The eco-adventures of Aripo Savannah and the Trinidadian red-brocket deer

The Aripo Savannah, a unique ecological jewel nestled in the northeastern corridor of Trinidad, is a landscape like no other in the Caribbean. This area is home to the critically endangered Trinidadian red-brocket deer (Mazama americana trinitatis), an elusive mammal that quietly roams the fringes of this rare savannah-forest ecosystem.

Recognised for its exceptional biodiversity and ecological value, the Aripo Savannah is the largest remaining natural savannah in Trinidad and offers eco-adventurers a chance to witness an ancient Caribbean wilderness. This article provides a deep exploration of the Aripo Savannah and one of its most iconic inhabitants, the red-brocket deer, alongside useful information for eco-tourists eager to experience this protected area responsibly.

US$50 Cheap Flights to Trinidad and Tobago- Expedia

Looking for cheap flights to Trinidad? Many airlines offer no change fee on selected flights and book now to earn your airline miles on top of our rewards! Find great 2025 Trinidad flight deals now!

Understanding the Aripo Savannah: A unique ecological system

Located on the southern edge of the Northern Range, the Aripo Savannah encompasses approximately 1,780 hectares of land, designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) by Trinidad and Tobago’s Environmental Management Authority. What sets the Aripo Savannah apart is its seasonal wetland character combined with pockets of savannah grasslands, marshes, palm marsh forests, and rare tropical montane habitats. The geology of the savannah is influenced by clay-rich, nutrient-poor soils underlain by a hardpan layer that creates conditions for water-logging during the rainy season and extreme dryness during the dry season.

Unlike typical Caribbean tropical forests, the Aripo Savannah exhibits traits more common to South American cerrado and Guianan ecosystems. This is reflected in the flora, which includes endemic and rare plant species such as the Rhynchospora aripoensis sedge, Xyris grisebachii, and the carnivorous Drosera capillaris. More than 500 plant species have been identified here, many of which are endangered or endemic to Trinidad.

The fauna is equally diverse, with over 150 bird species, numerous reptiles and amphibians, and critically endangered mammals, most notably the Trinidadian red-brocket deer. This biodiversity hotspot supports rare ecological interactions and is a critical reservoir of genetic diversity.

The Trinidadian red-brocket deer: A subspecies on the edge

The Trinidadian red-brocket deer (Mazama americana trinitatis) is a distinct subspecies of the red brocket, which is distributed widely across Central and South America. However, the Trinidadian variant is genetically and morphologically unique due to its long-term geographic isolation. This small to medium-sized deer is easily recognised by its reddish-brown coat, large eyes, short tail, and slender legs. Adults typically stand 65 to 80 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh between 20 to 30 kilogrammes.

Unlike their mainland relatives, the Trinidadian red-brocket deer is thought to have diverged thousands of years ago following the last glacial maximum, when lower sea levels connected Trinidad to Venezuela. As sea levels rose, the deer became stranded on the island, adapting to the local environment and evolving into a genetically distinct subspecies.

Brocket deer are solitary and elusive, especially during daylight hours. They are most active at dawn and dusk, foraging on fruits, young leaves, shoots, and occasionally fungi. They play a vital role in seed dispersal within the forest-savannah edge, contributing to the regeneration of various tree and shrub species.

Sadly, the red-brocket deer is now one of the most threatened mammals in Trinidad. Population estimates are imprecise, but researchers agree that numbers are dangerously low, mainly due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and predation by feral dogs. Conservation efforts are ongoing, including research, habitat protection, and education campaigns targeting hunters and communities near the Aripo Savannah.

Trinidadian red brocket deer Mazama americana trinitatis — Trinidadian red-brocket deer (*Mazama americana trinitatis*), Emperor Valley Zoo, 2018

How to spot the red-brocket deer in Aripo Savannah

Catching a glimpse of the Trinidadian red-brocket deer in the wild is challenging but possible with patience, preparation, and a good dose of luck. These animals are highly secretive, and sightings are rare even for seasoned wildlife trackers. However, the Aripo Savannah’s protected status and accessibility offer nature lovers a genuine opportunity to observe them in their natural environment.

1. Best time for viewing

The red-brocket deer is crepuscular, meaning it is most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Visitors are encouraged to begin hikes at dawn or stay until dusk. The dry season, between January and May, is preferable, as trails are more accessible, and animals tend to concentrate around remaining water sources.

2. Recommended access points and trails

The main access point to the Aripo Savannah is via the Aripo Road, off the Eastern Main Road near the village of Aripo. From there, visitors can use narrow trails leading into the forest fringe and open savannah areas. Guides familiar with the terrain can be found through local conservation groups or eco-tour operators based in Arima or Sangre Grande.

3. What to look for

Look for subtle signs such as hoof prints in soft earth, scat, and browse marks on low vegetation. The deer may sometimes freeze in place when startled, blending almost perfectly into the dappled light of the forest edge. A pair of binoculars and a good field guide can greatly enhance your chances of spotting wildlife.

4. Sound and silence

Keep noise to a minimum. Avoid wearing bright clothing or using strong perfumes. Deer have a highly developed sense of hearing and smell, and will flee long before you see them if they detect human presence.

Conservation, ethics, and the role of eco-adventurers

Anyone visiting the Aripo Savannah must adhere to strict environmental guidelines. As an ESA, it is illegal to remove plants, disturb animals, or start fires. Hunting is strictly prohibited, and visitors are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the authorities.

Eco-adventurers play a crucial role in the conservation of the Aripo Savannah and its inhabitants. Responsible tourism can support ongoing research and management efforts by providing funding and spreading awareness. Visitors should stick to marked trails, take all rubbish out with them, and support local guides and conservation NGOs.

Photography and citizen science also contribute meaningfully. By submitting wildlife sightings and photographs to national biodiversity databases or international platforms like iNaturalist, visitors help scientists track animal populations and assess habitat health.

Why Aripo Savannah matters

The Aripo Savannah represents one of the last bastions of untouched savannah and marshland habitat in the Caribbean. It is not only home to the Trinidadian red-brocket deer, but also to numerous rare birds like the red-bellied macaw, reptiles such as the golden tegu, and amphibians like the Aripo tree frog. Each of these species contributes to the complex web of life sustained by this rare ecological zone.

Moreover, the area plays a vital role in climate regulation, water filtration, and flood control. The plant communities within the savannah are uniquely adapted to thrive in extreme seasonal changes, offering insights into resilience in the face of climate change. It is also a living laboratory for researchers and students studying Caribbean ecology, geology, and climate science.

Find Cheap Flights to Trinidad & Tobago from US$85.

Save Time and Money
Top Travel Sites to Compare
Best Price Guarantee*
Last-Minute Airfare Deals
No Booking Fees

Learn More

Planning your visit: What to know before you go

For those seeking to explore the Aripo Savannah responsibly:

Permits: Check with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) or Forestry Division for any required permits.
Guided tours: Opt for guided walks led by trained naturalists who can interpret the ecology and increase your chances of wildlife encounters.
What to bring: Lightweight clothing, sturdy hiking boots, insect repellent, water, binoculars, a field notebook, and a camera.
Weather: Prepare for sudden changes in weather. Even during the dry season, early morning mists or showers are common.

Always remember, the purpose of eco-adventuring in sensitive areas like Aripo is not only to witness natural beauty but also to contribute to its protection.

Hadco Experiences at Asa Wright Nature Centre (Ecolodge)

HADCO Experiences at Asa Wright Nature Centre is a sanctuary. Nestled in an ancient rainforest, in the Northern Range of the island of Trinidad, the Asa Wright Nature Centre was established in 1967 with a mission to protect part of the Arima and Aripo valleys for wildlife conservation, education, and scientific research. Home to an easily accessible breeding colony of the rare, nocturnal Oilbird, the Centre covers 1,500 acres of protected rainforest, which houses a rich biota with an outstanding species list that includes native mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies, and a variety of flowering plant species.

A living legacy worth protecting

The Aripo Savannah is far more than a scenic landscape. It is a vital refuge for endangered species like the Trinidadian red-brocket deer and a beacon for ecological research and education. By visiting with care and spreading awareness of its importance, eco-adventurers can ensure that this remarkable habitat remains intact for generations to come.

Whether you are a wildlife photographer, nature lover, student, or conservationist, the Aripo Savannah offers a rare opportunity to connect with one of Trinidad’s last remaining wild spaces. It invites quiet observation, patient exploration, and above all, a commitment to preserving the fragile balance of life it shelters.

For anyone searching internationally for the best eco-experience in Trinidad and Tobago, the Aripo Savannah stands out as a must-visit destination, one where nature still speaks, and where the rustle of grass may just signal the passing of a red-brocket deer.

____________________