Download caroni swamp

CARONI SWAMP
Location/Description:
Located on the gulf of Paria 3.5 km from Port of Spain, the Caroni
Swamp is the largest mangrove swamp in the country, containing over
60% of the country’s mangrove. Caroni swamp drains the catchment
area of a significant portion of northwest and central Trinidad, an area
of 675sq.km, in which a significant portion of the population lives and
where the majority of the non-petroleum manufacturing and agricultural
sectors are located.
Several rivers and man-made drainage channels form an interesting
hydrological network, which is influenced by tides from the Gulf of
Paria and by drainage from the catchment area. The most notable of
these were cut during the 1930’s under the Ciprani Drainage scheme,
to control flooding and develop agricultural lands from the lagoon.
These schemes have fallen into disrepair with major breaches in the
embankments of the north-south canal and failure of the sluice gates.
The swamp is therefore dominated by brackish water conditions, with
freshwater marsh limited to small areas in the northwest corner of the
swamp.
The natural water courses of the swamp are the Caroni River, the Blue
River, Catfish River, Phagg River, Guayamare River and Madame
Espagnol River.
Legal & Policy Status:
 Prohibited Area under the Forests Act. (Legal Notice # 141 of
1987) 4,000 hectares.
 National Wetland Policy passed by Cabinet on July 2001.
 Forest Reserve proclaimed (1936)
 Three Wildlife Sanctuaries declared within the Forest Reserve
1953, 1966 (200 ha)
Boundaries: North – No. 9 Drain extending to the Blue River;
East – Uriah Butler Highway excluding private lands
west of the highway;
South – the Madame Espagnol River;
West – the Gulf of Paria.
Ownership:
Primarily State
Significance of Caroni Swamp
 Proposed Ramsar Site;
 Caroni part of larger regional ecosystem, not fully understood;
 Largest mangrove wetland in the country;
 Habitat to 190 bird species including migratory species;
 Scarlet Ibis potentially fragile species with limited distribution
and nesting habitat under threat globally;
 Breeding habitat for fish and shrimp that sustain fisheries in the
Gulf of Paria;
 Existence of a number of baseline studies providing
opportunities for sustainable models of development and
multiple use conservation areas;
 A number of local species that are rare / threatened
 Opportunities for education and public awareness.
Caroni Ecosystem
The ecological diversity is pronounced due to the existence of marshes
and mangrove swamp in close proximity. The wetland provides a
variety of habitats for flora and faunal species and supports a rich
biodiversity. It is a highly productive system that provides food
(organic production) and protection and is a nursery for marine and
freshwater species. This wetland also functions as a receiving and
absorbing body of land-based runoff and pollutants and is the natural
infrastructure for tourism. More than 90% of the lagoon is inundated for
most of the year and water depths range from 1-11 metres. Lagoons
and open mud flats, are exposed only at low tides. Salinity ranges from
4 0/00 to 30 0/00 with an average of 12.9 0/00.
Flora
Mangrove vegetation is dominates Caroni, but the freshwater marshes
include water grasses, sedges and lilies (the reeds). Mangroves are
important in shoreline stability and flood control.
Fauna
Over 190 species of birds, a significant number of which are migratory,
24 species of fin fish, including several commercially important species
such as tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), grey snapper (Lutjanus griseus)
and species of shrimp (Penaeus spp) which use the swamp as a
nursery.
Other important fauna found there include, the silky anteater (Cyclopes
didactylus), the crab eating racoon (Procyon cancrivorous), oysters
(Crassostrea rhizophorae), mangrove crab (Aratus pisonii), hairy crab
(Ucides cordatus) and the Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber).
Socio/Cultural activities:
Utilised extensively particularly with respect to fishing, harvesting of
crabs, oysters and eco-tourism. A section is used for agriculture and
industrial development.
Threats and stresses to Caroni
 Over-harvesting of shell fish and fin fish. Current levels and
methods of resource exploitation are not sustainable,
particularly for oysters and crabs.
 Poaching of animal and bird species including the Scarlet Ibis;
 Habitat disturbance caused primarily by the use of boats for
recreation and fishing, and perhaps for illegal activities;
 Salt water intrusion and the loss of the freshwater marshes;
 Pollution from the catchment area from industrial, agricultural
and domestic sources.
 Reclamation for road, housing and industrial development,
industrial and chemical pollution, poaching, unmanaged and
uncontrolled tourism, drainage modification
Root causes of threats
1. Inadequate administration: Resources for
administration and management of the Caroni Swamp
suffer from a number of constraints and limitations.
Lack of trained manpower and finance are compounded
by the absence of a clear management plan and
strategy for the area’s administration, resulting in poor
control of activities, unsustainable resource exploitation
and illegal activities.
2. Drainage and infrastructure: Successive drainage
projects have left the swamp incapable of sustaining its
freshwater habitat, altering the balance of freshwater
and brackish water ecology of the swamp. Diversion of
water upstream for domestic purposes has exacerbated
the freshwater deficit.
3. Lack of effluent regulations for water pollution.
Management issues for Caroni Swamp
1. Finalise a management plan for the area
2. Establish a management unit and train staff
3. Establish a study and monitoring programme
4. Restore of freshwater marsh habitat
5. Develop oyster and fisheries management programme
6. Tourism and visitor use planning
7. Participation of local communities in planning and management
8. Strengthen local capacity to manage
9. Develop education and awareness programmes
Present management of the protected area:
 Caroni Lagoon National Park and Bird Sanctuary Management
Committee.
 Forestry Division Wildlife Section
 National Wetlands Committee.
Additional Stakeholder Organisations
 Caribbean Forest Conservation Association (CFCA)
 Caroni Wetlands Scientific Trust
 Greenplains Foundation
 Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust
 T&T Field Naturalists Club
Some relevant bibliographic sources:
1. Wilson, T., Deare, F., January 2000. Report on the Social
Assessment of the Proposed Caroni National Park. Ministry of
Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources.
2. 1979. Management and Development Plan : Caroni Swamp
National Park. Forestry Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and
Fisheries.
3. Tyler, S., 1999. National Parks and Wildlife Management Project:
Coastal, Freshwater and Marine Areas Sub-component Technical
Report. World Bank/GEF Trinidad and Tobago.
NARIVA SWAMP
Location / Description
Nariva is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the Caribbean and
has the most varied plant and animal species of Trinidad’s wetlands. It
is important habitat to resident and migratory waterfowl and the only
remaining site in the country with populations of the anaconda
(Eunectes murinus) the West Indian Manatee (Trichecus manatus) and
the white-fronted capuchin monkey (Cebus albifrons trinitatus) – the
latter two being listed as globally endangered or threatened species on
the IUCN Red List (1997).
The proposed Nariva Managed Resource Area comprises a number of
different ecological and use zones, totalling approximately 7,000
hectares and including: the Plum Mitan Agricultural Scheme (Block A),
the large farmer rice area (Block B), the villages of Kernahan and
Cascadou, the Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary, Sand Hill, the Nariva
River, the Manatee Pond and the Cocal Sandbar.
Nariva Swamp is situated on the East Coast of Trinidad about 50 km
southeast of Port-of-Spain. The site includes the Nariva Swamp
Prohibited Area, Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Ortoire
Nariva Windbelt Forest Reserve.
Legal and Policy Status
 Prohibited Area under the Forests Act. (Legal Notice # 78 of
1993)
 National Wetland Policy passed by Cabinet on July 2001.
 Forest Reserve – Nariva Windbelt Reserve 1954
 Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary 1968
Significance of Nariva Swamp
 The country’s only designated Ramsar site under the
International Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar), Nariva was
also listed on the Montreux Record of seriously threatened
wetlands;
 One of largest freshwater swamps in the Caribbean;
 High levels of biodiversity – the greatest of wetlands in the
country;
 Presence of globally endangered species (West Indian
manatee, white-fronted capuchin). The white-fronted capuchin
is a unique subspecies endemic to Trinidad;
 A number of local species that are rare / threatened;
 Use by migratory birds;
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Presence of a variety of land and resource uses presenting
opportunities for sustainable rural development;
Presence of baseline studies and on-going studies with
opportunities for research by international institutions;
Opportunities for education and public awareness.
Flora
There are four principal wetland vegetation types in Nariva Swamp –
freshwater marsh, palm swam, freshwater swampwoods and
mangrove.
 The freshwater marsh is the predominant vegetation type
consisting of floating and rooted grasses, sedges and
herbaceous plants that provide habitat and food for fauna
including waterfowl.
 The freshwater swampwoods are found in the northeastern
areas of the swamp and the elevated areas of Bois Neuf, Sand
Hill and Bush Bush.
 The palm swamp consists primarily of royal/palmiste and
moriche palms and Roseau. It provides habitat for the macaws
and parrots including the blue and yellow macaw (Ara
ararauna) that has been recently reintroduced into the area
having been locally extirpated.
 The mangrove is restricted to the eastern part f the swamp
along the Nariva River, with six species being present.
The Nariva Swamp supports one of only two communities in Trinidad
of the Moriche palm (Mauritia spp). The palmiste palm (Roystonea
oleracea) exists here and is presently under severe threat because of
the unsustainable harvesting of the meristems (palm hearts) primarily
for the local cuisine. The trees are destroyed for poaching of nests of
young parrots for the pet trade.
Bush Bush Island hosts true hardwood forest. The main canopy is
about 21– 24 m with a few emergents reaching up to 30 m. There is
secondary canopy of 12-15 m, consisting of timite palms, while the
forest floor is made up of tirite and seedling trees.
Fauna
Over 594 animal species identified in Nariva. 179 bird species
including 25 species of waterfowl, 45 species of mammals including
the manatee and monkeys, 32 species of bats, tree porcupine an the
anteater and 92 species of mosquito.
Important birds include the blue heron (Ardea herodias), great egret
(Egretta alba), snowy egret (E. thula), green backed heron (butorides
striatus), and some highly endangered birds such as the blue and
yellow macaw (Ara ararauna at least locally highly endangered,
probable extinct), red-bellied macaw (A. manilata) and dickcissel
(Spiza americana).
Amongst the mammals are the Red howler monkey (Alouatta
seniculus), white fronted capuchin (Cebus albifrons), the manatee
(trichechus manatus) which is globally threatened.
There are recorded at the Bush Bush Sanctuary and countless species
of fish. Reptiles include caiman (Caiman crocodilus) and matte
(Tupinambis negropunctatus). The site also hosts the snakes
anaconda (Eunectes Murinus) and fer–de-lance (Bothrops atrox).
Threats and stresses to Nariva
 Land clearance for rice farming and watermelon cultivation;
 Alterations to the hydrology of the swamp;
 Saltwater intrusion;
 Fire;
 Coastal erosion of the Cocal sandbar;
 Poaching, including the illegal use of trap guns;
 Pesticide pollution;
 Illegal felling of mangroves for bark to the tanning industry,
 Felling of palms for hearts and parrots.
 Squatting;
 Illegal cultivation of marijuana;
 Overharvesting of black conch, cascadou, crabs and oysters;
 Trapping of birds for the pet trade;
Root causes of threats
4. Inadequate administration: Resources for
administration and management of the Nariva Swamp
suffer from a number of constraints and limitations,
resulting in poor management and lack of control of the
activities that affect the area.
5. Lack of opportunity and security for communities: The
surrounding communities are poor and rural, lacking
basic amenities such as electricity, reliable water supply
and telephones. There are outstanding land tenure
issues for agricultural lands. Lack of opportunity and
security has contributed to unsustainable resource
exploitation.
Management Issues for Nariva Swamp
1. Finalise a management plan, with the input of stakeholders and
communities;
2. Establish a management unit and train staff;
3. Establish a study and monitoring programme;
4. Enhance fire control programme;
5. Restore of freshwater marsh habitat;
6. Protection and recovery programmes for threatened and
endangered species;
7. Develop and encourage income-generating activities for
communities;
8. Strengthen local capacity to manage;
9. Develop education and awareness programmes;
Socio-cultural activities
Several communities are largely dependant on the swamp for their
social and economic needs. They use it for hunting, commercial and
subsistence fishing, catching of conch and crabs, gathering of firewood
from the forest and plants products for use in the craft industry.
Several species of birds are caught mainly for the pet trade. Herds of
water buffaloes are kept in the marsh, where their presence prevents
the vegetation from becoming too dense and dominated by phragmites
spp.
There is a limited access to the area, limiting recreational activities to
bird watching, boating, hiking and fishing on a small scale. Ecotours
are conducted by tour guides and several NGO’s and clubs visit the
area regularly for pleasure and research.
Community education by Wildlife officers is ongoing in the area, with
lectures and field visits on the importance of wetlands are conducted
by wildlife officers to school children. The residents have an increased
awareness and appreciation of the importance of the wetland due to
continued exposure to education and environmental issues.
Present Management
 Wildlife Section, Forestry Division responsible for conservation
of biodiversity.
 North Regional Office, Ministry of Agriculture responsible for
agricultural activities.
 State Lands Divisions responsible for Land tenure.
Additional Stakeholder Organisations
 PRIDE Plum Mitan Residents In Developing Ecotourism
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Nariva Conservation Foundation
Manatee Conservation Trust
Some relevant bibliographic sources:
1. Institute of Marine Affairs 1998.
Environmental Impact
Assessment of the Nariva Swamp (Biche Bois Neuf Area).
Document prepared for the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and
Marine Resources.
2. Institute of Marine Affairs 1999. Draft Technical Report for the
Nariva Management Plan: Wetlands Ecology.
Document
prepared for the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine
Resources.
3. Tyler, S., 1999. National Parks and Wildlife Management
Project: Coastal, Freshwater and Marine Areas Sub-component
Technical Report. World Bank/GEF Trinidad and Tobago.
Trinity Hills
Location /Description
The Trinity Hills forms the eastern part of the Southern Range, so
named by first sighting of the island by Columbus, who recognized
three hills of the range. The area’s historic value is the naming of
Trinidad.
The Trinity Hills Wildlife Sanctuary contains the last virgin forest
ecosystem characterised as being representative of Beard’s evergreen
seasonal forest type in the south of the country. It has relatively
untouched examples of crappo-guatecare-fineleaf-carat type as well as
acurel-mousarra-gommier forest.
There is steep terrain throughout the area changing to a more
undulating topography immediately to the north ranging from 15 m to a
maximum elevation of 300m at Mt. Derrick. Land capability studies
indicate that due to the topography of the land, it should be left under
indigenous forest cover.
Despite the fact that oil exploration and production and logging have
occurred there for a number of decades, much of the area has retained
its original cover.
The Trinity Hills Wild Life Sanctuary should be managed to maintain
the forest cover for the protection of catchment areas of the various
streams and rivers that rise in the reserve and to provide a sanctuary
for wild animals. It is also important to protect the ecosystem and
natural cultural features of the area and at the same time provide
opportunities for research and educational use.
Legal and Policy Status
 Prohibited Area under the Forests Act. 1989
 Trinity Hills Reserve was established in 1900, proclaimed in
1922.
 Reserve was extended and proclaimed in 1938.
 The Wildlife Sanctuary forms three main parts of the Reserve,
and proclaimed in 1934.
 The Reserve along with adjoining Reserves were united in
1954 to form the Victoria/Mayaro Reserve.
 In 1980 a part of Trinity Hills Sanctuary was included in the
system of National Parks to be managed as a Scientific
Reserve.
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The Sanctuary was under Mining lease to Texaco and Tesoro
Oil Companies from 1950.
Boundaries:
North- Moruga Reserve and East boundary to the Old Rio Claro
Guayaguayare Road.
East – Old Rio Claro Guayaguayare Road at Eastern boundary Of
Victoria/Mayaro Reserve, then to the Reserve boundary line to the
sea.
West – Boundary line between counties of Mayaro and Victoria to the
sea at Canary Point.
South – The sea at the Columbus Channel.
Ownership
The proposed protected area is 8246 hectares, the second largest of
the officially listed protected areas on the island, and solely the
property of the state.
Significance of Trinity Hills
 Only pristine forest ecosystem in the south of the country and
best undisturbed example of crappo-guatecare and acurelmoussara associations.
 Fauna rich and varied including the ocelot (Felis pardalis), and
various vulnerable bird populations including the Pawi, Lined
quail dove, Plumbeous kite.
Flora:
The Sanctuary is a good representation of the Crappo-Guatecare
association, which has two faciations in different locations of the
sanctuary, one characterised by the Bois Mulatre and Carat and the
other Mora forest. Some of the trees found in the Bois Mulatre-Carat
forest are Crappo, Wild Chataigne and Guatecare and in the Mora
forest, there are some lower storey trees such as Bois Pois and
Cooperhoop.
Fauna:
This is habitat for a very diverse fauna with recordings of sixteen
mammals such as Lappe, Agouti, Quenk, Tattoo, Deer, Anteaters,
Porcupines, Manicous, Tayras and Squirrels. The rare Ocelot,
Capuchin and Howler monkeys are also found there. There is an
abundance of reptiles such as Morocoys, Galaps, Iguana and Matte,
Bush master, Fer de Lance, Cascabel and Macajuel. Thirty-one birds
have been recorded but it is expected that this figure is actually much
lower than the actual value. Most of the recorded species are common
forest species except for two endangered species the Mountain QuailDove and Pawi.
Threats and Stresses to Trinity Hills
 Sectors have been altered by oil exploration and timber
extraction;
 Pollution from oil exploration and operations affecting both land
and rivers;
 Illegal hunting and poaching;
 Illegal cultivation of marijuana;
Management Issues for Trinity Hills
 Lack of a Management Plan.
 Maintenance and protection of Sanctuary.
 Threat of oil pollution on both land and water oil exploitation
activities.
 Effects of industry on the sanctuary e.g.: Encroachment and competition for land space.
 Protection of area from illegal hunting, squatting and fires.
 Main integrity of watersheds
 Water quality.
Preliminary Recommendations
 Develop a strategic Management Plan for the area.
 Oil companies to clean-up polluted areas.
 Oil companies to implement preventative measures addressing oil
leaks and spills.
 Oil companies to assist funding research.
 Security to corporate with forestry staff to prevent illegal logging,
hunting, squatting and marijuana planting.
 Plan for industrial and environmental compatibility.
 Enlist the cooperation of all stakeholders e.g.:- local groups,
hunters associations, EMA, environmentalists, researchers.
 Conduct research e.g.:- wildlife, water resources, forests, social,
MATURA
Location/Description:
Includes the Rio Seco/Salybia watershed on the south, the Shark and
Grande Riviere watersheds in the north and state lands of the Eastern
Northern Range. Due to the terrain there are many scenic rivers with a
number of falls and cascades. It is one of the best accessible areas for
a combination of freshwater and seawater bathing.
Matura lies within the area of the Northern Range that has unbroken
continuous virgin forest cover rare for the Caribbean islands. The area
also boasts the most outstanding representation of Mora forest (Mora
excelsa) remaining in the country. Almost half of the proposed park
consists of evergreen forest with another significant portion being
montane forest with excellent examples of serrette-wild debasse-bois
gris forest type.
This largely pristine area provides excellent habitat for wildlife,
including some locally rare and endangered species (pawi, ocelot) and
its rivers contain relict South American fish fauna.
Legal and Policy status:
 Matura Forest Reserve and extensions (1923, 1958, 1959) ;
 TIDCO Tourism Master Plan (TMP 1995) encompassed much
of the Northern Range in a planned Conservation area to
encourage eco-based tourism;
Ownership:
Primarily State, although small parcels of privately owned or leased
land exist within the proposed boundaries of the Park, especially in the
Salybia area.
Size of area: 8200 hectares
Significance of Matura
 Most outstanding representation of Mora forest (Mora excelsa)
remaining in the country;
 One of the remaining refuges for the endangered pawi (Pipile
pipile), an endemic race to Trinidad, and the Ocelot (Felis
pardalis);
 Matura also comprises typical habitat of the relict South
American fishes, with the northern draining rivers having
representative Antillean fish fauna dominated by gobees,
mountain mullets, cling fishes and several sea-run species;
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A number of local species that are rare / threatened including
cage birds;
Outstanding scenic rivers and mountainous terrain;
Possible location of the regionally rare or endangered local
orchid Oncidium citrinum;
Area increasingly becoming a focus of tourism activities;
The National Park would provide opportunities for
environmental education, research, interpretation and
recreation;
Area can facilitate better understanding of forest ecology and
biological resources in Trinidad;
Flora
Main flora species is defined by the Mora faciation (Mora excelsa).
Occurrence of species important for research into the conservation
and sustainable use of biodiversity, such as indicator species: Local
orchids
Fauna
The pristine nature of the area provides excellent wildlife habitat. Main
faunal representation include Red Brocket ‘deer’, agouti, lappe,
collared peccary, Iguana, Prehensile-tailed porcupines, anteaters,
tayra, red howler monkeys, manicou, squirrel, yellow headed parrots,
Blue and Gold macaws, Collared trogon, Bearded bell bird. The area
also acts as one of the remaining refuges for the endangered pawi
(Pipile pipile) and the Ocelot (Felis paradalis).
Matura also comprises typical habitat of the relict South American
fishes, which derived from species that, lived in the rivers and streams
at the time when Trinidad was connected to the mainland. The rivers
draining the Northern range to the north represents an Antillean fish
fauna dominated by gobees, mountain mullets, cling fishes and several
sea-run species.
Occurrence of species important for research into the conservation
and sustainable use of biodiversity in the area include the Ocelot (used
as an indicator specie due to the size of the home range required) and
leather back turtles.
Ecosystem
Vegetation types entail primarily of the Evergreen Seasonal Forest of
which Mora is the predominant species (Mora faciation). There is also
Lower Montane Rain Forest possessing excellent examples of
Serrette-wild debasse-bois gris (Byrsonima-Licania).
Other species found in this montane association is ‘mahoe’, ‘wild
cocoa’ and ‘wild kaimit’. Many of the species in the canopy layer are
more or less confined to this association and reach their optimal
development there. The formation is confined to the foothills of the
Northern Range between altitudes of 540 and 760m and is a reflection
of increased moisture brought by the mountain conditions.
Socio/Cultural
Proposed plans for the Matura National Park will touch nearly every
community in northeast Trinidad. Community consultations conducted
in relation to the designation of National Park revealed a perceived set
of ‘ownership’ rights over the forest.
The communities surrounding the park are predominantly small
villages populated by families with historical residence in the area.
There is a high level of sensitisation to conservation issues in the area
as demonstrated by a number of CBO’s and NGOs, some of which are
actively involved in conservation activities, including the protection of
the Leatherback Turtle at Matura and Grande Riviere.
Threats and Stresses
 Squatting,
 Illegal logging,
 Animal populations under pressure from hunting, poaching and
harvesting for the pet trade;
 unmanaged and uncontrolled tourism and development,
 no fire protection programme,
 little knowledge of the Park’s biological resources,
 lack of official staff
 high unemployment within the area can lead unsustainable
resource use.
Management Issues for Matura
1. Establish a management unit and train staff;
2. Finalise a management plan, with the input of stakeholders and
communities;
3. Incorporate communities and their organisations in implementation
of management plans;
4. Establish a study and monitoring programme;
5. Enhance fire control programme;
6. Develop and encourage income-generating activities for
communities;
7. Strengthen and support local initiatives and capacity to manage;
8. Develop education and awareness programmes;
Present Management
Additional Stakeholder Organisations
 Grande Riviere Nature Tour Guides Association
 Nature Seekers
 Stakeholders Against Destruction (SAD) for Toco
 Toco Foundation
ARIPO SAVANNA SCIENTIFIC RESERVE.
Description / Location:
The Aripo Savannas is located in North Central Trinidad between
Arima and Sangre Grande and to the east of the Caroni plains
within the Long Stretch Forest Reserve. Aripo Savannas is the
largest remaining natural savanna in the country.
Fanning out from the foothills of the Northern Range lie old alluvial
terraces, on which the Aripo Savannas are to be found. These
terraces consist of layers of sands, gravels and clays that have
been mined locally for the construction industry.
Aripo Savannas has an international reputation for its unusual flora
in striking vegetation communities. It is one of the more intensively
studied areas of natural ecosystems in Trinidad. Of the 457
species identified so far, 31 are restricted to the Aripo Savannas
with 16 to 20 that are rare or threatened. The ten open savanna
communities characterises the ‘savannas’ which have low growing
herbaceous vegetation caused by an impervious hardpan layer a
few centimetres below the soil surface. The soils are also
extremely poor creating a stressful environment for the plants, that
have adapted survival mechanisms such as trapping insects and
nematodes as food. The hardpan prevents larger plants from
establishing themselves except as isolated individuals and in larger
pockets where the palm marsh communities have become
established.
The area has been subjected to various human activities including
quarrying, logging, poaching, fires, establishment of pine
plantations, residential and agricultural squatting, railway and road
construction and drainage channels.
Legal and Policy Status:
 1987 area declared Prohibited Area under the Forests Act.(
Legal Notice # 113 of 1987)
 Part of the Long Stretch Forest Reserve (1953)
Boundaries:
Northern Boundary – the Valencia River
Eastern Boundary – the Eastern Main Road
Southern Boundary – disused railway line
Western Boundary – the Aripo River
The 1800 hectares of the Savannas are State owned.
Significance of the Aripo Savannas
 The complex of habitats making up the Aripo savanna scientific
reserve possess characteristics not seen else where in the
country coupled with the high density of rare, threatened,
endemic and possible endemic species, the ecosystem can be
considered as unique;.
 Largest remaining natural savanna in the country;
 31 plant species restricted to the Savannas, of which 16-20 are
rare or threatened and between 4-15 are endemics;
 International reputation for its unusual flora in striking
vegetation communities;
Human Activities:
The area has been used for several purposes such as:
 Pre 1956 – US Military activities (drainage).
 1994 – Quarrying activities and clearing of a WASA right of
way.
 Agricultural activity.
 Squatting
 Hunting / Fishing
 Scientific research
ECOSYSTEM
Ecosystem Diversity:
Habitats have been identified in this area based on the dominant
vegetation type, with a total of 457 plant species recorded so far.
These have been categorized into six vegetation communities
each having distinct characteristics as follows: Open Savanna,
Palm Marsh, Marsh Forest, Palm Island, Intermittent Open Water,
Trackside.
1. Open Savanna, these vegetation community are divided
into ten separate areas. Vegetation found here are grasses,
sedges and herbs; the soil is thin with a hardpan layer close
to the surface preventing larger plants from establishing in
the area. The soils of this area are infertile and organisms
in this area have adapted to these conditions, 95 species
have been recorded for this community type.
2. Marsh Forest, These are the communities that cover most
of the reserve, the dominant vegetation type being forest
species. There is little overlap between open savanna and
marsh forest and 118 plant species have been recorded for
this community type.
3. Palm Marshes and Palm Islands, these are found at the
fringes of open savannas or as islands in the savannas and
are characterized by stands of moriche palms.
4. Intermittent open water and Trackside, these habitats are
due to human activities, which have disturbed the area and
resulted in these modified habitats.
Fauna Diversity:
A species list of the area has been compiled (Schwab 1987-8). and
includes invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and
mammals.
Possibility for ecotourism and other form of sustainable use of
biodiversity:
The area has been designated as a scientific reserve and as such
access to the area is regulated by a permit system. A proposal has
been forwarded by a Community based organization (CBO) for the
co-management of the area and this proposal includes plans for
the development of the eco tourism industry in this area.
Threats to the protected area:
 Loss of rare, threatened or endemic species.
 Modification of habitats resulting from human activities.
 Quarrying
 Agricultural activities
 Squatting
 Hunting/fishing.
Present Management of the protected area:
The Forestry Division currently manages the area.
Additional Stakeholder Organisations
Sundew Tour Guiding Services
T&T Orchid Society
T&T Field Naturalists Club
Some relevant bibliographic sources:
1. Joseph, I., Oatham, M., 2001. Aripo Savannas Stakeholder
Consultation Issues Document. Sundew Tourguiding Services.
2.
BUCCOO REEF/ BON ACCORD LAGOON COMPLEX
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location:
This complex is found on the leeward coast of
southwestern Tobago. It is approximately six miles
(as the crow flies) from Scarborough.
Elevation:
Mean sea level to 30m below sea level.
Salinity:
Saline
Ownership: (a) Site, (b) Surrounding areas
(a) CLICO, Angostura Ltd. Ansa AcAL, Mt. Pleasant
Credit Union, Private owner – Gibson Babeeny
(b) National Housing Authority, Private owners –
houses and hotels.
Legal & Policy Status:
 In 1973 the area was designated a restricted area under the
Marine Areas Preservation and Enhancement Act of 1970. It is
the only Marine Park in Trinidad and Tobago.
 1990 Buccoo Reef and Bon Accord Lagoon included as a
CARICOMP site (regional scientific programme and network of
marine laboratories, parks and reserves to study land-sea
interaction processes in the Wider Caribbean)

International Status: Proposed Ramsar site
Human Activities:
The area has been used as a Tourist attraction (tours on glass
bottom boats, scuba diving, snorkeling and bathing); to support a
local fishing industry, for recreational purposes, scientific research
and education (school visits, information visits, environmental
videos and lectures.)
Cultural Heritage:
PLANTS
Diversity:
The complex is dominated by three main habitats or
vegetation types, these are: Coral reef, Sea grass
beds and mangrove swamps. Whilst the complex is
not the only one of its kind on the island, it is the
largest and most impacted.
Occurrence of endemic species:
None.
Occurrence of globally and or regionally rare or
endangered species:
None.
Occurrence of wild relatives of domesticated or cultivated
species:
None.
Occurrence of species important for the research into the
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, such as
indicator species:
None.
ANIMALS
Diversity:
A species list for the area has been complied
(Juman, 2001). The species diversity includes: more
than 117 species of birds, 42 coral species, 24
molluscan species etc.
Occurrence of endemic species:
Unlikely.
Occurrence of globally and or regionally rare or
endangered species:
Green turtles have been observed on the reef and
feeding on seagrass beds.
Occurrence of wild relatives of domesticated or cultivated
species:
Unlikely.
Occurrence of species important for research into the
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, such as
indicator species:
Unlikely.
ECOSYSTEM ETC.
Ecosystem Diversity:
Ecosystems within this complex have been recorded
as follows:
1. A coral reef which is characterized by five
emergent platforms
each of which are seaward of the reef lagoon.
2.
Sea grass beds which cover an area of 54.3 ha
and are dominated
by turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum). Other
species of sea grass observed are Halodule
wrightti and Halophila decipiers. These sea
grass beds are further interspersed by macro
algae species.
3. The mangrove forests represent the largest
mangrove forest on the island covering an area
of 88.8 ha. These forests are fringe forests
dominated by red mangrove (Rhizophora
mangale) with areas of black mangrove
(Avicennia
germinans),
white
mangrove
(Laguncularia racemosa) and the buttonwood
mangrove (Conocarpus ertus).
Occurrence of unique ecosystems:
This complex is the best example of contiguous coral
reef, seagrass bed and mangrove swamp in Tobago.
Importance of protected area for research:
……………………………………..
……………………………………..
Size of the protected area:
The complex is estimated to be 151.8ha.
Possibility for ecotourism and other form of sustainable
use of biodiversity:
The area is already used for ecotourism, via tours,
however, a system needs to be developed to regulate
this activity.
Participation of local communities in the management of
the protected area:
To be determined.
Accessibility of the protected area:
The coral reef and sea grass beds are accessible via
boats however the mangrove forest is accessible by
land.
Present management of the protected area:
The area is managed by several departments of the Tobago house
of Assembly:
1. The Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries,
2. Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
The Ministry of Environment also assists in the administration of
the area.
Related Organisations
 Institute of Marine Affair
 UWI
 Buccoo Reef Marine Trust
Threats to the protected area:
1. Physical damage due to reef walking, harvesting
of corals and dropping of anchors.
2. Sewage pollution resulting in nutrient enrichment
and increased turbidity and overall reduction in
conditions conducive to reef growth.
3. Improper sewage treatment from hotels and
residential areas adjacent to the complex.
4. Agro chemicals used on land and entering the
complex via run off results in nutrient enrichment
and other adverse conditions for reef growth.
5. Land clearing for development activities.