Tobago’s natural history

Tobago was once joined to the South American mainland (but not to Trinidad!), and has inherited a continental legacy of plants, birds, insects, mammals and topography. Its small size, 21 miles long and seven miles wide, offers easy access to tropical rain forests, idyllic white sand beaches, waterfalls and lagoons.

Tobago’s rich natural environment

Tip: To get the most out of your eco-experience, it’s best to go with an experienced tour operator or guide.

World-renowned biodiversity

For centuries, Tobago’s unique worth has been appreciated and protected, on both land and sea. Tobago’s central mountain range, the Main Ridge (rising to 876m/1,890ft), encompasses the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere, which became a reserve in 1764. In 1973, Buccoo Reef was designated a nationally protected marine area. The Buccoo Reef/Bon Accord Lagoon Complex is the island’s first Ramsar Site, recognised as a wetland of international importance. It embraces the ancient inshore coral reef system on the leeward coast and the Bon Accord mangrove swamps and seagrass beds, where the rarely seen green sea turtle may be found.

Landscape

In the north, a central spine of hills and valleys, a remnant of Tobago’s connection to a sunken mountain chain arising from the South American continental shelf, rises to approximately 1,890 feet and includes the western hemisphere’s oldest protected forest reserve, the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve. The southwest of the island is a mostly flat – undulating in parts – coral deposit. All over this part of the island chunks of coral litter the beaches, roadside and excavation spots. The rainforest hills of the north and the flats of the south are divided by a middle grassy upland area around Arnos Vale. A defined watershed from here to the Forest Reserve gives rise to waterfalls, rivers and streams. There are swamps and mangroves close to the ocean.

Flora

A mixture of sunshine, rain, humidity and early morning dew produces a lush, islandwide garden of thriving flora. Various ecosystems support a persistent variety of plant species. They include tropical rain forest, lower montane rain forest, swamp communities, mangroves, seasonal evergreen forest, deciduous seasonal forest, rocky coastlines, and even overhanging phone cables. Tobago’s (geologically recent) separation from the South American continent means that Tobago has fewer endemic species than islands further north, and the flora is similar to that found on the continental mainland.

Fauna

A high percentage of Tobago’s original fauna was lost during colonial times, but there is still much to see, including 12 species of mammals, five species of marine turtles (including the endangered giant leatherback), 16 species of lizard, 14 species of frog, 17 species of bats, 133 species of butterflies including the impressive Blue Emperor, and 25 species of snake (none of them poisonous). And with 210 recorded bird species, sanctuaries like the island of Little Tobago off the northeast coast, a large migratory seabird population and a variety of colourful human-friendly species like the bananaquit, blue tanager and mot-mot, Tobago is a favourite of ornithologists.

Aquatic environment

The teeming submarine life of Tobago’s calm, clear waters and coral reefs will impress underwater explorers. The marine eco-system is nutrient-rich and includes a variety of reef types. Buccoo Reef in the southwest is relatively shallow, while in the northeast coral-encrusted rock formations give way to deep open ocean and its accompanying sea creatures, including sharks, marlin and dolphins. At the southern end of the island, near the airport, red and black mangroves predominate on the coastal limits, and are bordered by intertidal forest communities. Due to brackish waters plant diversity is low here; but sheltered spawning grounds accommodate a variety of aquatic species.

A world of biodiversity in a nutshell

Tobago has an incredible degree of biodiversity for its small size. Its abundance of flora and fauna include:

  • 210 recorded bird species
  • 133 species of butterflies (including the impressive blue emperor)
  • 25 species of snake (none of them poisonous)
  • 17 species of bats
  • 14 species of frog
  • 12 species of mammals
  • 5 species of marine turtles (including the endangered giant leatherback)
  • 6 species of lizard

Tips & tricks for exploring

  • Permits are needed for some locations and activities (like camping and turtle-watching), but any reputable guide or tour operator will arrange these
  • Don’t attempt a long hike or eco adventure without a reputable, certified guide: it’s easy to get lost or have an accident
  • Snakebites and scorpion stings are rare; the biggest natural danger is the Portuguese Man-o’-War, and the sap and fruit of the manchineel tree (most common on beaches). Seek local advice on whether these are present
  • When turtle watching, do not use flash photography, touch or otherwise disturb nesting turtles, as this can cause them severe distress
  • Keep Tobago clean: don’t discard your rubbish in waterways and in the outdoors. This can cause flooding and environmental pollution

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