The hike into the park is for the physically fit. BNR is the center piece of the Maya Mountain Corridor, creating a crucial link in the last remaining large, intact block of forest in the region. Bladen harbours a total of twenty ecosystem types, ranging from broadleaf lowland hill forest to submontane forest, riparian shrubland and short grass savanna providing protection for at least 19 species of international concern.
The wet forests of western Bladen and the contiguous north-west plateau of Columbia River Forest Reserve harbour the most diverse amphibian fauna in Belize with the high probability of several species being new to science. Harpy Eagles , Scarlet Macaws and five cat species, including the jaguar , all thrive in this large territory of old growth forest.
Few other areas of Mesoamerica provide enough forest to support this wide array of species. Bladen Nature Reserve was established in following field expeditions indicating its very high biodiversity and the near-pristine condition of its forests. Block is managed as a private protected area by the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment.
The lands are part of a block of large, unfragmented, moist tropical forest that serves as a biological corridor for important species such as jaguar, puma, margay, ocelot and jaguarundi, which require large units of forest for their mobility and survival. The Blue Hole is a stunning jewel set in a ring of corals.
Giant stalactites, dripstone sheets, and columns are located in the Gallery at the southern rim of the Great Blue Hole. These structures formed in a dry cavern above sea level during glacial periods. Largely unexplored in terms of biodiversity, it is thought that it may protect unique crypto faunal assemblages, with as yet unidentified species. The 1, acre Natural Monument is a national protected area, designated as a Natural Monument in to protect the geological formations found within the sinkhole.
Caye Caulker Marine Reserve lies to the east of the tourism island destination of Caye Caulker and includes five habitats: mangrove, littoral forests, lagoon marsh-lands, sea grass beds and the coral reef.
The Marine Reserve is focused on the marine areas, and is divided into the three zones of Preservation, Conservation and General Use. The reserve extends approximately a mile beyond the reef and is easily accessible from Caye Caulker, a popular tourism destination, and provides sheltered snorkeling and diving opportunities.
The eventual designation of the area as a Marine Reserve occurred in It is also known for its spectacular waterfalls, mountain views, nature trails, and rich diversity of neotropical birds. The tracks of wildcats, tapir, deer, and other wildlife are often seen on hiking trails or along the bank of South Stann Creek. It also provides access to Victoria Peak, the highest peak in Belize.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary contains a mosaic of wetlands and terrestrial habitats, which make it one of the best birding destinations in Belize. From the commonly seen Northern Jacana to the elusive Sungrebe, Crooked Tree offers an enjoyable experience for birders of any skill level.
With 16, acres of lagoons, creeks, logwood swamps, broadleaf forest and pine savanna, you will be sure to see a wide array of wildlife. The Community Baboon Sanctuary is a community initiative that was established to protect the Yucatan black howler monkeys of the Bermudian Landing area, whilst also promoting sustainable tourism within the Belize River Valley communities. The Sanctuary was founded by Dr.
Robert Horwich, an American primatologist and Fallet Young, a landowner in the village of Bermudian Landing, in with the initial participation of 12 landowners. As it has grown, it has helped ensure the protection of not just Black Howler Monkeys, but many species of flora and fauna in the area.
Visiting the Sanctuary: The CBS promises a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the adventurous traveler and a unique and pleasant experience for the casual visitor. There are comfortable and welcoming places to stay right at the sanctuary and many opportunities for exciting tours of the surrounding rainforest, river, and wildlife. Tours range from casual nature walks to exciting nighttime crocodile expeditions. Park activities include: River Tours, Birding, and educating the local communities.
The Sanctuary is located just outside of Belize City approximately an hour drive. You can camp, stay with a community member in a local Bed and Breakfast, or you can stay in one of the local lodges.
Since the s, fishermen have congregated at Gladden Spit on the Belize Barrier Reef to harvest mutton snapper and grouper. In , a team of scientists and local fishermen found that for ten days after the full moon of each lunar cycle between March and June, the whale sharks gather, feeding on the spawn produced by thousands of fish that form the Gladden Spit spawning aggregation.
SEA Belize continues to study the spawning fish every month. Teams of divers go to the site twice a day for at least 10 days after the full moon. Over 20 different species of reef fishes come together at the site each with its own month and moon-timing, a biological clock.
In addition to its role as a biological corridor, it is itself home to and protects an impressive array of biodiversity which includes 17 major ecosystems, hundreds of plant species with 19 amphibian, bird, 20 fish, 59 mammal and 54 reptile species identified to date. Guanacaste National Park is a popular recreational getaway only two miles from the capital city of Belmopan, at the confluence of the Belize River and Roaring Creek.
Facilities include a Visitors Centre, bird deck, swimming deck and a well maintained trail system. TheGuanacaste National Park is a non-extractive protected area, with the primary management goal of promoting understanding of nature and the environment, in order to foster respect for the park and its personnel among local citizens and visitors. Research, educational and recreational activities are permitted, but no extractive use is allowed.
It was initially established as a crown reserve in to protect the large nesting colony of white-phase red-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds. It was then extended to include a marine component in The protected area consists of both terrestrial and marine components, and is centered on Half Moon Caye, with its littoral forest and impressive bird nesting colony.
The atoll is an asymmetric rimmed platform, entirely surrounded by a fringing reef rising virtually to the surface. Inside this fringing reef is a lagoon speckled with hundreds of coral patches. The reef, including the spectacular wall where the atoll drops away into the depths, is highlighted for its density and diversity of both corals and fish.
Nassau groupers, once the second most commonly caught fish in Belize, have sharply declined because of unsustainable fishing. The various protected areas are important for Belize not only for conservation but also for our tourism industry.
The Belize Barrier Reef alone attracts thousands of visitors annually, many that come specifically for diving or snorkeling in our pristine underwater backyard. In , this area on the northern part of Ambergris Caye was added under the protection status of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve , the majority of which is located about 4 miles south of San Pedro. Hol Chan is a very popular snorkeling site and is also often utilized for diving certification courses as it is fairly shallow yet offers a multitude of marine life.
This protected area has as its Northern border the country of Mexico, separated by a small channel said to have been dug by the ancient Maya people. As mentioned at the very beginning of this post, Half Moon Caye is another Natural Monument that most divers are familiar with and which is important for both its bird and marine inhabitants.
It began as a community effort to stem the destruction of habitats from fishing and diving. Today, the reserve is internationally recognized as an important marine reserve. It is filled with colorful creatures including corals, rays, sea turtles, manatees, eels, barracudas, and seahorses. Visitors can boat, k ayak, scuba dive or snorkel in the reserve.
The reserve protects more than , acres of evergreen trees marked by granite hills, the Maya mountains and some of the most impressive waterfalls in Belize. It is famous for its many lakes, pools, and streams where you can swim in pure, sparkling water.
The reserve is close to San Ignacio in the Cayo District. If you are a bird enthusiast, you must visit this top birding site located about an hour from Orange Walk Town.
It is a combination of wetlands and rainforest; the area protects hundreds of bird species including egrets, kingfishers, flycatchers, toucans, macaws, parrots, eagles and coots. However, the reserve is also home to a variety of wildlife including armadillos, lizards, crocodiles, tapirs, pumas, margays, deer, foxes and raccoons.
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