535,235 + Acres Protected
THE BELIZE GOVERNMENT
Taking Protective Measures To Protect It's Natural Treasures
Between 1990 and 1992, some 535,235+ acres were put under permanent protection by Belize, including more than 200,000 acres of tropical forest in the Chiquibul region; 6,000 acres of mangrove wetlands in the Burdon Canal zone; and 97,000 acres of critical watershed in the Bladen Nature Reserve. During that same period, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (the world's only jaguar refuge) was expanded from 3,600 to 102,000 acres. Since then, Belize has added more parks and reserves, including designation of the entire 75-square mile Glover's Reef Atoll as a marine reserve and of the 23-square mile Bacalar Chico area as a combination marine reserve and national park.
Belize has shown remarkable leadership in protecting tropical forests and marine resources, and many Belizeans deserve credit for these positive actions. Now the government is shifting its attention from establishment of parks and protected areas to long-term, on the ground area management. In order to accomplish this, the country's natural resources need to pay for themselves. EXPLORING THE BELIZE
MAYAN RAIN FORREST In overlooking the endless sea of emerald green, it is nearly impossible to imagine that 1,200 years ago this whole region had been converted to agriculture and silviculture. Satelite mapping data have revealed the outlines of ancient farmers' fields and irrigation trenches proving that intensive use of the land had spared very little of the original forest. According to plant biologist C.F. Cook, "Truly virgin forests seem not to exist in Central America. Relics of ancient agricultural occupation seem now where to be lacking even in regions now entirely uninhabited, in dense forests as well as in open desert regions." Botanists believe that the present composition of the forest at TIkal is largely due to Mayan silviculture. By the time conquistador Herman Cortez visited the area, in 1525, the rain forest had already grown back and looked very similar to how it looks today. Nature is very resilient and, given the chance, forests can return to areas once degraded by unwise human development.
Technically speaking, the forest found in the northern half of Guatemala's Peten Province is referred to as Tropical Moist Forest, differing somewhat from true rain forest due to the existence of marked wet and dry seasons. The limestone plains of Peten include a vast region with abundant examples of both arid and tropical flora. Much of the plant life is identical to that of the Yucatan Peninsula and includes many endemic species. Broad-leave forests of mahogany, yellow taberbuia, cedar, sapodilla (from which the chicle base for chewing gum is made), and giant buttressed ceibas compete with strangler figs and are covered in a profusion of huge philodendrons, orchids, lianas, monsteras, and bromeliads. Lakes, wooded swamps, undrained sinkhole ponds, or aguadas, and stretches of grassland and savannah are scattered throughout the forest. Since very little sun can reach the forest floor there are a few flowers. The trees are tall and straight reaching fity meters up to the forest canopy. Trunks are covered with lichens and mosses which make them very difficult to identify. The sounds are those of little birds singing, flocks of screeching parrots, the buzzing and chirping of insects and occasionally the distant roar of a howler monkey, sounding more like a tiger than a medium sized primate. As you walk along the main pathways of the park there is a good chance that you will see ocellated turkeys, coatimundis, grey fox, brocket and white-tailed deer, spider and howler monkeys, woodpeckers, trogons, and many other species. There are also numerous nature trails which branch off from the main paths which take you into the deep jungle. Because these smaller trails are not well marked it is recommended to obtain a guide. Off-duty park guards are usually available to provide this service and their abundant knowledge about forest life makes them a definite asset for those new to tropical ecosystems. In closing, please do not attempt to venture into rain forest jungle areas alone. If you are unfamiliar with various trails, please seek the assistance of an experienced guide. Always tell somewhere where you are headed before you leave, and when you are expected to return. Make sure you are dressed appropriately. We recommend long sleeve (light weight) shirts, long (light weight) pans, socks and good hiking books with covered toe and ankle protection. Carry a cell phone with you, ample bug repellent, snacks, and ample water for your adventure. JUNGLE ETIQUETTE
Safety & Health Tips While most tours are safe, there are risks involved in any adventurous activity. Know and respect your own physical limits before undertaking any strenuous activity. be prepared for extremes in temperature and rainfall and for wide fluctuations in weather. a sunny morning hike can quickly become a cold and wet ordeal, so it's usually a good idea to carry along some form of rain gear when hiking in the rainforest, or to have a dry change of clothing waiting at the end of the trail. Make sure to bring along plenty of sunscreen when you're not going to be covered by the forest canopy.
If you do any back country packing or camping, remember that it really is a jungle out there. Don't go poking under rocks or fallen branches. Snakebites are very rare, but don't do anything to increase the odds. If you do encounter a snake, stay calm, don't make any sudden movements, and do not try to handle it. Also, avoid swimming in major rivers unless a guide or local operator can vouch for their safety. Though white-water sections and stretches in mountainous areas are generally pretty safe, most mangrove canals and river mouths in Belize support healthy crocodile and caiman populations. Bugs and bug bites will probably be your greatest health concern in Belize, and even they aren't a big a problem as you might expect. Mostly bugs are an inconvenience, although mosquitoes can carry malaria or dengue. A strong repellent and proper clothing will minimize both the danger and inconvenience; you may also want to bring along some cortisone or Benadryl cream to soothe itching. At the beaches, you'll probably be bitten by sand fleas, or "no-see-ems." These nearly invisible insects leave an irritating welt. Try not to scratch, as this can lead to open sores and infections. no-see-ems are most active at sunrise and sunset, so you might want to cover up or avoid the beaches at these times. And remember.............whenever you enter and enjoy nature, you should tread lightly and try not to disturb the natural environment. There's a popular slogan well known to most campers that certainly applies here: "Leave nothing, but footprints, take nothing but memories." If you must take home a souvenir, take photos. Do not cut or uproot plants or flowers. Pack out everything you pack in, and please do not litter. |
SAVING TROPICAL HABITATS
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SEARCHING FOR WILDLIFE
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