A notable feature of Orinoco discharge is floating vegetation torn from the river banks far inland. This phenomenon is thought to be responsible for the continuing colonization of the southwestern peninsula by both plants and animals. This sediment loading of the coastal waters is less prominent in Tobago. Tobago has therefore been able to develop coral reefs off its south west coast, where turbidity and salinity are at thresholds for reef development. We don't actually know how many species of plant and animals we have in Trinidad and Tobago.
Some groups are well known for example birds and the higher plants.
There is moderate amount of information on other species and on others there is nothing at all. Every year, new species are discovered the world over, and Trinidad is no exception. What is more important however is how we are managing what we do know about, and the research that is being conducted to increase our knowledge of the other species. There are probably about 2500 species of plants and about 10 times as many animals, the majority being insects and other invertebrates. The multitude of uses that we have for the natural flora and fauna is quite extensive, and we often underestimate the contribution that biodiversity makes to our lives, our economic well being and individual health.