Introduction to the Central Range
The Central Range is a chain of low hills that runs across the middle of Trinidad, separating the northern and southern parts of the island. Although not as tall as the Northern Range, it is an important physical and ecological feature of Trinidad, supporting agriculture, wildlife, and rivers.
Location and Physical Features
The Central Range stretches diagonally from east to west across the center of Trinidad, starting near Tabaquite and extending toward Sangre Grande. Unlike the rugged Northern Range, the Central Range has more gentle slopes, rolling hills, and small valleys. It is dotted with caves, limestone formations, and river systems.
Major Peaks and Landmarks
The Central Range does not have very high peaks, but it has notable elevations such as:
Mount Tamana – One of the highest points, known especially for its cave system.
(Trini Jungle Juice, 2021)
Tamana Caves – Famous for housing one of the largest bat colonies in Trinidad. Other landmarks include the Arena Forest Reserve and parts of the Nariva Swamp’s upper areas.
Flora and Fauna
The Central Range is covered in tropical forests and is home to:
- Various bird species, including toucans and parrots.
- Mammals like agoutis, ocelots, and monkeys.
- Rich plant life, especially hardwood trees, palms, and flowering plants. Its forest reserves help protect biodiversity and serve as important habitats for many native species.
(Trini Jungle Juice, 2021)
Importance to Trinidad
The Central Range is important for:
- Water resources – Several rivers, including the Caroni and Ortoire Rivers, originate here.
- Agriculture – The fertile valleys are used for farming crops like cocoa, citrus fruits, and vegetables.
- Cultural significance – It is linked to folklore, nature-based traditions, and rural community life.
- Tourism – Attractions like the Tamana Caves and nearby nature trails bring visitors for eco-tourism.
Conservation and Threats
The Central Range faces challenges from deforestation, quarrying, and illegal hunting. Conservation efforts focus on protecting forest reserves, preserving wildlife habitats, and managing water resources. Environmental education and sustainable land use are key strategies to ensure the range’s long-term health.
References
Destination Trinidad and Tobago. (n.d.). Mount Tamana Bat Caves. https://www.destinationtnt.com/mount-tamana-bat-caves/
Droneshott. (2025, March 30). Discover the stunning landscapes of Northern Range in Trinidad [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@droneshott/video/7487626806724480261
Encyclopædia Britannica. (n.d.). Northern Range. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Northern-Range
Google. (n.d.). Central Range, Trinidad and Tobago [Map]. Google Maps. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Central+Range/@10.4167081,-61.2705998,14z/
Island Experiences. (n.d.). Mountain Village Jeep Adventure. https://www.islandexperiencestt.com/product/mountain-village-jeep-adventure/
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. (n.d.). Trinidad: People and the Northern Range. https://www.millenniumassessment.org/en/SGA.Trinidad.html
Peakery. (n.d.). El Cerro del Aripo – Trinidad and Tobago. https://peakery.com/el-cerro-del-aripo-trinidad-and-tobago/
Rampersad, S. (2019, March 16). Destruction of the Northern Range. Trinidad Guardian. https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/destruction-of-the-northern-range-6.2.802110.0bc76ef0b3
Trini Jungle Juice. (2021, March 5). El Tucuche is the second highest peak in Trinidad’s Northern Range and is noted for its interesting pyramidal shape. It is fabled in Amerindian lore as a sacred mountain [Photograph]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4513960175360411&id=881932545229877&set=a.1160686864021109
Trini Jungle Juice. (2024, April 2). Exploring the lush trails of the Central Range [Video]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5mMd1vuSX-/
Wildgirl. (2023, August 11). Bird life of Central Range forests. Wild Tobago. https://wildtobago.blogspot.com/2023/08/bird-life-of-central-range-forests.html
Trinidad Swamps and Ranges 