Birds aplenty in Bush Bush Sanctuary

The Nariva Swamp is the biggest wetland in Trinidad and Tobago (62km2) and home to 59 species of mammals, 171 species of birds and 37 species of reptiles including the green anaconda, the largest snake in the world.

The landscape is a prize for birdwatchers where a variety of birds migrate to Trinidad for the winter.

Another highlight of Bush Bush is its flora and also located within its boundaries is the largest sandbox tree in Trinidad.

There is also a giant ficus tree where some bats are housed.

Another fascination is the variety of exotic palms that grow in abundance which include manac, moriche, roseaux, palm real, carat, tirite and cocorite palms.

These palms provide food to the animals and birds.

Bush Bush at an earlier time was under the sea, and along its path, there is evidence of sand and pieces of coral.

Amerindian tribes inhabited the area about 2,000 years ago and are artifacts of their civilisation can be found.

The drive to Bush Bush is along the coconut Manzanilla Road to Kernahan Village.

A permit is required by the Forestry Division to enter the sanctuary.

The walk to the centre of the island will take an hour on a flat but humid trail.

Like all wetlands, the area has lots of mosquitoes and it is advisable to bring along the following essentials: insect repellent, long pants and optional longsleeve shirt, a cap for sunshade, a litre of drinking water, change of clothing and footwear for after the hike.

On Sunday, Island Hikers visits the Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary.

Rating: 3 fair (hour walk on flat, humid trail) Assembly: 7 am cor of O’Meara Road and Churchill Roosevelt Highway, Arima.

For more info: www.islandhikers.

com