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The fauna of Trinidad and Tobago is primarily continental South American in its origins and affiliations. Unlike most islands, the fauna of Trinidad and Tobago has endemism and high taxonomic diversity. This is largely explained by the proximity of the islands to the South American mainland and the fact that they were both connected to South America until relatively recently - about 11,000 years ago for Tobago and 1500 years ago for Trinidad.[1]
Origin of fauna edit
Mammals edit
Including marine mammals, there are about 100 mammalian species representing nine orders and 27 families with bats and rodents being numerically dominant.[1]
Bats edit
Birds edit
About 433 species of birds have been recorded in the islands (250 breeding) - 411 species in Trinidad and 210 species in Tobago.[1]
Amphibians and reptiles edit
Thirty-seven species of amphibians, including one probable endemic (Phyllodytes auratus) are found in Trinidad and Tobago.[1] Ninety-three species of reptiles (including marine turtles) are present. Forty-seven species have been recorded - 44 in Trinidad and 21 in Tobago.[2] Twenty-five species of lizard, one crocodillian and twenty turtles, tortoises and terrapins make up the balance of reptiles.[1]
Fish edit
Freshwater fish edit
About 45 species of freshwater fish are present in Trinidad and Tobago.[1]
Marine fish edit
The marine fish fauna is believed to include 400-500 species.[1]
Invertebrates edit
There are 617 recorded species of butterflies, but like all the invertebrate records these are incomplete.
Human impact and conservation edit
Hunting edit
See also edit
Footnotes and references edit