Little Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago Photograph by David J. Emerson   Islands of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean Tropical and Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests   100 square miles (300 square kilometers) -- about twice the size of Washington DC Critical/Endangered

· Gumbo-limbos and Guavas
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
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Gumbo-limbos and Guavas

You would have to travel only 7 miles (11 km) from the coast of Venezuela to reach the island of Trinidad. Its partner island, Tobago, lies another 19 miles (30 km) to the northeast. These two islands form an independent nation. Although large portions of these islands have been developed for agriculture, you'll find patches of dry forest on the eastern tip of Tobago and in the northwest corner of Trinidad. Here you'll find trees such as gumbo-limbos, saltfishwoods, wild tamarinds, wild guavas, and the yellow poui tree, known for its beautiful flowers. Most of the trees shed their leaves in the dry season, but the evergreen species retain their small, leathery leaves year-round. Below the trees, a mixture of cactuses, succulent agave plants, and terrestrial bromeliads covers the forest floor. Wander through these forests and you'll hear birds call, insects buzz, and mammals howl.

Special Features

Trinidad and Tobago lie in the southeastern tip of the Caribbean. Trinidad was once part of the South American mainland but is now separated by the Gulf of Paria. Tobago is also thought to have been connected to the mainland at some point. Due to their geographical position, these islands are occupied by plants and animals of both Caribbean and South American origins. For example, these islands show a spectacular convergence of Caribbean and South American bird life, with more than 400 species sighted on Trinidad. But there are no bird species endemic to either island because they are so close to the mainland.

	A wide variety of bats can be found on Trinidad and Tobago, including insect eaters, fruit eaters, nectar drinkers, fish eaters, and blood drinkers.

Wild Side

If you want to see the wildlife of this dry ecoregion, you should be sure to visit Chaguaramas National Park, which encompasses the Chaguaramas Peninsula (the westernmost tip of Trinidad) and several offshore islands. More than ten species of palm trees grow here, including the royal palm. Chaguaramas National Park is also known for its population of red howler monkeys, a species found nowhere else in the Caribbean. Their loud calls ring out as they travel through the forest in troops. Ocelots hide in thick brush during the day, coming out at night to hunt for small mammals, iguanas, fish, and birds. Other mammals found in the dry forests include agoutis--slender rodents that resemble large rats, and pacas--stocky brown rodents that are a prized game animal. Many birds inhabit these dry forests. Orange-winged parrots forage in the trees, while black-faced antthrushes hunt for food on the forest floor. Silver-spot and monarch butterflies flit through the low trees, while gray and broad-winged hawks soar overhead. When the sun goes down, bats fly from their roosts and reclaim the skies.

Cause for Concern

There is very little dry forest left due to agricultural and tourist developments, heavy recreational use, and firewood gathering. Fires are a serious threat for the remaining dry forest.

For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report.