For more information, please contact:

Environmental Management Authority (EMA)Trinidad and Tobago

8 Elizabeth Street, St Clair, Port of SpainTel: 226-4EMA (4362) Fax: 226-1227

E-mail: ema@ema.co.ttWebsite: www.ema.co.tt

Scarlet IbisAn Environmentally Sensitive Species

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protectionThe species is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It is also protected under Annex III of the Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol.

Its well-known breeding habitat, the Caroni Swamp, was declared a prohibited area in 1953 under the Forests Act, Chapter 66:01 and a Ramsar site in 2005, under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

In 1962, the Scarlet Ibis was declared as one of the national birds of Trinidad and Tobago and in 1963 it was declared a protected species under the Conservation of Wildlife Act, Chapter 67:01. In 2018, it was designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS) under the ESS Rules, 2001 as prescribed under the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 35:05. This prohibits the disturbance, harm or sale of the species and its eggs, and the destruction of its habitat.

The penalty for causing damage to an ESS is $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

threatsfeatures

The adult Scarlet Ibis is a medium-sized water bird. By nature, it is a very social bird and tends to form colonies.

It can be spotted easily owing to its bright red plumage, with a lighter shade of red on its neck, legs, underparts and head.

Carotenoids in its crustacean rich diet (e.g. crabs) are responsible for its deep red colour, which develops fully when the bird is about one year old.

Its bill, tips of the longest flight feathers and eyes are black.

Adults are approximately 53-76 cm long and weigh an average of 0.9-1.3 kg, with males being heavier than females.

habitatThe Scarlet Ibis is indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago and also inhabits parts of Central and South America.

Locally, one of the only known breeding sites of the species is the Caroni Swamp. It can be found all over the west coast of Trinidad, including wetlands, such as South Oropouche Swamp, Rousillac and Los Blanquizales.

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Chordata

Class Aves

Order Pelecaniformes

Family Threskiornithidae

Species Eudocimus ruber

The main threat to this species is poaching.

Ibis meat is sought after as a delicacy to be served at social gatherings.

Human disturbance, habitat destruction and climatic changes (e.g. the length/duration of the dry season, increasing salinities, sea level rise, etc.) also impact the well-being of the species.

Traditional knowledge estimates the current population to range between 8,000 – 30,000 birds.

A juvenile Scarlet Ibis.

Its long legs and beak allow the bird to forage in shallow waters of swamps, mudflats and other wetland areas. The best times to view the Scarlet Ibis are early in the morning and just before sunset. Then, they can be seen feeding, flying in their organised ‘V’ formation or roosting among the mangrove trees.