Visit Mermaid Pools on Sunday

In this region the river meanders through lush pine forest creating numerous pools that are ideal for swimming or simply relaxing inside the turquoise water. This hike through the forest trail is approximately two miles and can be covered in 30 to 45 minutes.

From the start of this hike there is a gradual descent down to the river, then a trek along the river to the pools. While this river is known for its abundant pools, there are three pools that are tightly nestled together, forming the Mermaid Pools. This hike is not only picturesque and exquisite but one that the entire family can enjoy.

In the forest lives the Anaconda, Eunectes murinus locally known as a Huilla. The Green Anaconda is one of the world’s longest and heaviest snakes and can grow to a length of 25 feet. The longest (and heaviest) scientifically recorded specimen was a female measuring 521 cm (17 ft 1 in) long and weighing 97.5 kilogrammes (215 lb). It is at home in swamps, rivers and marshlands where it lies in wait under the waterline for approaching prey. It is non-venomous. In Trinidad large individuals are rare due to habitat loss and a tendency for the population to kill snakes encountered.

The Anaconda can be found in east of the Andes in Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil and on the island of Trinidad. Although the name actually applies to a group of snakes, it is often used to refer only to one species in particular, the common or green anaconda, Eunectes murinus, which is one of the largest snakes in the world.

Primarily aquatic, they eat a wide variety of prey, almost anything they can manage to overpower, including fish, birds, a variety of mammals, and other reptiles. Particularly large anacondas may even consume large prey such as tapir, deer, capybara and caiman, but such large meals are not regularly consumed. There are many local stories and legends regarding the anaconda as a man-eater, but there is very little evidence to support any such activity.

They employ constriction to subdue their prey. Cannibalism among green anacondas is also known, most recorded cases involving a larger female consuming a smaller male. While the exact reason for this is not understood, scientists cite several possibilities, including the dramatic sexual dimorphism in the species, and the possibility that a female anaconda requires additional food intake after breeding to sustain the long period of gestation. The nearby male simply provides the opportunistic female a ready source of nutrition.

The colour pattern consists of olive green background overlaid with black blotches along the length of the body. The head is narrow compared to the body, usually with distinctive orange-yellow striping on either side. The eyes are set high on the head, allowing the snake to see out of the water while swimming without exposing its body. Hikers are asked to assemble at the Corner Churchill Roosevelt Highway and O’Meara Road, Arima for 7 am. This hike is rated easy, with a duration of 45 minutes.

For further information contact Richard at 788-8478 or Adrian at 789-0570 or visit www.caribbeanhikingadventures.com