Current view: Text account
Site description (2007 baseline):
Site location and context
Nariva Swamp is Trinidad’s largest freshwater swamp comprising over 11000 ha. It was formed as a coastal lagoon behind a sandbar. However, sand ridges parallel but inland of the coast mark the position of former shorelines formed during periods of higher sea level. These sand ridges and their subsequent erosion have lead to variable soil conditions and a mosaic of vegetation types. Many of the forested areas have been degraded by logging and by farmers who have encroached upon the swamp for agriculture and associated dwellings. Even areas with relatively intact vegetation are regularly visited by hunters.
The Nariva Swamp is currently mainly of national importance with populations of several rare and/or localized species including the Red-bellied Macaw, (Blue-and-yellow Macaw), Epaulet Oriole, Sulphury Flycatcher and Rufescent Tiger-heron. The site also represents the largest area of herbaceous swamp for crakes, bitterns and rails. The site is potentially important for migrating waterfowl but recent sightings are few.
Non-bird biodiversity: The Lagoon and waterways along the coast support a small and highly vulnerable population of West Indian Manatees. The forests within and surrounding the swamp comprise a major part of the range of the two primates indigenous to Trinidad the Red Howler Monkey Aloutta seniculus and the White-fronted Capuchin Cebus albifrons. Eleutherodactylus urichi a frog endemic to Trinidad and Tobago occurs in the Nariva Swamp.
Much of the coastal sandbar bordering the swamp is cultivated, mainly with coconut estates and small plots of watermelon. Along the inner boundary of the sandbar a strip of mangrove forest, mainly Rhizophora spp. borders a narrow brackish coastal lagoon. Inland of this coastal strip a mosaic of plant communities occur including Herbaceous Swamp with localized stands of Montrichardia arborescens, Cyperus giganteus or Phragmites australis or a mixed floating community of Leersia haxandra, Paspalum repens, Eichornia sp, Pistis sp. and Salvinia sp,; Palm Swamps of Moriche Mauritia flexuosa, Royal Roystonea oleracea or Roseau Bactris major Palms or Swamp Forest. The Swamp Forest immediately inland from the mangrove has a mix of species including Pond Apple Annona glabra, Galba Calophyllum lucidum, Water Locust Crudia glaberrima, Swamp Bloodwood Pterocarpus officinalis, Wild Nutmeg Virola suramensis and Yellow Mangue Symphonia globulifera. Inland of the mixed swamp forest and in scattered “islands” is sub-type of Swamp Forest highly dominated by Swamp Immortelle Erythrina fusca. At the inland margin, the swamp vegetation gives way to Evergreen Seasonal Forest of the Bios Mulatre - Cocorite formation. Much of the natural habitat in Nariva Swamp, and most of the herbaceous swamp has been disrupted by large scale rice cultivation and cattle ranching with associated alteration of the natural drainage.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The Nariva Swamp, especially the herbaceous swamp has been severely degraded. Restoration Work if successful may return the swamp to near to its original condition. However the perennial threats of encroachment for agriculture and associated illegal clearing of land with unmanaged fires remain. Small populations of ducks, mainly Black-bellied Whistling-ducks and Blue-winged Teal are targeted by hunters.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Two major initiatives are currently underway in Nariva Swamp. The Wildlife Division of the Government Ministry responsible for the environment is embarking on a programme to re-establish the natural vegetation within Nariva Swamp following the destruction by farmers and fires. In addition a collaborative effort is underway to re-introduce the blue and yellow macaw to Nariva Swamp with birds obtained from Guyana. Collaborating agencies are the Forestry Division, the Manatee Conservation Trust and the Cincinnati Zoo. While this species was previously recorded from Nariva Swamp its status as a resident species is questionable. Nevertheless the species provides a suitable focus for conservation efforts.
The Nariva Swamp was the first recognized Ramsar site for the country and was designated an Environmentally Sensitive Area in 2006. Entry without a permit is prohibited.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Nariva Swamp (Trinidad and Tobago). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/nariva-swamp-iba-trinidad-and-tobago on 24/11/2024.
