Trinidad and Tobago (a twin-island nation) are the most southerly of the Caribbean island chain, with Trinidad lying only 12 km from mainland South America (see map, p. 172). Trinidad (4,828 km²) is relatively flat except for three mountain ranges with a maximum elevation of 940 m and has been identified as a Secondary Area due to the presence of the endemic Trinidad Piping-guan Pipile pipile (classified as Critical). This species used to be widespread thoughout the island but today is reduced to two small populations in the primary forests of the Northern and Southern ranges, owing to hunting and forest destruction. It inhabits remote primary forest (typically vine- and epiphyte-rich closed-canopy tracts with sparse ground cover) where human disturbance is minimal; areas preferred are hilly (400-900 m) with steep ridges, deep valleys and abundant watercourses (Collar et al. 1992).

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Endemic Bird Area factsheet: Trinidad. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/eba/factsheet/315 on 23/11/2024.