Aquatic Communities
There are a number of wetland habitats on both Trinidad and Tobago that foster vital aquatic ecosystems.
The Bon Accord Lagoon on Tobago is a vital mangrove habitat and home to a population of Spectacled Caimans as well as a number of wetland bird species.
The Caroni Swamp on the west coast of Trinidad has a fairly high level of salinity (compared to other major wetlands on the island) and is an important breeding habitat for several bird species (including magnificent flocks of Scarlet Ibis (one of the National Birds)) and several marine fishes and invertebrates.
The Nariva Swamp of the east coast is the largest freshwater swamp on Trinidad and has a RAMSAR convention status of Wetland of International Importance. It is home to a vast array of aquatic life, including a small population of West Indian Manatees, green anacondas, caimans, mata mata turtles and Suriname toads. The plant community in the swamp include various mangroves, Moriche Palms and Bloodwood Trees. Red bellied macaws (in addition to other parrot species) still forage among the palms in the Nariva Swamp.
There are many rivers and streams throughout the islands, particularly in the Northern Range of Trinidad. The guppy was first described from specimens obtained in the streams of Trinidad.
Read more about this topic: Natural History Of Trinidad And Tobago
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