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A close-up profile of a white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) as it walks slowly in a dry, fenced enclosure. The image highlights its powerful build and wrinkled skin texture.
We care about we love! Our goal is get involved in restoration programs to protect and conserve the ocean!
It's time to thank the sea for everything it has given us.
We care about we love! Our goal is get involved in restoration programs to protect and conserve the ocean!
It's time to thank the sea for everything it has given us.
We care about we love! Our goal is get involved in restoration programs to protect and conserve the ocean!
It's time to thank the sea for everything it has given us.
We care about we love! Our goal is get involved in restoration programs to protect and conserve the ocean!
It's time to thank the sea for everything it has given us.
We care about we love! Our goal is get involved in restoration programs to protect and conserve the ocean!
It's time to thank the sea for everything it has given us.
We care about we love! Our goal is get involved in restoration programs to protect and conserve the ocean!
It's time to thank the sea for everything it has given us.
We care about we love! Our goal is get involved in restoration programs to protect and conserve the ocean!
It's time to thank the sea for everything it has given us.
We care about we love! Our goal is get involved in restoration programs to protect and conserve the ocean!
It's time to thank the sea for everything it has given us.
We care about we love! Our goal is get involved in restoration programs to protect and conserve the ocean!
It's time to thank the sea for everything it has given us.
We care about we love! Our goal is get involved in restoration programs to protect and conserve the ocean!
It's time to thank the sea for everything it has given us.
We care about we love! Our goal is get involved in restoration programs to protect and conserve the ocean!
It's time to thank the sea for everything it has given us.
We care about we love! Our goal is get involved in restoration programs to protect and conserve the ocean!
It's time to thank the sea for everything it has given us.
We care about we love! Our goal is get involved in restoration programs to protect and conserve the ocean!
It's time to thank the sea for everything it has given us.
Lanceheads are a genus of venomous pit vipers native to Central and South America, and some islands of the Caribbean. The name “Lancehead” refers to the snakes’ distinctively large triangular head, which resembles an old-style lance or arrow. With over 40 different species recorded, they have adapted to different environments, ranging from rainforests to deserts. They are the most common venomous snake species in the Neotropics, and may often be found close to or living among human habitation. Species are generally irritable and quick to strike. Caution is advised, as their venom is highly potent, which can lead to amputation of a bitten limb or death, unless antivenin is administered. Many species, such as the Common Lancehead (Bothrops atrox) pictured, are masters of camouflage. Their bodies are patterned to mimic their habitat, making them virtually invisible to unsuspecting prey. Heat-sensing pits, located between their eyes and nose, allow them to detect and track warm-blooded prey, even at night or in low light. The combination of their ability to remain undetected while tracking prey using heat and their lightning-fast strikes makes them highly efficient ambush predators.
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Caption: A Common Lancehead (Bothrops atrox) watches intently from its hiding place along the forest floor in the Northern Range of the island of Trinidad. Individuals may reach a length of 3-5 feet. It is one of only four venomous snakes found on the island. It is locally called "mapipire balsain," which is thought to be derived from the indigenous Arawak word "mapipire," meaning "biting snake." The word "balsain" is likely a reference to the snake's pale chin color.
Appearances can be deceiving, even in the world of butterflies. The colours and patterns on their wings play an important role in protection from predators. For example, Owl Butterflies use a combination of cryptic patterns and colours not only for camouflage, but to cleverly disguise themselves by mimicking the intimidating appearance of some venomous snakes. The disguise is further enhanced by the way the butterfly positions itself when resting. Such disguises may be so effective that it is enough to deter predators from risking an encounter with another animal they perceive to be dangerous.
Image Caption: A close up view of the intricate patterns on the wings of an Owl Butterfly (Caligo Teucer), used to mimic the gaze of a snake. Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.
There are several species of Owl butterflies belonging to the genus Caligo. With wingspans up to 15cm, they are some of the largest species of butterflies to be seen in the forests of the tropical Americas. Species are known for the cryptic markings and large conspicuous eye spots on the underside of their closed wings, which resemble the eyes of an owl. The species name Caligo (which translates to “darkness”) refers to these butterflies preference for activity during the hours of dawn and dusk as they fly through the forest in search of ripe fruit to feed on. It is only then that the flash of blue or purple colours on the upper side of the wings becomes visible, seen here on this Teucer Giant-Owl Butterfly photographed on the island of Trinidad.
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Image Caption: An Owl Butterfly (Caligo teucer) resting on a leaf with its wings open, exposing a brilliant shade of blue on the upperside of its wings. Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.
The Burmese Python (Python bivittatus) is a large constrictor originally native to parts of Southeast Asia. The species, capable of growing to over 20 feet long and weighing several hundred pounds, now also call the state of Florida in the Southeastern United States home. The snakes were first imported into the United States due to demand for the exotic pet trade. Wild populations subsequently became established in South Florida from animals that either escaped captivity or were intentionally released. With no natural predators to keep their population in check, it is estimated that over 100,000 of the massive snakes now inhabit the Everglades wetlands. Researchers have documented the pythons preying on more than 70 different animal species, many of which are endangered and found nowhere else. This has placed the sensitive ecology and biodiversity of the Everglades in peril — so much so that local authorities now ask members of the public to participate in annual hunts of the invasive reptiles in order to control their numbers and save native wildlife.
Image caption: An invasive Burmese Python captured in the Florida Everglades. USA.
Several hours earlier under the cover of darkness, this female Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) emerged from the sea. Her species, the largest of all living turtles and tortoises, have swum the world’s oceans and seas for over 100+million years, and like her ancestors before her, she has made the long journey from her feeding grounds thousands of miles away to the warm Caribbean beaches of her birth. After excavating a nest in the sand and depositing a clutch of up to 100 eggs, she returns to the sea as the sun begins to rise. She will remain offshore, repeating this nightly process once every ten days up to ten times, before making the return journey back to the cold waters of the North Atlantic.
Image caption: A Leatherback Sea Turtle returns to the sea at sunrise. Trinidad and Tobago.
The Pink Poui (Tabebuia rosea) is a large, tropical tree found in the Americas. Also known as Apamate or Rosy Trumpet Tree in its native range, it has been introduced to various countries around the world, including Trinidad & Tobago. It is often planted in parks and gardens, due to the large and attractive inflorescences (flowers) it produces in various hues of pink or purple. The trees may flower several times during the months of February to April, which each subsequent bloom becoming increasingly profuse from the last; and signal the oncoming change from drier to wetter months.
Image caption: Abstract of a Poui Tree in bloom. Trinidad and Tobago.