Question 1

How biodiverse is Trinidad and Tobago?

Accepted Answer

Trinidad and Tobago is exceptionally biodiverse relative to its size. The islands sit at the edge of the South American continent, giving them access to continental species pools not shared by most Caribbean islands. Over 490 bird species have been recorded, alongside 96 mammal species, more than 90 reptiles, and over 200 native orchid species. Several species are found nowhere else on Earth, including the Trinidad Piping-Guan (Pawi) and the Golden Tree Frog. This richness reflects the islands' proximity to Venezuela and the convergence of Amazonian and Caribbean biodiversity.

Question 2

What is the national bird of Trinidad and Tobago?

Accepted Answer

The national bird of Trinidad is the Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber), one of the most brilliantly coloured birds in the world. The national bird of Tobago is the Rufous-vented Chachalaca (Ortalis ruficauda), locally known as the Cocrico. Both appear on the national coat of arms. The Scarlet Ibis is best observed at the Caroni Swamp Bird Sanctuary, where thousands roost in the mangroves each evening.

Question 3

What is the national flower of Trinidad and Tobago?

Accepted Answer

The national flower of Trinidad and Tobago is the Chaconia (Warszewiczia coccinea), also known as Wild Poinsettia or Pride of Trinidad and Tobago. It blooms in brilliant red around the time of the anniversary of independence (31 August) and grows naturally along stream banks and in forest margins across Trinidad. The plant is named after the last Spanish governor of Trinidad, Don Jose Maria Chacon.

Question 4

What laws protect wildlife and the environment in Trinidad and Tobago?

Accepted Answer

Four primary statutes govern environmental and wildlife protection in Trinidad and Tobago. The Conservation of Wildlife Act (COWA, Chapter 67:01) protects wildlife and establishes twelve Game Sanctuaries. The Forests Act (Chapter 66:01) establishes Forest Reserves and Prohibited Areas. The Environmental Management Act (Act No. 3 of 2000) enables designation of Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) and Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS). The National Forest Policy 2011 sets the strategic direction for sustainable forest management. Together these instruments cover the full spectrum of habitat and species protection in the country.

Question 5

What animals are found only in Trinidad and Tobago?

Accepted Answer

Several species are endemic to Trinidad and Tobago or extremely limited in global range. The Trinidad Piping-Guan (Pawi, Pipile pipile) exists only in Trinidad and is Critically Endangered. The Golden Tree Frog (Phytotriades auratus) breeds only in a single bromeliad species on the summits of El Cerro del Aripo and El Tucuche. The Doctor Snake (Erythrolamprus ocellatus) is found only on Tobago. At least 59 endemic plant species have been recorded for Trinidad, 32 of which occur within the Northern Range.

Question 6

How many orchid species are native to Trinidad and Tobago?

Accepted Answer

Over 200 native orchid species have been recorded in Trinidad and Tobago, reflecting the continental influence of the South American mainland on the islands' flora. All wild orchids are listed under CITES Appendix II, meaning their international trade requires permits. The Northern Range and its epiphyte-rich cloud forests hold the greatest concentration of orchid diversity. Trinidad orchids of note include the Bucket Orchid (Coryanthes spp.), which has a highly specialised relationship with Eulaema bees for pollination.

Question 7

What is WEPTT's education portal?

Accepted Answer

WEPTT's education portal at weptt.org/education is a growing reference for anyone who wants to understand Trinidad and Tobago's natural environment. It covers three areas: educational profiles of the fauna (animals) found in T&T, profiles of the native flora (plants), and a guide to the legal framework that protects T&T's environment. Species profiles include identification, ecology, distribution, conservation status, and threat information.

Learn the law.
Know the land.
Protect what matters.

Three ways in

Animals of Trinidad & Tobago

Plants of Trinidad & Tobago

Legal Framework

Learn the law.Know the land.Protect what matters.

Three ways in

Animals of Trinidad & Tobago

Plants of Trinidad & Tobago

Legal Framework

Learn the law.
Know the land.
Protect what matters.