Caroni Swamp

swamp, Trinidad and Tobago

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

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The Caroni Swamp is a vital wetland ecosystem located in northwestern Trinidad, within Trinidad and Tobago. Characterized by mineral soils with poor drainage and dominated by trees, it is a type of swamp. The swamp is formed by the Caroni River, which flows into the Gulf of Paria through its mangrove channels.

This area is a renowned bird sanctuary, historically famous for its large populations of flamingos and scarlet ibis. However, these populations have significantly declined due to illegal hunting and pollution. The Caroni Swamp's unique environment supports diverse plant and animal life, though it faces threats from human activities.

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Caroni River
…saline mangrove channels of the Caroni Swamp into the Gulf of Paria, between Trinidad and Venezuela, a mile or so south of Port of Spain. It drains the area between the Northern and Central ranges. Its length is about 25 miles (40 km), and it is partly navigable by flat-bottomed…
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…saline mangrove channels of the Caroni Swamp into the Gulf of Paria, between Trinidad and Venezuela, a mile or so south of Port of Spain. It drains the area between the Northern and Central ranges. Its length is about 25 miles (40 km), and it is partly navigable by flat-bottomed…
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Trinidad and Tobago
Plant and animal life
The Caroni Swamp, a bird sanctuary, is frequented by flocks of white flamingos and egrets as well as populations of scarlet ibis—a national bird. Despite its protected status, the sanctuary’s bird population, including that of the scarlet ibis, has declined markedly since the 1970s, the result…
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The Caroni Swamp, a bird sanctuary, is frequented by flocks of white flamingos and egrets as well as populations of scarlet ibis—a national bird. Despite its protected status, the sanctuary’s bird population, including that of the scarlet ibis, has declined markedly since the 1970s, the result…
Read More