Dive into the remarkable world of biodiversity with Bioblitz 2023, an exhilarating event held in the picturesque village of Buccoo, Tobago. Organized by the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club (TTFNC) and University of the West Indies (UWI) Department of Life Sciences, in collaboration with passionate individuals and organizations like SpeSeas, Buccoo Reef Trust, and the Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries, Tobago House of Assembly, this event offered an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate the marine wonders of Tobago.Â
This year’s Bioblitz event unveiled the astonishing array of species residing in southwest Tobago. Integrated into a suite of events for Tobago’s World Oceans Day celebrations, this captivating component brought together scientists, naturalists, divers, snorkelers, and the public to record an impressive number of species in just 24 hours.
Taking place on the 3rd and 4th of June, this twelfth Trinidad and Tobago Bioblitz (the second one to be held in Tobago since 2015) attracted 130 dedicated volunteers to explore and document the rich biodiversity within a five-mile radius of the Buccoo Government Primary School.
With the generous sponsorship of First Citizens Bank, the Bioblitz ventured beyond the expected, recording an impressive total of at least 800 species within the short 24-hour timeframe. While the marine environment took the spotlight, with over 200 species identified, the terrestrial realm proved equally remarkable. The Bioblitz revealed the diverse tapestry of wildlife that calls this urbanized corner of the island home.
Delving into the crystal-clear waters of Buccoo, teams of divers and snorkelers uncovered a captivating marine ecosystem. Among the 70 fish species spotted was the enchanting shortnose batfish, alongside an array of other mesmerizing creatures such as mantis shrimps, octopuses, Christmas tree worms, and sea cucumbers. The Buccoo Reef Marine Park lived up to its reputation as a haven of marine biodiversity.
While the marine realm dazzled, the Bioblitz also brought to light the astonishing richness of the terrestrial environment. The participants marvelled at the diversity of species, including 75 bird species, 15 mammals (including 10 different bat species, with the elusive fishing bat stealing the show), 23 reptiles (including the endemic ocellated gecko and majestic boa constrictors), 8 frogs (including the delightful banana tree-dwelling tree frog), 31 arachnids (including an endemic scorpion), 113 insects (including several never-before-recorded moths in Tobago), 10 freshwater fish (including native guppies and introduced tilapia), 35 fungi, and 269 plants.
Beyond scientific exploration, Bioblitz 2023 fostered public engagement and education. On Sunday, numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) joined the event at Buccoo Government Primary School, offering a wide range of activities and displays. ERIC Tobago delivered educational talks, SpeSeas offered virtual coral reef tours, and Corbin’s Local Wildlife enthralled visitors with a live freshwater turtle display. Additionally, attendees could delve into the world of mushrooms with Jeffrey Wong Sang, discover the wonders of Trinidad and Tobago’s flora and fauna with the TTFNC display by Dan Jaggernauth, engage in colouring and scavenger hunts organized by BirdsCaribbean, and learn about native pollinators from BES-net. The basecamp also showcased live specimens, including snakes, scorpions, spiders, and lizards, allowing participants to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures.
Bioblitz 2023 serves as a vital reminder that even in areas impacted by human development, precious habitats and remarkable biodiversity continue to thrive. The event highlights the importance of exploring and safeguarding these habitats, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect the invaluable natural treasures found in southwest Tobago.
Bioblitz 2023 in Buccoo, Tobago, captured the hearts and minds of participants, unveiling the remarkable marine and terrestrial biodiversity that graces this corner of the island. The collaboration between the Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries, the Tobago House of Assembly, and various organizations made this event a resounding success. By celebrating and studying the abundance of species found in this region, Bioblitz 2023 provides a powerful call to action, inspiring us all to protect and cherish the natural wonders that surround us.
