The first sightings of the Red eared pond slider Trachemys scripta elegans in Trinidad were docum... more The first sightings of the Red eared pond slider Trachemys scripta elegans in Trinidad were documented by Mohammed et al. (2010). That data included sightings from 2000 to 2010, and anecdotal records from F. Lucas dating back to the late 1980’s (Mohammed et al. 2010). Records from various independent baseline surveys by R.S. Mohammed and S.H.. Ali spanning 2005 to 2016 have now been collated to provide an updated account of the distribution.
Morphological differences in ocelots were suspected to occur between Trinidadian and South Americ... more Morphological differences in ocelots were suspected to occur between Trinidadian and South American populations. Data for 49 individuals inclusive of camera trap photographs and captive ocelots in private and zoo collections was collected. Observations of spot size and colour, spot outline thickness, dorsal stripe and nose colour were noted. These were then compared to the origins of the respective specimens. Lastly, camera trap photographs of wild ocelots in Trinidad and live specimens were compared to test the hypothesis. Of these parameters, only spot outline thickness and nose colour were significantly different with specimens from Venezuela having mostly pink noses and Trinidadian ocelots having mostly black noses. To a lesser extent, there were no Trinidadian ocelots with thick spot outlines.
To facilitate research and conservation of ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in Trinidad, data was com... more To facilitate research and conservation of ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in Trinidad, data was compiled in January 2014 and April 2015 on previous and current individuals housed at the Emperor Valley Zoo in Port of Spain as well as on maintenance and housing conditions. Historical records (genetic, spatial and temporal) had been destroyed by water, but interviews with zoo managers and employees produced considerable data. Ocelot breeding at the zoo is currently unmanaged because of a lack of staff. The genetics and geographic origin of the current housed ocelots is unknown. It is suggested that a structured breeding programme would maximise the breeding success of the current population at the zoo. This way the viability of the captive ocelots would be enhanced by increased genetic diversity obtained through the success of ocelot breeding and survival of kittens either for release into the wild or for display animals in the zoo.
The first sightings of the Red eared pond slider Trachemys scripta elegans in Trinidad were docum... more The first sightings of the Red eared pond slider Trachemys scripta elegans in Trinidad were documented by Mohammed et al. (2010). That data included sightings from 2000 to 2010, and anecdotal records from F. Lucas dating back to the late 1980’s (Mohammed et al. 2010). Records from various independent baseline surveys by R.S. Mohammed and S.H.. Ali spanning 2005 to 2016 have now been collated to provide an updated account of the distribution.
Morphological differences in ocelots were suspected to occur between Trinidadian and South Americ... more Morphological differences in ocelots were suspected to occur between Trinidadian and South American populations. Data for 49 individuals inclusive of camera trap photographs and captive ocelots in private and zoo collections was collected. Observations of spot size and colour, spot outline thickness, dorsal stripe and nose colour were noted. These were then compared to the origins of the respective specimens. Lastly, camera trap photographs of wild ocelots in Trinidad and live specimens were compared to test the hypothesis. Of these parameters, only spot outline thickness and nose colour were significantly different with specimens from Venezuela having mostly pink noses and Trinidadian ocelots having mostly black noses. To a lesser extent, there were no Trinidadian ocelots with thick spot outlines.
To facilitate research and conservation of ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in Trinidad, data was com... more To facilitate research and conservation of ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in Trinidad, data was compiled in January 2014 and April 2015 on previous and current individuals housed at the Emperor Valley Zoo in Port of Spain as well as on maintenance and housing conditions. Historical records (genetic, spatial and temporal) had been destroyed by water, but interviews with zoo managers and employees produced considerable data. Ocelot breeding at the zoo is currently unmanaged because of a lack of staff. The genetics and geographic origin of the current housed ocelots is unknown. It is suggested that a structured breeding programme would maximise the breeding success of the current population at the zoo. This way the viability of the captive ocelots would be enhanced by increased genetic diversity obtained through the success of ocelot breeding and survival of kittens either for release into the wild or for display animals in the zoo.
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