The Form 5 and 6 Biology students went to the Aripo Savannah on Wednesday, January 26th 2011, to conduct an ecological study on the plant varieties found at the savannah.
The Aripo Savannah is a natural ecosystem right here in Trinidad that covers some 1800 hectares just south of the Northern range. It is a protected property and has been designated an Environmentally Sensitive Area. Characteristics of the savannah include the insectivorous plant called Sundew and the Morishe Palm Islands that are clustered throughout and borders the savannah areas.
Mr Gill, the tour guide gave the students a little history/biology/geography lesson about the savannah before we set off on the trail. Along the trail, Mr Gill pointed out Savannah Orchids, Savannah Palms (said only be be found in Trinidad) and the Sundew plant among others.
Upon arrival to the location where the study was conducted, the students were given their instructions and off to work they went! In less than 1/2 hour they were finished taking their samples with the aid of the tour guides helping them to identify the plants.
Further along the path they visited the bunkers, which were remnants of the presence of the US Army during the 2nd world war, then went into the marsh forest.
Mr. Gill summarized the morning’s visit with a couple review questions and gave small prizes for correct answers about the savannah.
Seeing the way the kids went about their task was very interesting. They were continuously coming up with creative ways of getting their tasks accomplished thoroughly.
Trinidad and Tobago has such diverse ecosystems such as the rain forest, savannah, coral reefs, forest lakes and mangroves. Follow up with the students would include further awareness of the biodiversity we enjoy.