The North-East Tobago reserve is located in the South-East Caribbean Sea in Trinidad and Tobago. The reserve encompasses 83,488 hectares including a large marine and terrestrial area. Included in this reserve is one of the oldest legally protected tropical forrest, the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve, created in 1776. 1,774 species are protected in this reserve with 83 on the IUCN red list, 41 endemic species, 13 EDGE criteria species, 48 international migratory(CMS) criteria species, and 120 CITES criteria species.
Designation date: 2020
Networks
Regional network: Red de Comités y Reservas de Biosfera de Iberoamérica y el Caribe (IberoMAB)
Ecosystem-based network: Mountains and Tropical Forests
Description
Map
Surface : 83,488 (Terrestrial: 15,104 ha; Marine: 68,384 ha)
- Core area(s): 3,938 ha
- Buffer zone(s): 73,000 ha (Terrestrial: 5,751 ha; Marine: 67,249 ha)
- Transition zone(s): 6,550 ha (Terrestrial: 5,415 ha; Marine: 1,135 ha)
Location: 11°18'50.04"N - 60°34'05.88"W
Administrative Authorities
Bernadette Solomon-Koroma
Chief Administrator
Office of The Chief Secretary
Administrative Complex, Calder Hall
Scarborough, Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago
Tel.: +1-868-660-7511
E-mail: oca.secretary@tha.gov.tt
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Ecological Characteristics
The biospheres 19 distinct habitat types is home to globally unique and endangered species. The avifauna is uniquely distinct. Two species of avifauna stand out in this region: the charismatic Trinidad Motmot (Momotus bahamensis), and the and the less conspicuous Tobago greenlet (Hylophilus insularis). Both of these species are endemic. However the highest faunal endemism is found among the herpetofauna which include three snakes, one lizard and four frogs. This reserve is home to one of the last remnants of a dry tropical forest in the Carribean. This reserve is no stranger to protection, the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve is the oldest legally protected tropical forest. It has been legally protected since 1776.
Socio-Economic Characteristics
About 10,130 people live in this area. The inhabitants share a culturally, deeply rooted socioeconomic and spiritual relationship with the natural resources. Through folk stories, traditional medicines, and ceremonies the importance of this land can be shown. The 15 villages in the area are economically dependent on artisanal fishing, tourism, forestry and governmental employment (around 60%) in the administrative, public service or unemployment relief sectors.
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Last updated: November 2020