Wild Tobago

Faraaz Abdool looks at birds on Tobago and on Trinidad, and comments on the amazing diversity that distinguishes Tobagonians from Trinidadians! All photos by Faraaz Abdool   Our two islands, Trinidad and Tobago, boast an astonishing tally of bird species recorded over the course of recent ornithological history. For such small land area, TT’s species count of 492 catapults our tiny nation to the second highest global ranking in terms of species density. The expansion of scientific knowledge and understanding has direct repercussions on this total; more information on bird genetics leads to some species being split and others being lumped together. More often than not, it is the former that plays out as we learn more about the lives of our feathered friends.   The stellar example is the bird that adorns the $5 note – formerly known as the Blue-crowned Motmot, it was a bird found on both islands as well as across southern Central and northern South America. Studies revealed that

Joanne Husain shares some unheralded Tobago beaches, just off the main roads and safe for exploration. All photos by Joanne Husain   Tobago’s coastline may not be vast, but it is scalloped with no shortage of beautiful beaches. Sands range from sugar-white to golden to volcanic black. Alluring turquoise waters are never out of reach. Generally speaking, beaches in the southwest are subject to heavier traffic than those in the northeast. While some beaches have facilities, the majority remain authentic and untamed. Every beach has its distinctive charm and holds a special value. Here are three picks from the Caribbean side of the island:   The panoramic view of the greater Man O War Bay from Hermitage Bay. Photo by Joanne Husain Stonehaven Bay   Along a stretch of south Tobago’s Caribbean coastline - between Mt. Irvine and Black Rock - lies the very accessible and picturesque Stonehaven Bay, also called Grafton Beach. Getting to Stonehaven Bay is simple: there is a clear sig

Every new technology and sustainable intention will affect the ocean. Dr Anjani Ganase, marine biologist, laments the idea that the ocean seems still ripe for exploitation.   Currently there are three long-standing drivers of change impacting ocean biodiversity – over exploitation, pollution and climate change. Expanding human appetites continue to chip away at natural resources, with no regard for other life and without proper management of waste. In addition to these chronic conditions, a recent study produced a global checklist of emerging issues that are likely to become substantial in the next five to ten years. Several marine scientists, practitioners, policy makers around the world surveyed the likely issues affecting our ocean. The major issues emerge under the themes of ecosystem impacts, resource exploitation and the consequences of new technology and shifting standards. Here we review some of the major impacts on the ocean in the near future.   Ocean world: 70% of the

  So you are thinking of studying marine science? Dr Anjani Ganase shares some of her reasons for becoming a marine biologist.     Why get into Marine Biology   The marine world was accessible and fascinating, growing up on a small island. Trinidad and Tobago has more exposure to the ocean than most other places we think about. Small Island States make up a population of about 63 million people or less than one percent of the global population. The ecology of islands is closely tied to the ocean. Growing up, I was able to hike through the northern range and follow rivers leading to the ocean. I spent most of my time at beaches with my head underwater. My parents made sure that I learned how to swim. My grandfather was a fisherman in his spare time; he would take me snorkelling Down De Islands.    Going for a dive. Photo Courtesy Christophe Bailhache     What to study in high school. And where to go to university I was interested in sciences at school and did Math, Biolog