. (Heliconia) is a herbaceous plant mostlyoccurring in moist shady places along
streams, in forest, and in abandoned cocoa estates.
Inga spp. (Pois Doux) are mainly small to medium sized evergreen trees occurring in forest.
Their fruit and flowers are a good source of food for some forms of wildlife.
Isertia parviflora (Wild Ixora) is an indigenous shrub or small tree up to 5 m high.
Mangiferaindica (Mango) is a medium-sized evergreen originating in India but now planted
throughout the tropics for its fruit.
Mora excelsa (Mora) is a very large evergreen possessing massive buttresses and reaching
heights of 150'. Occurring in Guyana as well as Trinidad, Mora is interesting in that it forms
pure stands over extensive areas.
These stands are regarded as a fasciation of
crappo-guatecare forest.
Pentaclethra macroloba (Fine Leaf, Bois Mulatre), a medium-sized evergreen tree with a height
of about 80' is native to the southern West Indies and tropical America. Bois Mulatre is a
sub-dominant in crappo-guatecare forest being its optimum habitat (it is the leading species,
numerically in this association) though it is rare in mora forests.
Pinus caribea (Caribbean Pine) is not an indigenous species but is often planted, sometimes in
plantation, for its lumber.
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SPECIES NOTES
Spondias mombin (Hog Plum) is a large deciduous tree reaching a height of over 130'. A native
of both tropical America and West Africa, this is an accommodating species as regards both soil
and drainage and is widely distributed throughout both islands. Its optimum habitat however is
crappo-guatecare-carat forest where it is abundant among the dominants. The fruit of this
species is an important food source for many forest species.
Sterculia pruriens(Mahoe) is a large evergreen exceeding 100' in height occurring from Jamaica
to Guyana. Locally Mahoe is widely distributed where rainfall is greater than 60". In
crappo-guatecare forests it is an important crop former among both dominants and
sub-dominants.
Swartzia pinnata (Bois Pois) is a medium-sized evergreen reaching a height of 50'. An
endemic, Bois Pois is essentially an understory tree. It is locally very common in some types of
dry forests in most other forest types it is rare.
Terminalia amazonia (White Olivier) is a large practically evergreen tree reaching a height of
around 150' found in Panama and northern South America as well as locally. Widely distributed
in moist forest types, Olivier is found more on poor soils and is occasional to locally frequent in
crappo-guatecare-cocorite forests as well as occurring to a limited extent in Mora forest.
Virola surinamensis (Cajuca), a large evergreen tree reaching a height of over 140' is found
throughout the southern West Indies, Guyana and the Amazon district of Brazil. Locally, Cajuca
is widely distributed but nowhere common. It tolerates swampy conditions and is a moistureloving species.
Vismia cayennensis (Black Kiskidee) is a small evergreen tree only reaching a height of 30 ft to
40 ft with a small a girth of about 2 ft. It is essentially a second growth species and is very
common in some areas. The bark is thin, grayish, lightly fissured, and peels off in elongated
flakes. Pretty yellow flowers that open fully, glossy hairless leaves that are elliptical or oblong
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AVIFAUNA NOTES
Amazonian Violaceous Trogon (Trogon violaceus) is a common resident of Trindad, frequenting
forest, second growth and cultivated areas with large shade trees at all levels. It eats small
fruits, also insects, including caterpillars and grasshoppers and spiders.
Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megaryn chuspitangua) is a common and widespread resident in
Trinidad, occurring at forest edges and clearings up to 2000 ft, cocoa plantations and semi-open
areas with large trees, usually well up in the trees. It feeds on insects, including cicadas; also
berries.
Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) is an abundant resident of Trinidad, occurring in every habitat
with trees or bushes from sea-level to the highest mountains, less common in mangroves, and
not occurring in open savannah. The food of this bird is mainly nectar, taken from a wide variety
of flowers; small fruits; and also it forages amongst foliage for small insects.
Bare-eyed Thrush (Turdus nudigenesis) is a common resident of both islands, inhabiting
semi-open savannahs, gardens, cultivated areas (citrus and cocoa), dry scrub and deciduous
forests; less common in secondary forests up to 600m. It is omnivorous.
Barred Antshrike (Thamnophilus doliatus) is a common resident of Trinidad, frequenting
especially semi-open secondary growth, gardens, mangrove and forest edges. It feeds on a
large variety of invertebrates from small to large; also including ants; also small lizards and
berries.
Bay-headed Tanager (Tangar agyrola) is a common resident of Trinidad, frequenting forest and
second growth at all levels, but more common in wetter areas. It feeds mostly on fruit taken
from a wide variety of trees, shrubs, vines and epiphytes.
Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megaryn chuspitangua) is a common and widespread resident in
Trinidad, occurring at forest edges and clearings up to 2000 ft, cocoa plantations and semi-open
areas with large trees, usually well up in the trees. It feeds on insects, including cicadas; also
berries.
Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) is a common resident of Trinidad, frequently mainly open
country and towns, also over forest. Particularly abundant over refuse dumps near towns and
seashores. It feeds mainly on carrion, offal and refuse of all kinds.
Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina) is a very common resident, frequenting savannahs,
semi-open areas with bush and scrub, edges of mangrove, cultivated lands and gardens and
sugarcane fields. Food is seeds of grasses; also insects, including beetles and froghopper; and
spiders.
Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupi sepiscopus) is a common resident in Trinidad, frequenting open
woodland and cultivated areas with trees and bushes, gardens and cultivated areas. Food is
fruit taken from a variety of trees and shrubs. It is known to feed on a number of commercially
grown fruits and vegetables. Sometimes feeds on the nectar of flowering plants. Also takes
insects, hawks for termites.
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Common Ground-Dove (Columbina passerina) is a fairly common but local resident in Trinidad
frequenting the drier parts of savannahs and the more open parts of the foothills of the Northern
Range. This species is usually seen in pairs or small groups and forages exclusively on the
ground but perches frequently in trees or bushes. It feeds on small seeds, mainly of grasses.
Copper-rumped Hummingbird (Amazilia tobaci) is widespread at all levels up to 2000 ft and a
common resident of both islands, frequently found near houses; also in open country, second
growth, cultivation and even in forest. It feeds on nectar from a wide variety of plants and
insects.
Channel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos vitellinus) is common in forest at all levels in Trinidad. The
food includes highly nutritious fruits of forest trees; insects are also fed to the young. It may
possibly feed on the nestlings of other species as well.
Crested Oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus) is a common resident of both islands,
frequenting forests and cultivated areas with large trees below 2000 ft. It is omnivorous; often
takes insects such as caterpillars and termites, or nestlings of smaller birds; also berries,
blossoms and fruits.
Euler’s Flycatcher (Lathrotric cuseuleri) is a common resident in Trinidad, frequenting forest and
cocoa plantations mainly in hilly areas. Its’ food is mainly insects.
Forest Elaenia (Myiopagis gaimardii) is a fairly common resident in Trinidad, inhabiting forests
and second growth, mostly in tree tops; also edges of mangrove swamps. It feeds on insects
and berries, usually taken in upper branches.
Golden-headed Manakin (Pipra erythrocephala) is a very common resident in Trinidad,
frequenting forests and second growth, mostly in the middle or lower branches of trees. Food
includes small berries of many forests plants; also insects, including beetles, flies and
caterpillars.
Great Antshrike (Taraba major) is a common resident in Trinidad, frequenting second growth in
cocoa and citrus plantations and occasionally forests at all altitudes. Food is insects including
beetles, grasshoppers and bees.
Great Kiskidee (Pitangus sulphuratus) is a common resident in Trinidad, frequenting semi-open
areas, including urban and suburban areas, cultivated estates and the edge of forests up to over
2000 ft.
It is apparently omnivorous.
Food includes insects, mostly large beetles,
grasshoppers, mole crickets and butterflies; berries, including the fruits of palms; lizards; mice;
fledging birds; fish and offal from the seashore; also scraps from garbage.
Green Hermit (Phaethornis guy) is a common resident of hill forests of Trinidad, especially near
water; usually keeps to the undergrowth but sometimes emerges to feed in clearings. It feeds
on plant nectar and small insects.
Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophaness piza) is a common resident in Trinidad, found in forest
and second growth with large trees, frequenting mostly the canopy. Food is mostly fruit; some
nectar is taken; also small insects in flight.
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Gray-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea) is a common resident in Trinidad, mostly commonly
seen along the West and North and on Soldado Rock, but also found inland over the
NorthernRange and other areas. It eats small flying insects including moths, bugs and bees.
Grey-lined Hawk (Asturina nitidanitida) is a common resident of Trinidadin open country and
forest edges, usually below 500 m. It feeds mainly on lizards and snakes.
Lilac-tailed Parrotlet (Touit batavica) is an uncommon but widespread resident of the forested
areas of Trinidad.
Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus) is widely distributed but not common, resident in
Trinidad, found in forests and second growth at all levels up to 2000 ft, also seen in isolated
large trees on the edges of savannahs. Food is insects.
Little Hermit (Phaethornislongue mareus) is a common resident of forests of Trinidad,
sometimes seen in the open at the forest edge, but mostly found in shaded situations and
undergrowth. Food of this bird includes nectar from a wide variety of plants; occasionally
forages at leaves and twigs for small invertebrates.
Little Tinamou (Crypturel lussoui) is a common resident of Trinidad, inhabiting forest and
particularly secondary growth; essentially terrestrial. It feeds on seeds and terrestrial insects.
Northern Waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis) is a common winter resident in Trinidad. It
frequents mangroves, rivers and streams, especially where there is thick cover, also gardens
and cultivated areas near water. It is regularly present from the last week of September to the
first week of May, many individuals, probably only transient. It takes invertebrates, especially in
damp areas, often tossing leaves aside while foraging.
Orange-Winged Amazon (Amazonaamazonica) is a common resident in Trinidad, frequenting
forests and semi-open country of both lowland areas and the Northern Range in Trinidad;
especially abundant in the east of the island. Food is fruit, seeds and flowers.
Pale-breasted Spinetail (Synallax isalbescens) is a fairly common, widely distributed resident
occurring in semi-open scrub and cultivated areas. It feeds on insects and spiders.
Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum) is a common resident in Trinidad, frequenting forest edges,
second growth and cultivated areas including gardens and urban districts; showing a decided
preference for Palm trees. It eats the fruits of a variety of trees and shrubs.
Plain-brown Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) is a common resident of Trinidad,
frequenting forests and cocoa plantations at all levels. It feeds on insects, including beetles,
ants and cockroaches, and spiders.
Pale-vented Pigeon (Columba cayennensis) is a fairly common resident of Trinidad and is
known in the mangrove swamps, woods bordering savannahs and low-lying forests. It eats
small fruits, berries and seeds.
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Ruddy Ground Dove (Columbinatal pacoti) is a very common and widely distributed bird in open
and semi-open cultivated or waste areas of both islands; one of the first species to move into
newly cleared forest lands. It feeds on seeds.
Rufous-breasted Hermit (Glauci shirsuta) is a common resident of forest and secondary growth
in both islands, occasionally found in the open near forest edges; a bird of undergrowth near
streams. It feeds on nectar and spiders; as well as understory flowers. Small invertebrates
obtained by searching leaves and twigs form a significant part of its diet.
Rufous-breasted Wren (Thryothorus rutilis) is a common resident of Trinidad, frequenting
undergrowth and dense thickets in forests and second growth. It feeds on insects taken
amongst foliage, from tangled vines, or on the ground, also centipedes. It sometimes exploits
army ant swarms.
Rufous-browed Peppershrike (Cyclarhis gujanensis) is a common resident in Trinidad, found in
open woodland and second growth, gardens and cultivated areas. It feeds on insects and
spiders.
Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda) is a fairly common resident of both islands,
frequenting dense second growth, including bamboo patches, as well as clearings and forest
edges at lower levels. It feeds on insects; including flies, beetles, bees, dragonflies and
butterflies.
Savanna Hawk (Heterospizias meridionalis) is a rather uncommon resident in Trinidad,
frequenting savannahs and swamp edges in the east of the island and at Waller Field. It feeds
on small mammals, insects, lizards, toads and snakes, taken from the ground and also fish,
crabs and roots recorded in Brazil.
Scaled Pigeon (Columba speciosa) is a fairly common resident of forests of Trinidad, less
common in the south. It feeds on fruits and seeds of forest trees.
Short-tailed Swift (Chaetura brachyura) is a common resident in both islands, found at almost all
elevations but more plentiful over savannahs, urban areas and forests at lower levels and in
mountain districts. It feeds on aerial insects, including winged ants, beetles and termites.
Silver-beaked Tanager (Ramphocelus carbo) is a common resident in Trinidad, frequenting light
woodland and semi-open areas with thickets, also cultivated estates and forest edges up to
2000 ft. It eats fruit and occasionally nectar of many different plants.
Smooth-billed Ani (Crotopha gaani) is a common resident in Trinidad, frequenting open and
semi-open country and cultivated areas, including urban districts. Its food is mostly insects,
including caterpillars, grasshoppers, cockroaches and ticks.
Southern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) is a common resident of Trinidad and frequents
gardens in urban areas, cultivated areas and forest clearings. It eats small insects including
caterpillars, ants and spiders.
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Southern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopt eryxruficollis) is a fairly common resident in
Trinidad and the BocasIslands, frequenting open areas and forest clearings. It feeds on small
flying insects, including ants, bees, bugs flies and beetles. Usually not gregarious, this swallow
is notable for its slow, deliberate flight quite near the ground, coursing frequently over the same
area; it seems to be a distinctly sedentary species.
Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana) is a fairly common resident, widely distributed in forests and
semi-open cultivated areas in Trinidad. It eats large insects including caterpillars, cicadas and
even bees.
Striped Cuckoo (Taperanae vianaevia) is an uncommon resident of open lowland pastures,
mangrove edges, scrubby hillsides and savannahs in Trinidad.
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) is a common resident in Trinidad, inhabiting
semi-open areas with trees, gardens and roadsides, also edges of mangrove swamps. It eats
mainly flying insects, including beetles and moths.
Turquoise Tanager (Tangaram exicana) is a common resident in Trinidad found in forest edges,
open woodland, cultivated areas with trees and not uncommon in gardens near human
habitation. It feeds on fruits of many trees and shrubs taken at all levels from the ground to 50ft.
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) is a common resident in Trinidad, frequenting mainly forested
areas, but also other parts of the countryside. It feeds on carrion, with a preference for smaller
animals, snakes, and toads etc. rather than the larger carrion eaten by the Black Vulture. It also
eats coconuts.
ViolaceousEuphonia (Euphoni aviolacea) is a common resident in Trinidad, inhabiting forests
and second growth, including cocoa and citrus estates, with large trees. It feeds almost entirely
on small fruits.
White-bearded Manakin (Manacus manacus) is a common resident in Trinidad, inhabiting
forests, second growth and cocoa or citrus estates; keeps to undergrowth and lower branches.
Food here is comprised of fruit, mainly small berries; also insects, including beetles, flies and
flying termites.
White-bellied Antbird (Myrmeci zalongipes) is a common resident in Trinidad, found in florets at
all levels, also in secondary growth, keeping to the ground or low undergrowth. It feeds on small
insects and spiders.
White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi) is a common resident in both islands, widely distributed
in semi-open country, secondary forest, scrub and the edge of true forest. Food here consists
of mainly seeds; also insects, including caterpillars and moths.
White Hawk (Leucopternis albicollis), an uncommon resident in Trinidad found especially over
forests in the South of the island. It feeds on small mammals, snakes, lizards and birds.
White-shouldered Tanager (Tachyphonus luctuosus) is a rather uncommon resident in Trinidad,
but widely distributed in forest and second growth, also cocoa plantations. It feeds on mostly
insects, including stick insects. Occasionally feeds on fruit such as the Pommerac.
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White-tailed Trogon (Trogon viridis) is a common resident of forests and second growth at all
levels in Trinidad. The food of this bird includes small fruit, insects such as caterpillars; also
lizards.
Yellow-bellied Elaenia (Elaenia flavogaster) is a common and widespread resident of both
islands inhabiting open and cultivated areas, second growth and outlying islands with scrub and
trees. Its diet is remarkably diverse including fish, crustaceans, snakes, frogs, lizards and
insects.
Yellow-rumped Cacique (Cacic uscela) is a common resident in the east and south of Trinidad.
It is found in open areas with large trees, at altitudes usually below 500 ft, often near human
habitation. Food is mainly invertebrates including beetles, caterpillars and thrips, spiders and
small crabs, also berries and other fruit and sometimes leaves.
Yellow Breasted Flycatcher (Tolmomyias flaviventris) is a common resident of both islands,
inhabiting forests and second growth, also edges of mangrove swamps; usually keeps to the
upper branches. Food includes insects, including moths and small beetles, taken high in trees
and also berries.
Yellow Oriole (Icterus nigrogularis) is a common resident of Trinidad, found in open woodland,
semi-open savannahs, suburban areas and gardens, also mangrove swamp edges. Food
comprises mostly invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars and spiders; also berries, fruits and
blossoms.
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REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN NOTES
Cat-eyed Snake (Leptodeira annulata ashmeadi) – A snake of forest and savannah, known to
frequent outhouses, old walls, and rubbish heaps. Food includes lizards, tadpoles, frog gees,
frogs, toads, fish and their own eggs. Egg laying has been recorded between June to
November. The venom may cause a reaction to humans, causing swelling of fingers and wrist,
and even sensitivity to touch.
Crapaud(Bufo marinus) – A ubiquitous toad, occurring in most terrestrial habits throughout
Trinidad and Tobago.Feeds on insects, and anything else that it can swallow. Reproduction is
year round, peaking at the height of the dry season into the early wet season. The skin
produces toxins which often affects dogs that attack them.
Frog (Leptodactylus macrosternum)is a savannah frog, being found on coconut plantation, cattle
pasture, and stream edge. In Venezuela, home ranges are from 9.4 – 133.9 m2. These ranges
were abandoned during the dry season. Reproduction occurs early in the wet season, young
attain sexual maturity at about 54 mm, and estivation is in deep cracks left in dried mud of
ponds and lagoons.
Iguana (Iguana iguana) – A widespread Trinidad and Tobago resident, using both natural and
disturbed habitats. It is the largest of our lizards. Adults are herbivorous (leaves and flowers),
whilst juveniles are also known to take insects. Adults are arboreal, whilst juveniles tend to be
terrestrial or at lower elevations than adults. Mating occurs early in the dry season, egg
deposition takes place in moist well drained soil, and hatching may be to avoid the ensuing rains
from the oncoming wet season. Humans are a major predator, actively seeking the flesh of the
Iguana.
MappapireBalsain(Bothrops asper) – A widespread Trinidad resident found in both forest and
forest edge, existing in virtually any microhabitats that these areas can provide. It feeds on
wood rats, mice, and other small mammals, and frogs, birds, and crayfish. Copulation occurs
from May to July, and live young are birthed between September and January. This snake is
highly venomous, and its bite has resulted in deaths in Trinidad.
Matte (Tupiman bisteguixin) – A large lizard found in every terrestrial habitat. Its food includes
berries, insects, spiders, centipedes, crabs, frogs and their eggs, caiman eggs, turtle eggs,
snakes, mice, and rats. Predators include birds of prey and humans on both islands, and it will
take to water to avoid capture. The remains of this species have been found in archeological
middens in Trinidad.
Striped Runner (Cnemidophorus lemniscatus)–A beach savannah lizard that will enter forest
and colonise open areas. They forage on open ground and seek shelter in bushy areas. Mostly
insects have been reported as food, with earthworms and small flowers also being taken.
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Agouti (Dasyprocta leporine)– is a slender rodent found in most forested and cultivated areas. It
is diurnal when it is not disturbed, nocturnal where it isdisturbed. They live in monogamous pairs
that share a territory but they generally sleep and forage alone. They den in hollow trees,
tunnels, or under logs or dense piles of bushes. Its diet includes fruit, vegetables and succulent
plants, and they are important seed dispersers. When food is plentiful, pairs tend to stay near
the center of their territories and when food is scarce they need to roam further and defend their
territories. Its relatively fast reproductive turnover and small range requirement may make it
somewhat more resilient to both hunting and deforestation. Females bare litters of one, two, or
rarely three or four young, two or three times a year. Males’ courtship displays include
showering the female with urine. Agoutis are hunted for their flesh; they are also regarded as
pests of some crops. One individual was sighted and tracks of these were seen a number of
times.
Bats (Order Chiroptera)– this order of mammals in Trinidad is represented by the largest
number of species (58). They do pose a risk to man as they may carry disease themselves (eg
rabies), or through parasitic ticks and mites. They can cause property damage by accumulating
urine and guano in ceilings, and in turn attract other pests. Bats can also damage fruit crops.
They are important in controlling insect populations, and for supplying food in cave – type
ecosystems. They are grouped most conveniently by their feeding habits: insectivorous; fruit
feeding; nectar feeding; vampires; carnivores; and fish eating.
Mongoose (Herpestes auro punctatus) is a small, lithe-bodied, and sometimes arboreal
mammal. Their appearance is broadly cat-like, but the muzzle is extended and often pointed.
The entire Caribbean Mongoose population is thought to have originated from nine individuals
introduced in Jamaica by European settlers in the 19th century.
Red Brocket Deer (Mazama americana) – is a stout bodied mammal with slender legs and an
arched back. Its antlers are simple spikes and females have four mammae. It is light reddishbrown with white undersides and has short hairs. It is usually found solitary or in pairs. It is very
seldom seen even when active in the early morning and later afternoon. They enjoy water and
are good swimmers. They feed along trails or in open area bordering forest, where they can be
approached. Their diet consists of grasses, vines and tender green shoots, however they prefer
other foods. For example in Venezuela, they eat more fruit and seeds than leaves in the wet
season. This deer demonstrates foregut fermentation. which can be an effective way to deal
with certain fruits and seeds.
Red Howler Monkey (Alouattaseniculus) – is the largest New World monkey reaching up to 900
mm in length, without the tail and weighing around 9 kg. They travel in troops of from 4 - 20
individuals of both sexes and all ages, led by an old male. These monkeys tend to stay in the
tops of taller forest trees and have fairly definite territories. They are noted for their loud calls
which can be heard up to 3 km away.The red howler is known for its long prehensile tail
reaching to a length of 49 – 75 cm. The tail is covered with fur except for the last third underside
of the tail, which allows it to grab branches.This monkey is arboreal and diurnal, and they spend
much of their time up high in the canopy of trees. They live in groups of 3 – 9 individuals. These
groups are described as polygynous with only one or two males and the rest are females and
their offspring. These monkeys are folivores which means that their diet mainly consists of fruit,
leaves, buds, blossoms, nuts, seeds.
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environmentally appropriate
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BESTCRETE AGGREGATES LIMITED
EIA FOR MINING OF SAND AND GRAVEL
AT PINE ROAD, MATURA
ANNEX 3:
SPECIES NOTES
Two spot sardine (Astanyx bimaculatus) are omnivorous, and live on or near the river
bed.Inhabits from large free flowing clear rivers to small turbid drainage ditches, to natural and
artificial ponds. Able to withstand a range of water conditions, and are found in all streams
draining south of the Northern Range, as well as strams draining the Maracas/Las Cuevas area
on the north coast. Eggs are scattered by the females then fertilized by the males.
Sword tailed sardine (Corynopo mariisei) live on or near the river bed and is found in streams
south of the Northern Range. There is a courtship dance by males prior to mating. Females
can store sperm, and eggs are laid on submerged plants. This is a commercially important
aquarium fish based mainly on capture from the wild.
Featherfin Sardine (Hemigrammus unilineatus) live on or near the river bed, inhabiting clear and
turbid waters in ponds, slow flowing streams and drainage ditches. It can be found in some
streams to the south of the Northern Range, Caroni, Cunupia and Guayamare to the west, and
Oropouche and Otoire to the east. It is also found near Bonasse on the southwestern
peninsuela. The species shows schooling behavior, and is a commercially important aquarium
fish based mainly on capture from the wild.
Hunchback Sardine (Roeboides dayi) may be found in slow moving streams and prefers slightly
turbid waters. This fish is reputed to eat fish scales, and it is widely distributed in streams to the
south of the Northern Range.
Blue Coscorob(Aequidens pulcher) live near the river bed, sheltering amongst rocks and debris.
They inhabit clear and turbid, either stagnant or free flowing water. They feed on worms,
crustaceans, insects and small fishes. Produces sticky eggs that become attached to objects
during spawning, spawning sites prepared, eggs and young guarded, eggs hatch in 2 – 5 days.
It is an important commercial aquarium fish based mainly on capture from the wild.
Brown Coscorob (Cichlasomata enia) live on or near the river bed, inhabiting either clear or
turbid water in swamps, free flowing and sluggish streams and canals with beds ranging from
mud to gravel. It is found mainly in the streams draining south of the Northern Range, as well
as streams near Blanchisseuse on the north coast where it has possibly been introduced. It is
important as a game fish and for the aquarium trade based on breeding as well as capture from
the wild.
Millet/ Matawal (Crenicichlaalta)Inhibits clear and turbid free-flowing streams. Adults are
solitary; juveniles collect in grassy areas near the riverbanks. It is found in streams south of the
Northern Range.
Eleotris Pisonisare fresh and brackish water fish that live on the riverbed. Adults are found in
fresh water and estuaries, young found along the coast. It usually hides in vegetation along the
stream.
Knife Fish (Gymnotus carapo) are carnivorous and active by night, occurring in mostly quiet
streams and swamps. Those found in strongly flowing waters may bury themselves the
riverbed.
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Ecoengineering
environmentally appropriate
development for the Caribbean
BESTCRETE AGGREGATES LIMITED
EIA FOR MINING OF SAND AND GRAVEL
AT PINE ROAD, MATURA
ANNEX 3:
SPECIES NOTES
Mountain Mullet (Agonostomus monticola) Freshwater omnivorous species that moves
throughout the water column; adults in clear fast flowing freshwater streams, young occasionally
in brackish waters. Post larvae have been found at sea. Usually in small numbers or solitary
upstream but forming larger schools downstream. Found throughout Tobago and the streams
draining the north and northeastern coasts of Trinidad. It is a food fish based on some points of
capture on Trinidad.
River Catfish (Rhamdia quelen) lives on or near the river bed, species occurring in clear fast
flowing to slow turbid streams. It is found in the streams south of the Northern Range. The fish
is active at night and is consumed locally at the subsistence level.
Guppies (Poecilia reticulate)Freshwater species free swimming in the upper layers of the water
column; occurring in a wide range of habits from pristine mountain streams to heavily polluted
canals and drainage ditches. Guppies are able to tolerate a wide range of salinities. Theyare
widely distributed in streams south of the Northern Range and streams draining the western
side of the north coast in Trinidad. Also found in southwest Tobago. Feeds on zooplankton,
small insects and detritus. Livebearer, sperm storage in females, no parental care for offspring,
parents may even prey on their own young.
Jumping Guabine(Rivulushartii)is an egg layer which occurs from the upper regions of streams
to weakly brackish conditions in pools, turbid or clear water, streams, and drains. Widely
distributed in streams south of the Northern Range and streams draining the western side of the
north coast of Trinidad. Also found in southwest Tobago. Its distribution is similar to that of
P. reticulata.
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Ecoengineering
environmentally appropriate
development for the Caribbean
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