The Trini Environmentalist

What is happening in Trinidad and Tobago? In Trinidad and Tobago, we are currently facing a locust invasion. The locusts are affecting south Trinidad and started approximately two weeks ago. Every year Trinidad is affected by the Moruga locusts ( Coscineuta virens ), but this year in particular the locusts are more widespread and more abundant. Eyewitness reports confirm tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of locusts devastating the standard of living in the south lands. Figure 1: showing locusts covering the sky (Guardian media 2021) Why are the locusts bad for us? Locusts are considered pests throughout the world. They eat any crops in sight, which is devastating to the southern farmers and can be a grave threat to food security in Trinidad and Tobago. However, this is not only bad for the crops but also devastating for the residents that live in the affected areas such as Prince’s Town and Moruga. Locusts are so abundant that they act as a blanket over these sout

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most industrialized countries in the Caribbean. Our wealth is primarily dependent on oil and gas resources. Trinidad and Tobago is attempting to address issues of food security and rural development. In order to do this, land and water resources must be examined and reconsidered. More than 50% of the land in Trinidad and Tobago is state-owned. This means that they should exhibit the best practices and ensure that the land is used sustainably. The Ministry of Planning and Development created a Land Degradation Neutrality Target Setting Program in 2020 to address the land-use problems. Figure 1: showing Port of Spain (Finance Americas 2020) In 2000, Trinidad and Tobago ratified the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. This means that they agreed to implement Land Degradation Neutrality which is in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals. This goal states that “By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, inclu

  What is a Tayra (forest dog)? A Tayra is a small dog-like animal that lives in the forest. Its scientific name is Eira Barbara and is a part of the weasel family. It is also called the Forest Dog, High Wood Dog, or Chien Bois. Tayras are carnivorous mammals. They have four legs and a long bushy tail. Their fur is very coarse and dark, usually brown, or black. As Tayras get older, the fur on the top of their neck and head gets lighter. They can range in weight from 2.7 to 7 kilograms and can measure between 60 to 68 centimetres with the length of their tail ranging between 39 to 47 centimetres. Figure 1: Showing a Tayra on a tree branch (Just Fun Facts 2020) What should we know about Tayras? Tayras have been identified as a locally endangered species, meaning that they cannot be hunted, and all conservation efforts are being used to protect this animal. These mammals usually stay in the forest, but they travel wide ranges. They feed on small vertebrates, fruits, and sometimes hone

  What is Hunting Season? Hunting Season refers to the months of the year that it is legal to hunt in Trinidad and Tobago. The hunting season in Trinidad and Tobago began on October 1 st , 2021. In order to hunt, one would need to apply for a hunting permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries. According to our legislation, any animal classed as vermin (bats, rats, squirrels, manicou, yellow-tail birds, and green parrots) can be hunted by owners or occupants of privately owned land without a permit, however, hunting in the forest reserves requires a permit/license. Figure 1: showing the opening of hunting season (Texas.gov 2021) What can you hunt and how could you hunt it?             The government of Trinidad and Tobago has published a list of game species that can be pursued during the hunting season. This list is categorized into Reptiles (cayman and lizards), Mammals (Agouti, Armadillo/Tattoo, Deer, Lappe and Quenk), Birds (13 listed species), and Caged Birds (