Sonya

02 September 2015

11 September 2020

Hits: 2274

Photo credit: K. Perez Leon

Source: http://ibc.lynxeds.com/photo/grey-seedeater-sporophila-intermedia/male

Common Name: Grey Seedeater; Picoplat

Scientific Name: Sporophila intermedia

Physical Description: 11.2cm (4.5”) long. 11–16 g. A small passerine (relating to birds of a large order distinguished by having feet adapted for perching, including all songbirds). It possesses a thick, pale bill which is approximately long as it is deep. The upper ridge of its bill is characteristically rounded. Male picoplat or seedeaters upperparts are grey, while its underparts are white. Its bill is pinkish-yellow, and legs black. Females as well as juveniles upperparts are brown, underparts yellowish brown , and they have blackish/dusky bills.Cultural Significance: Kept usually as a pet, the Picoplat is one of the most popular of small finches commonly trapped as a caged bird for its song in Trinidad particularly the males.

Behaviour: This species often occurs in groups/flocks, associating with other seedeaters (sporophiline finches). Males have a rich, varied song that is delivered from a prominent perch. Its song comprise of thrills,whistles and chirps typically characterized as a “gee-gee-gee-gee’ vocalisation and can include mimicry of other birds common or abundant in the area.

Distribution/ Range: This species occupies a large range. It is common in northwestern South America and native to Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Columbia and Guyana. Ranges up to 1200m in the tropical and subtropical zones. Its natural habitats include subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland and heavily degraded forest.

Threats: Hunting, particularly trapping out of season, using inappropriate methods for trapping, unregulated trapping of males as well as keeping birds in cages that are too small or in unsuitable conditions, encroachment on habitat, urbanisation, habitat change/degradation, and illegal smuggling of the species into the country via the south-western peninsular.

Legal Status: The Sporophila intermedia is listed as a critically endangered species under the Draft Forest Protected Areas and Wildlife Conservation Bill.

References:

BirdLife International (2012). Sporophila intermedia. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015.2. http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22723410/0. (Accessed 22/1/2015)

BirdLife International (2015) Species factsheet: Sporophila intermedia. http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=9529 (Accessed on 22/1/2015)

Neotropical Birds Online (T. S. Schulenberg, Editor). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology (2010). Grey Seedeater (Sporophila intermedia). http://neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/portal/species/overview?p_p_spp=623596 (Accessed 22/1/2015)

Rising, J. & Jaramillo, A. (2011). Grey Seedeater (Sporophila intermedia). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.) (2014).Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. http://www.hbw.com/node/62111 (Accessed on 22 January 2015).

The Trinidad and Tobago NatureLink (2011) Birds of Trinidad Savanna and Grassland 1. http://www.ttnaturelink.com/quick-guides/birds-trinidad-savanna-grassland (Accessed on 23/1/2015)

Winer L. (ed.)(2008) Dictionary of the English/Creole of Trinidad and Tobago: On Historical Principles. McGill-Queen’s University Press, Canada, p. 692.The Trinidad and Tobago NatureLink (2011) Birds of Trinidad Savanna and Grassland 1. http://www.ttnaturelink.com/quick-guides/birds-trinidad-savanna-grassland (Accessed on 23/1/2015)

Sonya

03 August 2015

11 September 2020

Hits: 1510

Photo credit: Pete Oxford, Nature Picture Library (naturepl.com)

Source: http://www.arkive.org/tayra/eira-barbara/image-G86518.html

Common Name: Tayra; "Chien Bois" – Forest dog / high woods dog.

Physical Description: The Tayra has short, course fur with soft underfur. The body of the Tayra is generally dark brown or black, with the exception of the head and neck, which can often be paler in colour. This species also has a triangular patch on its chest which is generally white to yellow in colour. The Tayra has a large, slender, muscular body with a tail that is two thirds the length of its body. They have strong claws adapted for climbing and running, indicating preference for terrestrial and arboreal environments. Males are generally larger than females.

Behaviour: The Tayra has been described as an opportunistic omnivore with a diverse range of food sources including small and medium sized vertebrates, invertebrates, fruits, honey, and carrion. Although they have been classified as forest specialists, this species is able to forage in disturbed areas, agricultural lands and forested areas near human settlements. The Tayra has thus developed various foraging methods such as caching fruits. Although the species has been described as solitary, they have been recorded foraging in pairs or small groups. This species is active during the day mostly during twilight hours. Tayras have been known to construct dens in hollow trees.

Distribution/ Range: This species has a large home range for its size and its distribution covers many different forest habitats. They are generally found in tropical and neo-tropical forests in Central and South American countries as well as Trinidad and Tobago.

Cultural Significance: This species has been historically domesticated by indigenous cultures for the purposes of pest control.

Threats: Their main threat is loss of habitat and hunting.

Legal Status: The Tayra is currently identified as a locally endangered species under the Draft Forest Protected Areas and Wildlife Conservation Bill.

References:

Cuarón, A.D., Reid, F. & Helgen, K. 2008. Eira barbara. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/41644/0.

Delgado-V, C.A., A. Arias-Alzate, S. Botero and J.D. Sanchez-Londono. 2011. “Behaviour of the Tayra Eira barbara near Medellin, Colombia: preliminary data from a video-capturing survey.” Small Carnivore Conservation 44 (2011): 19-21.

Encyclopedia Britannica. 2014. “Tayra.” Accessed January, 2015. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/584948/tayra

Encyclopaedia of Life. 2009. “ Mustilidae: Badgers, Otters, Weasels and Relatives.” Accessed January, 2015. http://eol.org/pages/7670/overview

Hailey, Adrian, ed. 2014. “The Online Guide to the Animals of Trinidad and Tobago.” Department of Life Sciences: University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. Accessed January, 2015. http://sta.uwi.edu/fst/lifesciences/ogatt.asp

Presley, S.J. 2000. “Eira barbara.” Mammalian Species 636: 1-6.

Schreffler, C. 2003. "Eira barbara" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed January, 2015 at http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Eira_barbara/

Soley, F.G. 2012. “Notes on the flexibility of foraging behaviour in Tayras, Eira Barbara.” Small Carnivore Conservation 46: 33-35.

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). nd. “ Tayra, Greyheaded Tayra ( Eira Barbara). Accessed January 2, 2015. http://www.waza.org/en/zoo/pick-a-picture/eira-barbara.

Wund, M. 2005. "Mustelidae" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed January, 2015 http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mustelidae/

Sonya

29 June 2015

11 September 2020

Hits: 368

Common Name: Blue and Yellow Macaw; Blue and Gold Macaw

Scientific Name: Ara ararauna (Linnaeus, 1758)

Physical Description: These birds have a wing span of 104 -114cm, with a length of 81 – 91.5cm. They are known for their vibrant colours. The feathers of the wing, tail and back are blue, while the lower body is yellow; their head consists of green feathers. The majority of the facial area is white while their beaks and throat are black.

Behaviour: Ara ararauna form monogamous pairs for life and congregate to form flocks when foraging during the early morning. Their diet consists of mainly seeds, nuts and fruits. They have been observed consuming mineral rich clay near riverbanks to assist in digestion. Ara ararauna avoid predation by nesting in the cavities of tall trees. These birds communicate via loud vocalisations during roosting and feeding.

Distribution/Range: The Blue and Gold Macaw occurs in subtropical and tropical forests, woodlands and savannas in South America and only in Panama in Central America. These birds were extirpated from Trinidad in the late 1960’s but the species has been successfully reintroduced in the Nariva Swamp. Conservation efforts are ongoing. These birds are usually found in forests located in riparian or swampy areas.

Cultural Significance: Blue and Gold Macaws are kept as pets due to their vivid plumage, intelligence and vocal capabilities.

Threats: The main threats to these birds include habitat destruction as well as illegal pet trade, which can often result in death of adult birds to obtain fledglings.

Legal Status: Ara ararauna is listed as a critically endangered species under the Draft Forest Protected Areas and Wildlife Conservation Bill.

References:

Encyclopaedia of Life. 2012. Ara ararauna Blue and yellow Macaw. Accessed January 2015, http://eol.org/pages/1177961/details.

BirdLife International. 2015. “Species factsheet: Ara ararauna.” Accessed January 2015, http://www.birdlife.org on 28/01/2015.

BirdLife International 2012. “Ara ararauna.” The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. Accessed January 2015, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/full/22685539/0

Sonya

27 May 2015

11 September 2020

Hits: 1296

Common Name: Neotropical River Otter

Scientific Name: Lontra longicaudis (Olfers, 1818)

Physical Description: The Neotropical River Otter has webbed feet, an elongated body, short limbs and a flattened head, making it an efficient swimmer. The species also possesses a long cylindrical tail, making up one third of its body length. The otter has short, dense greyish-brown fur with lighter patches on its throat.

Behaviour: Although, fish is a main component of their diet, they have been known to be opportunistic feeders with diets consisting of, inter alia, insects, crustaceans, amphibians and reptiles. Neotropical Otters are solitary animals and forage mostly at afternoons.

Distribution/ Range: The species is found from Northern Mexico to sub-central South America. The only insular population occurs in Trinidad and Tobago. Their preferred habitats include fast flowing, clear, unpolluted streams, creeks, or rivers with riparian vegetation and potential sites for dens. However, their habitat can include shorelines, tropical rainforests or coastal savannah swamps, wetlands and even areas with agricultural activity.

Cultural Significance: Though not practiced in Trinidad, these otters were said to be trained to aid in fishing.

Threats: The otter has been hunted for its pelts and which led to declining populations in various countries. Threats also include disturbances to their natural habitat including pollution of water systems.

Legal Status: The Neotropical River Otter is currently identified as a critically endangered species under the Draft Forest Protected Areas and Wildlife Conservation Bill.

References:

Devenish, E.S. and C. Sayer. 2007. “A review of the ecology and conservation of the Neotropical River Otter, Lontra longicaudis (Olfers, 1818), with special reference to Trinidad

Encyclopaedia of Life. 2009. “Lontra longicaudis: Neotropical Otter.” Accessed January, 2015. http://eol.org/pages/311556/overview/

Encyclopaedia of Life. 2009. “Mustilidae: Badgers, Otters, Weasels and Relatives.” Accessed January, 2015. http://eol.org/pages/7670/overview

Hailey, Adrian, ed. 2014. “The Online Guide to the Animals of Trinidad and Tobago.” Department of Life Sciences: University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. Accessed January, 2015. http://sta.uwi.edu/fst/lifesciences/ogatt.asp

Waldemarin, H.F. & Alvarez, R. 2008. Lontra longicaudis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/12304/0. Downloaded on 27 January 2015.

Wildscreen Arkive. nd. “Neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis)." Accessed January 2015. http://www.arkive.org/neotropical-otter/lontra-longicaudis/image-G61817.html.

Wund, M. 2005. "Mustelidae" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed January, 2015 http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mustelidae/