Wild Tobago

  Marine biologist Dr Anjani Ganase highlights ocean themes in this year’s Carnival. She was accompanied in her explorations by Australian art photographer Heidi Victoria who visited Trinidad and Tobago for the first time and photographed aspects of the celebrations.   We are an island nation surrounded by the ocean. Yet, less than one percent of Trinbagonians have ever immersed themselves below the water long enough to see the vivid marine world below the surface. However, in the imagination of mas-makers, the ocean and its wonders can come alive through their eyes and the masqueraders at carnival. Ocean themes were present in Trinidad 2025 carnival, from junior and senior kings and queen competitions, traditional mas and even conventional and fantasy mas. The costumes tell stories of the ocean danced and animated by the performers. It is not about accuracy in the depictions, which are fanciful and creative, but these presentations inform us about the p...

  Faraaz Abdool speaks in defence of the Cocrico which has flourished alongside Tobago’s development. What better credentials for a national bird?     Trinidad and Tobago is a unique and gifted nation. We are arguably the only country in the world with two national birds. Others have additional birds as national symbols, as do we, in the form of “the hummingbird”; 366 species of these glittering gems are scattered across the Americas, eighteen of which can be found on our islands. On our Coat of Arms, the Scarlet Ibis is prominently featured opposite the Rufous-vented Chachalaca, two national birds for two islands in one nation. As national birds, both creatures are supposed to enjoy a degree of protection and veneration. Yet one of these has drawn the ire of many; an issue which is as complex as our history.   A pair of young Cocrico prepare for a night's rest on a secure branch. Photo by Faraaz Abdool Known worldwide as the Rufous-vented Chachalaca, we lear...

Dr Anjani Ganase, marine ecologist, considers the natural progression of a dead whale in the ocean. Scientists are discovering that the impacts of “whale falls” continue for decades and even centuries.   The sun supports all life on our planet, well nearly all life. Animals depend on plants to create food through photosynthesis (the process by which plants harness sunlight and water to create sugar). Plant life is the foundation of the global food web. Consider that 70% of the planet is ocean, and 90% of the ocean is deep ocean which is deeper than 1000 m (average depth of the ocean is more than 3600 m). Any ocean beyond 1000 m depth is beyond the penetration of sunlight, and photosynthesis does not occur at depths below 200 m. Does the sun support life, even in the deepest darkest part of our oceans? Life in the deep seas persist. In such a nutrient desert, life exists as a result of several adaptations, including having low metabolism, gulping and feeding...

Dr Anjani Ganase, coral reef ecologist, compares coral ecosystems of the Red Sea and the Caribbean. Coral scientists around the world are monitoring their native reefs as well as those that have adapted to higher temperature, looking at coral refuges. In the Old Testament, the passage through the Red Sea is a miracle created by God, to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt, led by Moses. The Red Sea was first explored by the Egyptians and Greeks looking for routes for trade between Africa and Asia. It is not a large body of water, in fact, it is one sixth the size of the Caribbean Sea, but it is long (2,250 km) and narrow (355 km wide – distance between Trinidad and St Lucia) stretching from the Gulf of Suez, where the Suez Canal connects to Mediterranean Sea. To the south, the Red Sea flows into the Indian Ocean. Geologically, the Red Sea is part of an extensive rift system that runs north–south all the way down the African East Coast to Mozambique, and is part of t...

Encouraged by their governments to raid enemy ships, privateers turned pirates when war was over. Anjani Ganase tells the stories of some famous pirates. The Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean extended between 1680 – 1730. During these fifty years, these outlaws roamed the seas from the North Carolina coast to Tobago. Their daring and bold acts became tales that were passed on.   Piracy had an unusual beginning. Leading up to and during the War of Spanish Succession, the British government hired British privateers to seek out and raid the Spanish Galleons (large Spanish merchant ships) on route to Spain. Plying the transatlantic routes with substantial cargoes, Spain was rich on the treasures from the New World. The loot was the reward.   During this time, the British and French formed alliances against the Spanish for this purpose, so French and British privateers were both targeting the Spanish.   As Spanish power declined in the Caribbean, the...

Faraaz Abdool visits Costa Rica and shares some insights from a farm and forest estate. All photos by Faraaz Abdool.   The Pacuare River snakes its way through tracts of pristine jungle on its way to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. A short distance west of its course is the village of Tres Equis, or Three X’s. Linking the village to the forest is Finca Tres Equis, “finca” being Spanish for “farm”. This property of 318 hectares strives to be an eco-friendly and sustainable farm, using a model that aspires to a greener future. Such a vision requires investment and resources which have been running low since the global Covid-19 shutdowns.   Swing for a view of the Turrialba Volcano. Photo by Faraaz Abdool This lookout point provides a platform overlooking the valley from where persons can relax, enjoy the birds, or even do yoga in the moonlight. Local guides Harry and Mercedes from nearby lodge Rancho Naturalista keep sharp eyes out for any sign of the main...