By Toby Dighero

This summer, I had the opportunity to go to Trinidad as part of a research team with the University of Glasgow. Our research focused on frogs, bats and turtles. My main focus was on the Tungara frog and how its behavior changed in different environments. On this trip I gained valuable lab and field work skills as well as experiencing the incredible biodiversity Trinidad has to offer. Furthermore, I experienced a new and diverse culture, getting to meet incredible people and immerse myself in day to day life in a foreign country. The University also had ties with various schools and conservation groups and we sometimes helped out on outreach programs, such as beach cleans and giving presentations in schools. Thank you to the Principals Go Abroad fund for making this trip a possibility.

Englishman’s bay, Tobago

The local market in the town of Arima

Asa Wright nature preserve

A hawksbill turtle

Leatherback turtle hatchlings

Two common tree frogs in the mating position known as amplexus

Me with a common tree frog

A bat being looked at to measure its parasite numbers

Some locals out on their boat

The scarlet ibises, national birds of Trinidad

Our last night together