Mayan Brownie Recipe - These brownies combine the taste of chocolate and cinnamon together. 

Mayan Brownies
1/2 c. 1 stick unsalted butter
1 1/4 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa (Hershey's)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3/4 c. all purpose flour
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. espresso powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
1 c. semi sweet chocolate chips
2 Tbsp. mini cinnamon chips

Ganache
2" stick of cinnamon (broken into pieces)
3 oz. heavy cream
1-1/2 Tbsp. light corn syrup
1/4 tsp. vanilla
6 oz. chopped good quality, dark chocolate

For the Brownies - Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease or spray a 9" square baking pan. (I like to line mine with foil and then spray for easy removal and cutting.)

In a medium bowl melt butter in microwave. Don't boil it, just heat it until it's melted. Set aside to cool for a minute. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, salt, espresso powder, cinnamon and cayenne together until thoroughly combined. Stir in chocolate and cinnamon chips to coat them in the mixture. Set aside.

Whisk sugar into melted butter then add cocoa and whisk to combine. Add eggs and vanilla and continue to whisk until thoroughly combined.  Add flour/chip mixture to butter mixture and stir until combined.  Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or just until a toothpick inserted into center comes out with some moist crumbs attached.  Allow brownies to cool completely.

For the Ganache - Place cinnamon stick and cream into a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat, cover and allow to steep for 30 minutes. Strain the cream to remove cinnamon pieces and pour back into sauce pan. Add corn syrup, stir then return to heat until the cream is just starting to simmer. Stir in vanilla and chopped chocolate and remove from heat, continuing to stir until all chocolate pieces are melted.  Spread evenly over brownies and allow to cool. Cut into squares. Because of the ganache, I like to store these brownies in the refrigerator.  Makes 16 brownies.

Actun Chapat Cave is one of the best caves in Belize to explore! Inside this massive cave system are crystallized rock formations, Mayan stories, flying and crawling cave critters, a beautiful cenote, and an area known as "The Skylight".
Where is Actun Chapat located?  It is located in Cave World Adventures, at #1 Minhocao Trail, San Jose Succotz Village, in the Cayo District of Belize.  Cave World Adventures is an adventure and wilderness park created as a preservation project for Belize's flor and fauna.

The name “Actun Chapat” means “Centipede Cave” and (yes you are correct), the cave is littered with centipedes inside, but don't worry they won't bite.  There is much Mayan tales about the cave, which refer to a serpent (more like a dragon), that lives deep inside the cave.  So far, we haven’t found that serpent, but we have indeed found many centipedes.  This cave sits next to a smaller cave known as Actun Halal (Cave Of The Spear) where archaeologists have found evidence of a mastodon tooth and the remains of an extinct cave bear. Certainly this evidence refers us back to the Paleolithic era when humans were still hunters and gatherers and the age pleistocene animals were still roaming these country sides.

The first cave that you will encountered is called “Baby Chapat,” which is basically a smaller cave within the much larger cave system. Passing through Baby Chapat, you will enter into Actun Halal, which is a rock-shelter where the Mayas carved faces into the soft limestone of the cave walls.  After briefly visiting Actun Halal, you will hike a bit further before getting to Actun Chapat, the cave you will be exploring on this day.  The first challenge you will encounter, is the entrance to the cave.  You will need to keep a 3-point contact to climb inside the cave. We found most of the rocks to be slippery - so be careful. 

Once inside the cave, you will be greeted by a grand crystalized rock formation, along with many broken pieces of pottery pieces, AND (you got it!) centipedes!  Each piece of pottery is said to have been brought into the cave by ancient Maya priests, when they conducted their rituals and human sacrifices to their deities. After the rituals were performed, the pottery was then broken to release its spirit. Many of the pieces in this cave date back to as early as 1800 A.D.

The ancient Maya never lived in caves, cave were predominantly used for rituals and burials. There are skeletal remains in this cave, either from human sacrifices or as a final final resting place for the dead.  There is are a couple sacred ritual rooms where certainly the activities there were of religious and spiritual importance.

When exploring Actun Chapat, you will entered into one of the largest chambers for caves in Belize.  The cave ceilings are very high, and the inside has a rather hallow feeling to the rock formations.  Usually at this point, your guide will stop and ask you to turn off your headlamps.  This is when you really get to experience just how dark a cave really can be.  Try calling out your name, and listen to your voice echo back to you in this cavern. 

After you have completed alot of walking and rock climbing, you will reach the skylight.  The skylight is a cenote or sinkhole that the Mayas  believed was the entrance to the underworld of Xibalba.  The sinkhole is caused by the process of carbonic acid softening of the minerals inside the limestone mountains, which later collapses. The carbonic acid comes from water that had accumulated on top of the mountains.  Making it to the skylight was definitely worth all the climbing and crawling!

When is the best time to go to Actun Chapat? - The best time to visit Actun Chapat is in the morning - you don’t want to be hiking out of the cave when darkness is approaching. Taking into consideration that most days in Belize are warm and sunny, any day is appropriate to go spelunking in Belize.
What is the level of difficulty of Actun Chapat? - On the difficulty scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the most difficult, Actun Chapat is a 4.5. Inside the cave is rather slippery, even in the dry season and exploring the cave requires a lot of crouching and climbing.

The geological “art works’ found in Actun Chapat is spectacular and is generally not seen in many caves around Belize.  So far, there are a little more than 200 registered caves in Belize.  You will find wide open and long spaces in this cave, up to 500 meters in length.  This alone is incredible to witness, as underground water years ago, created these wide open spaces - deep inside the cave.

Archaeologists suggest that this cave can be longer than 6 miles in length. Not very many people have ventured that deep into this cave to bear witness to it.  What we do know, is this cave has 3 lakes inside of it, along with a wonderful beach area. We also know that the ancient Maya modified stalactites, stalagmites and glow stone formation (in this cave), to their advantage.  Whether to be for entertainment, style, or to respect the underworld as an even more ominous a place to visit. 
We also know that, the ancient Maya also created some stairs and hand and footholds in the sharper and higher reaches of the cave.  One most impressive evidence of this, is in the sinkhole, high within the bowels of the cave.

How to get to Actun Chapat? - Getting to Actun Chapat takes a total of roughly one (1) hour and thirty-five (35) minute drive from San Ignacio Town. This includes the time to get from San Ignacio to San Jose Succotz Village (about 15 minutes away).  The drive on Waterhole Road (1 hour), and the hike from Cave World Adventures to the cave entrance (is about 20 minutes).
Getting to Actun Chapat from Belize City - takes about 3 hours and 35 minutes. You can get to Actun Chapat in a private vehicle or car rental.

The Portuguese Man-of-War is often mistakenly referred to as a jellyfish.  It is actually a species of siphonophore, which is a group of animals that are closely related to the jellyfish.  A siphonophore is unusual in that it is comprised of a colony of specialized (genetically identical individuals called zooids or clones), with various forms and functions, all working together as one.
Each of the four (4) specialized parts of a Man-of-War is responsible for a specific task, such as (1) floating, (2) capturing prey, (3) feeding, and (4) reproduction. Found mostly in tropical and subtropical seas, Portuguese Man-of-War are propelled by winds and ocean currents alone, and sometimes float in legions of 1,000 or more! 
The Portuguese Man-of-War is recognized by its balloon-like float, which may be blue, violet, or pink and rises up to six inches above the waterline. Lurking below the float are long strands of tentacles and polyps that grow to an average of 30 feet and may extend by as much as 165 feet.
These tentacles contain stinging microscopic capsules loaded with coiled, barbed tubes that deliver venom capable of paralyzing and killing small fish and crustaceans. While the Man-of-War's sting is rarely kills a human, it can pack a painful punch that causes welts on exposed skin.

The Portuguese Man-of-War is a predatory species. It uses its feeding tentacles to sting and paralyze small fishes, pelagic crustaceans, and other invertebrates. The feeding tentacles may be up to 165 feet in length.  These tentacles deliver a powerful sting and are also used for defense against predation.

Fun Facts About the Portuguese Man o’ War
1. The Portuguese man o’ war is not a jellyfish, it is considered a siphonophore, which is a colony of specialized animals called zooids that work together as one.
2. The Portuguese Man-of-War does not swim. Instead, it uses wind and ocean currents to propel it forward.
3. The Portuguese Man-of-War was named after its resemblance to 18th century Portuguese warships.
4. The Portuguese Man-of-War's float can be up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall.
5. The Portuguese Man-of-War's tentacles can grow as long as 165 feet.

The Portuguese Man-of-War was named after it's resemblance to 18th Century Portuguese warships.  It has a distinctive sail-like float that can reach 12 inches in length, 5 inches in width, and rises 6 inches above the water surface. The colorful float may be translucent blue, pink, or violet. This gas bladder is filled with nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and a small amount of carbon dioxide from air, plus up to 14% carbon monoxide.
In addition to the float, the Man-of-War has three other polyp types. The tentacles (used for defense and disabling prey, which can reach up to 165 feet in length), the gastrozooids (used for feeding), and the gonozooids (used for reproduction).
The Portuguese Man-of-War includes two species.  (1) The Pacific Man-of-war (Blue Bottle) and the (2) Australian Man-of-War.  The Pacific Man-of-War has a wider color range and many tentacles, while the Australian Man-of-War has a single long tentacle.

Habitat and Range - The species occurs in the warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Caribbean and Sargasso Seas. The Portuguese Man-of-War lives on or just below the surface of the water. A siphon in the float lets the animal float or descend in the water. Wind pushes the animal's float at a 45 degree angle. Some Portuguese Man-of-War are "left-sided," while others are "right-sided." The different orientations (of the floats), help the animals to disperse across the oceans.

Diet - The Portuguese Man-of-War is a carnivore. Its tentacles contain stinging cells called nematocysts that paralyze and kill small fish, worms, and crustaceans. The tentacles move prey to the gastrozooids on the underside of the float. The gastrozooids secrete enzymes that digest the prey. Nutrients are absorbed and circulated to other polyps. The Man-of-War is prey to sea turtles, sea slugs, and crabs.

Reproduction and Offspring - Each individual Portuguese Man-of-War is either a male or a female, and they reproduce sexually via a method known as broadcast spawning. Large groups of Man-of-War's come together, where females release their eggs and males release their sperm into the water column, all at the same time. This usually occurs in the autumn of each year.  This method increases the likelihood that eggs will be fertilized.

Portuguese Man-of-War and Humans - Both jellyfish and Man-of-War tentacles can sting after the animal is dead or when they are detached. Stings are painful, although not usually fatal. Neurotoxins in the venom cause mast cells in skin to release histamines, resulting in inflammation. Treatment typically involves tentacle removal, using vinegar or ammonia to inactivate remaining nematocysts, and soaking the affected area in hot water. Oral or topical antihistamines may be administered to combat inflammation.

FACT #1) It's Not a Jellyfish - The Portuguese Man-of-War may look like a bloated jellyfish, but it’s actually a siphonophore—a bizarre group of animals that consist of colonies made up of dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of genetically-identical individual creatures. A siphonophore starts out as a fertilized egg. But as it develops, it starts "budding" into distinct structures and organisms. These tiny organisms—called polyps or zooids—can’t survive on their own, so they merge together into a tentacled mass. They must cooperate as one in order to do things like travel and catch food.
The long tentacles develop to hunt and ensnare prey; smaller tentacles grow to help digest food; and still other tentacles dangling are used to facilitate reproduction. Every Man-of-War also has what is called a “float” (an overgrown, bag-like polyp which acts as a giant gas bladder and sits at the top of the colony). Capable of expanding or contracting at will, it provides the Man-of-War with some buoyancy control. An expanded float also enables the colony to harness winds to move around.

FACT #2) A Close Relative is the Pacfic "Blue Bottle" - Portuguese Man-of-War's can be found in warmer parts of the Pacific, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and of course, the Atlantic.  It’s sometimes called the Pacific “Blue Bottle Man-of War" and is restricted to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It’s smaller than the Australian species and unlike its bigger counterpart—it hunts using multiple tentacles.

FACT #3) The Name "Portuguese Man-of-War" is Probably a Naval Reference - In the age of sailing, many European navies used tall warships loaded with cannons and propelled by three masts. British sailors took to calling this kind of vessel a “Man of War.”  The Portuguese Man-of-War are colonies which spend a lot of time floating on the water’s surface, when the gas bladder is expanded (it looks and acts a bit like a sailboat), hence the name “Man-of-War.”
There are a couple theories as to how it got it's name.  (1) 19th century scientists proposed that sailors encountered it near the Portuguese island of Madeira, and thought it looked like the Portuguese version of the ship.  (2) Possibly Renaissance-era sailors thought it resembled the helmets worn by Portugal’s soldiers during the 16th century.

FACT #4) Man-of-War Tentacles Can Be Up To 165 Feet in Length - At least, that’s the maximum length for a tentacle which is normally around 30 feet long.  It uses venom-spewing cells to deliver painful, neurotoxic stings. When a tentacle is detached from the rest of the colony (and washes ashore), it might drift around for days on end until it decomposes. Be warned: Even a severed tentacle can sting you.

FACT #5) The Portuguese man-of-war is four organisms working as one - The Portuguese Man-of-War may appear to be a single organism, but it's actually four different organisms (or zooids) in one.
Each organism provides a necessary function for the entire creature to survive. The top zooid, which resembles a bottle (or mohawk), is the pneumatophore. It's a gas-filled bag, which allows the Man-of-War to float.  The next two zooids (gastrozooids & dactylozooids), are the tentacles used for feeding.  The final zooid (gonozooids), deals with reproduction.

FACT #6) It was named for its resemblance to ships - That mohawk is also how the man-of-war got its name. It closely resembles ships that the Portuguese navy used in the 18th century when they were at full sail. The name also may refer to the topped helmets Portuguese soldiers wore during the same period.

FACT #7) On RARE Occasions, Stings Can Be Fatal to Humans - The odds of being killed by a Portuguese Man-of-War are slim. But just because deaths are rare doesn't mean you should touch one (just to find out).  On RARE occasions a Portuguese Man-of-War can kill, if you receive enough venom from the tentacles. 

FACT #8) Portuguese Man-of-War can Deliver a Horrible Sting - It may not be a jellyfish, but the Man-of-War does have one trait we commonly associate with jellyfish: painful stings. The tentacles are covered in venom-filled nematocysts, which is how a Man-of-War kills their prey, typically small fish and plankton. The stings are painful to humans, but are rarely fatal.  With tentacles that can reach up to 165 feet (getting wrapped up in one), can leave you looking like you've been struck by a whip. 
Treatments for the stings have been hotly debated, but a 2017 study in the journal Toxins recommended vinegar to wash away any remaining nematocysts once the tentacles are removed and then soaking the affected area in hot water, ideally 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius) for around 45 minutes.

FACT #9) Some Fish Live in Them - Given that tiny fish make up about 70 to 90 percent of the Man-of-War's diet (it also eats shrimp and other crustaceans).  One fish, known as the "Man-of-War fish" lives among the tentacles even though it's not immune to its stings, swimming nimbly between the stingers. These young fish eat the plankton which wanders under their hosts and as they get older, they will sometimes steal the Man-of-War's prey—or nibble on its tentacles.

FACT #10) The Portuguese Man-of-War does Have Predators - The loggerhead turtle and the ocean sunfish both gobble up both Portuguese Man-of-War's and jellyfish. Also notable among its predators is the blanket octopus, and the Blue Gaucus (a sea slug).  The Blue Gaucus (aka as the Blue Dragon or Sea Butterfly) stores the stinging venom in its own body (making it also a venomous) animal to touch.  The Blue Gaucus, as a result can deliver a far more potent sting than the Portuguese Man-of-War can alone.

FACT #11) Sea Slugs Like to Steal Their Toxins - The Loggerhead sea turtles, blanket octopus, and sea slugs, are all thick-skinned enough to eat them.  Sea slugs (aka Blue Gaucus, Blue Dragon or Sea Butterflies), devour the Man-of-War and actively harvest their toxins and store these toxins (or venom) in their own bodies to to later use as a deterrent for its predators. 

FACT #12) Man-of-War Come In Pretty Colors - Although it’s translucent, the float is usually tinted with blue, pink, and/or purple hues. Beaches along the American Gulf Coast raise purple flags in order to let visitors know when groups of Man-of-War (or other potentially deadly sea creatures) are at large.

FACT #13) It Goes with the Flow Literally - The Man-of-War has no means of propulsion, so it simply drifts, either riding the currents of the ocean or sailing as its catches the sea breeze. If there's a threat on the surface, the creature can temporarily deflate to sink below the water.  Even when dead, a Portuguese Man-of-War can deliver a painful sting.

FACT #14) Every Colony Has a Specific Sex - The Man-of-War have sacs that house ovaries or testes, so each colony can therefore be considered “male” or “female.” Though marine biologists aren’t completely sure how the Man-of-War procreates, one theory is that these shorter tentacles release eggs and sperm into the open ocean, which become fertilized when they cross paths with floating eggs or sperm from another Man-of-War colony. This “broadcast spawning” method of reproduction is also used by many species of coral, fan worms, sea anemone, and jellyfish.

FACT #15) Look Out for Man-of-War Legions - The Man-of-War isn't always seen in isolation. Legions consisting of over 1,000 colonies have been observed floating around together (especially when they come together to spawn in the autum). Because they drift along on (somewhat) predictable winds and ocean currents, it’s possible to anticipate where and when a lot of the creatures will show up. For Belize, you can expect to see some of these washed up on the beaches during the winter months,

FACT #16) The Portuguese Man-of-War Washes Up on Shores Alot - Perhaps because of how it moves, the Man-of-War washes up on beaches all over the world. Even if they're not in the ocean, a Man-of-War can still sting you, so if you see these bad boys laying on the beach - AVOID THEM!

REASON #1 - Belize has Many Geographical Features
Belize has many geographical features, which makes it some of the best fishing in the world.  One reason for this, is that the country lies right off the Belize Barrier Reef. The Belize Barrier Reef, is part of a much larger Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, stretching some 200-miles in length and is considered one of the largest coral formations in the entire world! 
So the question might be asked, what does coral reef formations have to do with fishing?  A coral reef provides both nutrients and shelter to a wide range of smaller bait fish and crustaceans, that attract (you got it) much larger game fish.
The reef is home to more than 500 species of fish.  There are over 200 islands, or “Cayes,” located off the shores of mainland Belize, which are surrounded by lagoons.  Did you know, that lagoons make up 5% of the entire country’s land area (22,960 square miles) and is covered by these coastal inlets?
Belize offers river fishing, flat fishing, reef fishing, and deep sea fishing.  Each one offers an exciting variation to a wonderful adventure in Belize.

REASON #2 - This is a Fly Angler’s Paradise
Belize boasts more than 200 miles of coastline flats. The country is renowned for its Tarpon, Permit and Bone Fishing, all catch and release.  Snook is another regular fly fishing catch.  If you’re up for the ultimate fly fishing challenge, come and try fly fishing for a Super Grand Slam (Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, and Snook all in the same day).
Keep in mind that a number of flats in Belize have soft bottoms (making it hard to walk or wade in), so you’ll be doing most of your fly-fishing from a boat.  Although the flats around Tarpon Caye, have a more solid bottom - making it easier to wade.   You can either cast from the boat as your guide poles these flats, or simply hop out of the vessel to get an optimal casting position.
Jungle River Fishing is also an amazing setting for any fly fishing adventure. Places like the Belize and Monkey River offer exciting game like Tarpon, Black Snapper, Cubera Snapper, and Jack Crevalle.

REASON #3 - Reef Fishing
If fly fishing is not your thing, and you don’t want to spend an entire day on the water, reef fishing is a great alternative.  The reef attracts a wide range of marine life. Some of these just happen to be awesome game fish.
Most spots are within a half to an hour from the coast, so a half day outing will give you more than enough time to catch your fill.  Fish you can expect to catch are:  Jacks, Groupers, Snappers, Kingfish Barracudas and Wahoo.

Great deals going on right now at Belize Budget Suites - to book your "Indiana Jones Adventure" for Belize, email:  caribbeanislandgirl@gmail.com

We can't change your airfare, but we can offer you a clean affordable place to stay, at a lower nightly rate.  With the money you save each night, why not consider the following:  Ask yourself.....am I coming to Belize to spend time in my room (or) am I coming to Belize to...

• Dive the Blue Hole
• Descend the shelf walls at Turneffe
• Snorkel the Barrier Reef
• Explore Ancient Mayan Temples
• Rappel into a cave
• Kayak along the river through caves
• Zip line through jungle tree tops
• Hike thru a cave & see an ancient human skeleton
• Swim with sharks
• Listen to Howler Monkey's
• Hold a boa constrictor
• Feed a Jaguar
• Horseback ride through the jungle
• Canoe through a cave
• Rappel down a waterfall
• Sail around an island
• Enjoy a cocktail & dinner to a sunset
• Climb 130 feet to the top of a Mayan Temple
• Rip up the jungle trails on an ATV
• Kiss your significant other to a sunset
• Float through a series of caves on a tube
• Sip on a rum punch & drink a Belikin Beer

If that sounds like what you want to do on your vacation, then Belize Budget Suites might be the place for you.

Both manatees and dugong's are classified in the order Sirenia.  They are both slow-moving herbivores (mostly) that can be found in areas of shallow waters along warm coastlines.  There are (4) four living species of Sirenia – (1) the West Indian manatee, (2) the Amazonian manatee, (3) the West African manatee, (4) the dugong and the extinct Stellar’s sea cow (hunted to extinction in the 18th Century).  They are all found in different areas, so depending on where you are, you will know what you are looking at!

Some people mistakenly think dugongs and manatees are the exact same animal with different names. Though manatees and dugongs have a lot in common, they are different animals with distinct characteristics. Both dugongs and manatees are part of the same taxonomic order, Sirena. The word “siren” means mermaid in many languages, a nod to the animals’ history of being mistaken for mermaids. At one time, there were five different types of sirena, three types of manatees (Amazonian, West African and West Indian), Steller’s sea cow, and the dugong. Sadly, Steller’s sea cow was hunted to extinction in the 1700s.
Basic Facts About Manatees - Manatees live in shallow, marshy areas in the Amazon Basin, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and West Africa. Unlike dugongs, who live their entire lives in saltwater, manatees can spend some or all of their time in freshwater.
Cold water can be stressful for manatees. When water temps drop below 20°C/68°F, manatees travel to warmer water, including natural springs and even power plant outflows.
On average, manatees grow to 3.6 meters/11.8 feet long and weigh 200-600 kg/440-1300 lbs. These enormous vegetarians eat plants found in shallow water such as sea-grass, mangroves and sometimes algae. The Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, is the largest of all sirenas and can grow up to 4 meters/13 feet long and weigh 1590 kg/3500 lbs.

Habitat - Manatees inhabit the marshy areas of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico (West Indian Manatee), the Amazon Basin (Amazonian Manatee) and West Africa (West African Manatee).  Dugong's spend their entire life in shallow, protected areas such as bays and mangrove swamps (they can be found in places like Bazaruto / Vilanculos in Mozambique and Marsa Alam in Egypt) as well as the waters off northern Australia.

Tails - Manatees have a large, horizontal, paddle-shaped tail with only one lobe, which moves up and down when the animal swims. Dugong's have tail flukes with pointed projections, like a whale with a slightly concave trailing edge.

Nails - West Indian and West African manatees have very basic nails on their forelimbs.  Amazonian manatees and dugongs don’t have any nails.

Nostrils - The nostrils of a Dugong are placed further back on its head than in the case of manatees.

Mouths - The angle of the dugong’s mouth is more pronounced than that of the manatee. It has a short, broad, downward facing trunk-like snout that is horseshoe-shaped with a slit-like  mouth with an undivided upper lip.  Because of this they are bottom-dwelling.  Manatees have a divided upper lip and a shorter snout which means they are able to gather food to eat and are also able to feed on plants growing at or near the surface of the water.

Teeth - Mature male dugongs have a pair of tusk-like incisors and manatees do not. Manatees have no incisors, only cheek teeth (molars) which are continuously replaced –  its molars move forward in the mouth, stimulated by the chewing motion, towards the front of its jaw until it falls out at the front.  As the teeth move forward, they are replaced by new ones at the back – rather like a conveyor belt!  They usually have no more than 6 teeth in either jaw at any one time.  The two rear molars in dugongs are open rooted which means as they are worn away, they just continue to grow.

Social Life - Manatees are generally solitary creatures and a male manatee may have several female partners; while Dugongs are more solitary and tend to live in pairs and have only one mate.

Dugong's Offspring - Female dugong's usually only give birth at 10 years and usually only every 3 – 5 years after that.  Because of their long lifespan (70 years) and slow rate of reproduction, and because dugongs continue to be hunted in Africa for their blubber and meat, they are IUCN’s list of being vulnerable to extinction.

Manatee Offspring - Female manatees usually give birth at 3 years and continue to do so every 2 – 3 years. Their gestation period is 12 months.

Weight - Manatees are generally larger than Dugongs and can weigh between 400 and 500 kg and grow to a length of 3.6 meters.  Dugongs rarely grow larger than 3 metres and weight is, on average 420 kg.

1.  Do Not Fly Direct To Belize
Flights to Belize from the main hubs in North America are very expensive. Instead, fly to Cancun and catch the ADO bus. You will save about 50% off your airfare and get to see two countries at the same time. If you must fly direct to Belize, be flexible on your travel dates. Fly in the off season, airlines give out discounts that make flying to Belize not a bad idea. Expect discounts of about 10% to 40%. Most airlines have super saver discount alerts you can sign up for.

2.  Stay At Belize Budget Suites - belizebudgetsuites.com
Email us at:  caribbeanislandgirl@gmail.com
Telephone:  501-226-4402 or (501-632-3589 on What's Up)
Belize Budget Suites caters to the traveler looking for first class accommodations on a budget.  When other rooms on the island are charging $210-$550. USD per night, Belize Budget Suites is charging $65.-$99.USD per night.  The property is located 1.5 miles south of San Pedro (which equates to about a 10 minute drive) to and from the property.

3.  Take Water Taxi, Instead of the Plane
There's a huge difference when it comes to traveling back and forth from the mainland to the island.  If you take a puddle jumper flight, it will cost you about $90.USD one way (travel time is about 15 minutes).  If you take the water taxi, it will cost you about $38.USD (travel time will be 1-1/2 hours).  By taking the water taxi, you will be saving $52.USD one way | $104.USD round trip. 

4.  Travel In The Off Season
Off season is a time to save money on airfare and accommodations. It's a well known fact, the Belize tourism season lasts from about November to May.  Many hotels and resorts actually close down during the peak hurricane months (September & October) due to the lack of tourists.  You can drive a hard bargain and get discounts of as much as 50% off during low season.  Definitely a buyers market!

5.  Use a bicycle to Get Around the Island
Golf carts rent for almost as much as a vehicle on the island.  In some cases your golf cart rental can be more than your nightly room rate.  To help keep your costs down, consider renting a bicycle to get around on the island.  Bikes rent for as little as $9-15.USD per day (depending on where you rent them).  At Belize Budget Suites, bikes can be rented for $10.USD per day, this is a huge savings over renting a golf cart at $62.USD for the day (which does not include insurance and gasoline).  With a bicycle, you can reach almost everything you need to in town, the only place you can't go is Secret Beach (unless you're up for an 18 mile round trip bike ride).

6.  Avoid Luxury Resort Tourist Areas
If you're ordering drinks or food from a luxury resort, you're going to pay luxury resort prices.  Remember, live like a local and keep your costs to a minimum. 

7.  Eat Like a Local (Street Food & Local Restaurants)
To help keep your costs down, eat like a local.  Which means stay away from the big fancy restaurants, with the big fancy prices.  There are a few local restaurant on island that serve up some nice grub for a very reasonable rate. You want to eat, where the locals eat.  First on the list (since it's close to Belize Budget Suites), is:
http://www.belizebudgetsuites.com/theneighborhood.html

La Davina Provincia (Located close to Belize Budget Suites) Great local food & homemade papupas. Most meals can be purchased between $6-$12.USD | $12.-$24.BZD

Waraguma's (Located downtown San Pedro)
Waraguma's is located in downtown San Pedro, about a 10 minute ride from Belize Budget Suites to the restaurant.  If you're looking for local seafood, this is the place.  Our families favorite entree, is the lobster/seafood burrito (which is to die for).  Prices range from $12.-15.USD | $24.-$30BZD.

Robyn's Kitchen BBQ (2-3 minute walk from Belize Budget Suites)

• Belizean BBQ Chicken - $7.USD | $14.BZD
• Jamacian Jerk Chicken - $7.USD | $14.BZD
• Curry Chicken - $7.USD | $14.BZD
• Fish Fillet $10.USD | $20.BZD
  

All dishes come with cole slaw (or potato salad), rice & beans.

8.  Make Bottled Water Your Main Beverage
Always drink bottled water, don't risk getting a water-borne upset tummy that may cost you a couple hundred bucks on medical bills. Bottled water can be purchased here on the island in a small (16 oz.) container for $.50USD, a one liter bottle (32 oz.) for .75USD, a one gallon container for $1.50USD, and a five gallon container for $2.5USD.  Chances are, you're going to be having a fun vacation, so be sure to stay hydrated.  Water is cheaper than soda, beer, wine, and alcohol.  Don't buy bottled water at hotels, resorts or other touristy areas (where prices can be higher). Buy your bottled water where Belizeans shop – small supermarkets or corner groceries.

9.  Keep Your Souvenir Purchases to a Minimum
Often times when we travel we feel the need to take something back home.  The only problem is, if you buy something for one person, then many feel obligated to buy something for everyone.  Tell friends and family before you leave on your vacation (to Belize), that you will NOT be purchasing and coming back with souvenirs.  This way when you return, there isn't this huge let down, that you didn't get everyone a gift.   

10.  Drink Like a Local
First rule: do not open a bar tab. Like anywhere else, tourists can be targeted by a dishonest bar that will slap on more than you drink. Better yet, minimize drinking at tourist bars or hangouts. Even bars and nightclubs used by locals can be expensive, especially mixed drinks. Rum is one of the few liquors that is cheap here, as it's made in Belize.  Many bars offer drink specials (2 for 1) during happy hour.   
Click on the following link and it will tell you which bars are offering which drink specials.  http://www.belizebudgetsuites.com/thingstodoambergriscaye.html
Another great alternative, is to buy a bottle of your favorite liquor, and drink on the beach, in your room or with other hotel guests at the property. 

(3) Main Varieties of Cacoa Beans
Three main varieties of cocoa are: Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario.  Cacao production in Belize, mainly focuses on Trintario and Forastero varieities.  The Trintario is the most widely used, comprising 80–90% of the world production of cocoa. 

The Trinitario - Trinitario is a hybrid of Criollo and Forastero cacao.  These are normally more resistant to diseases than the Crillo but are not normally found in the wild.  The pods contain up to thirty or more beans varying in colors but rarely white in color.  The outside color of the pod varies ranging from green, light green, red, yellow.  Fermentatin also takes approximately three to five days (3-5 days).

The Forastero - Forastero pods produce up to 30 seeds weighing less than one gram.  The color of the pod varies to green, light green and red, while the inside of the pod is covered in a deep or light purple pulp  It has a strong bitter taste (strongest flavor).  Therefore, the fermentation normally takes about six to eight days (6-8 days).  It is most common in West Africa and South America and it makes up most of the cacao production.

The Criollo - Criollo pods tend to be much rarer, and considered to be a delicacy.  Cacao has lower yields than Forastero and the Criollo tend to be less resistant to several diseases that attack the cocoa plant, hence very few countries produce it. One of the largest producers of Criollo beans is Venezuela (Chuao and Porcelana). The Criollo mainly used for tine chocolates, contains up to fifteen to thirty white, ivory or pale purple seeds which weight more than one gram.  These have pointed-ended pods, its color reanges from yello to ruddy orange whitle the inside appears almost white.  It has a softer skin, its flower is white with two pink lines.  These do not require a lot of fermentation and roasting to soften them and develop their flavor.  Fermentation takes approximately three to five days (3-5 days).

Belize Exports Annually (Statistics as of 2016)
United Kingdom (34%) $69,273,699. USD
United States (23%) $47,304,948. USD

MAYAN HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE
4 c. milk
1/2 c. cocoa powder
1 tsp. cornstarch dissolved in 1 Tbsp. water
1/4 c. brown sugar
1⁄4 tsp. nugmeg
3 whole cloves, crushed
1/4 tsp. chili pepper, crushed
1 cinnamon stick, broken up
2 tsp. powdered sugar
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla
DIRECTIONS

• Sift the cocoa powder and flour.
  
• Measure out 4 cups of milk. From the 4 cups of milk, slowly whisk about 1/4 cup of it, a little more if necessary, into the cocoa/cornstarch mix until it becomes a paste. If you add milk too fast, you get clumpy cocoa. If that happens, use a hand blender to smooth it out.
  
• When all the cocoa and flour are a paste (no more dry flour,) add the remaining spices (sugar, nutmeg, cloves, peppers, and cinnamon).
  
• Heat the rest of the 4 cups of milk in a double-boiler or a saucepan over medium.
  
• Add the cocoa paste & spices, mix in a hot double-boiler. Stir constantly to keep it from burning.
  
• If you prefer a slightly thicker drink, you can add more cornstarch/water mixture now. Continue stirring on the heat until it's to your desired thickness. Not too long; you don't want to be forced to use a knife and fork. ;D.
  
• When the cocoa is ready (it takes about 10-15 minutes until the flavor and heat level are *just right*), strain the cocoa in a fine sieve to remove the cloves and cinnamon pieces. (Careful, it could splatter - I found out last night. *grrr*) Then add the powdered sugar and vanilla and stir.
  
• If you like, you can put whipped cream on top, add small marshmallows, or add a stick of cinnamon for stirring.
  

Ingredients
1/4 c. coconut oil
1/4 c. cocoa powder
1 1/2 tbsp. maple syrup
1 1/2 tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Bar Variations

• Chopped Peanuts
  
• Chopped Almonds
• Fleur De Sel Sea Salt
• Chopped Toasted Hazelnuts
• Peanut Butter

Instructions

1. In a small sauce pan on medium-high melt together the coconut oil, cocoa powder, maple syrup, honey, & vanilla. Whisk until completely melted.
2. Pour in to candy bar mold. If using a mix-in (except peanut butter, if using PB add to everything else being melted), add to candy bar mold prior to pouring chocolate.
3. Freeze at least 15 minutes until hardened. Store in freezer.

INCLUDED IN THE MONTHLY RATE

• Suite Availability:  January to November
• Utilities Included:  Electric, Water, Cable Television, WIFI
• Daily Trash Removal
• Weekly Housekeeping (to include fresh linens)
• Laundry Service:  Includes (2) loads of laundry per week. 
• Ample Street Parking is Available

Each suite comes with the following:

• Dishware
• Glassware
• Silverware
• Cutting Board & Knives
• Microwave
• Coffee Pot
  
• Toasters
  
• Refrigerator (10 cubic)
  
• 2 Burner (Stove Top) In select suites
  
• Iron & Ironing Board
• Full Length Mirror
• 5 Drawer Dresser
• Waredrobe Closet
• Linens are Provided
• BBQ Grill is available

NOT INCLUDED:  Suites do not come with cooking stoves, most guests who have stayed here bring their own (1-2 burner) portable cook-top and use the microwave.  Guests are encouraged to bring their own towels and toiletries. 

Staghorn Corals are so named because their branches look like antlers. They some of the fastest growing corals and one of the most important in the Caribbean, having played a central role in the formation of the reefs over the last 5,000 years. They provide habitats for a diverse range of marine life and if in good conditions, can live for hundreds of years.

What are Staghorn Corals?
Staghorn Corals may look like plants or rocks, but they are actually animals. What we call ‘corals’ are made up of tiny animals named polyps. They can be as small as a pinhead or as long as a dart in diameter, and they group together to form large colonies. They then secrete a hard calcium carbonate shell, which gives them their ‘coral like’ appearance.

Where are Staghorn Corals found?
Staghorn Corals live on coral reefs throughout the Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean. They inhabit clear waters and are typically found at a depth of 15–60 ft (4.5–18 m).

What do Staghorn Corals eat?
Like many corals, Staghorn Corals have a symbiotic relationship with single-celled algae called zooxanthellae, which live in the polyp tissues. They produce nutrients through photosynthesis which they then pass to the corals. These nutrients are their primary food source, but Staghorn Corals also prey on microscopic animals known as zooplankton. Being static, they wait for prey to come to them and then catch them using stinging cells, known as nematocysts, present on their tentacles.

How do Staghorn Corals reproduce?
Staghorn Corals are hermaphrodites, so have both male and female reproductive organs; they reproduce in two ways: sexually and asexually.  Sexual reproduction occurs once a year in late summer, and it is quite the event to witness as eggs and sperm are mass released into the water column all at once. While each colony produces both sperm and eggs, they don’t self-fertilise, so sperm released from a different colony fertilises the eggs. The fertilised eggs then develop into larvae before settling and forming new colonies.  Asexual reproduction occurs when a broken ‘branch’ attaches to the substrate and begins to grow once more. As Staghorn Corals are quite fragile, this is the most common method of reproduction.

Are Staghorn Corals preyed upon?
Staghorn Corals are fed on by nudibranchs and are also prey for butterflyfish, which target polyps as well as worms and other small invertebrates. It’s also not uncommon for certain species of fish, such as parrotfish, to bite off parts of the coral to reach prey hiding within.

What are the biggest threats to Staghorn Corals?
Staghorn Coral is listed as Critically Endangered on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Climate change and the associated rise in sea temperature is the biggest threat to Staghorn Corals as changes in temperature can cause bleaching – when corals expel their zooxanthellae into the water column. This not only causes them to lose their primary nutrient source but also their colour as it is the zooxanthellae that are responsible for the beautiful colourings. Without them, they are white.
Staghorn Corals are vulnerable to extreme weather events, which are on the increase as a result of climate change, and are easily damaged by hurricanes. They are also susceptible to disease, which can spread quickly and kill off entire colonies, and at risk from ocean acidification, invasive species and direct contact with humans, mainly through the fishing industry and tourism.

What is the future for Staghorn Corals?
While overall numbers of this species are dropping, certain populations are holding steady. This provides hope that they can recover if we look after them.  Many of the populations are living in protected habitats, and there are management plans in place in currently unprotected areas. Some organisations are also growing Staghorn Corals in nurseries before planting them in the wild.  While the future of Staghorn Corals is uncertain, possibly bleak, with time and dedication it may be possible to restore them to their former glory.

Did you love all the birds when you came to Belize?  We have over 590+ species of birds, 20% of them mirgrate from the Northern States during winter.  At Belize Budget Suites, you'll find the trees full of birds.  You may be thinking, how can I create my own back yard bird habitat?  Here are some suggestions, of some things you can do.

When to Place Boxes
Make sure that your boxes are installed well before the breeding season begins. Don’t be discouraged if birds don’t begin nesting in them immediately; sometimes it takes time for the birds to discover them.

• Southern Regions - place your nest boxes by February.
  
• Northern Regions - place your nest boxes by mid to late March.
  

How to place your nest box
Whichever method you choose to install your boxes, be sure that they are secure enough to withstand high winds and severe weather. The best way to put up small nest boxes is on free-standing metal poles. These pipes offer several advantages:

• Nest boxes can be mounted higher than when mounted on a fence post.
  
• Some predators find poles difficult to climb.
  
• Poles can be easily equipped with predator guards.
  

1. Hopper - If I were only able to have one bird feeder in my yard, then I would choose a hopper style. Hoppers are perfect for holding a general mix of bird food that appeals to a wide variety of species. If you were starting to create a bird feeding station, a hopper works well as a centerpiece that you can build other feeders around.  Hopper feeders are characterized by a seed chamber that continually dispenses food at the bottom as birds eat, along with a functioning roof to prevent water from ruining your seed. Lastly, this feeder style usually provides some sort of ledge on both sides for birds to perch upon, although this is not a requirement as some hoppers have perch bars instead of a shelf.  Hopper feeders can either be hung or mounted permanently to a pole. If you decide to suspend it in the air, make sure whatever you hang the feeder from is extremely strong and sturdy because hoppers can get heavy when filled with seed.

2. Tray / Platform Feeders - This is the best way we have found to feed birds. They are one of the most popular feeders. They tend to appeal to a WIDE variety of species. Many birds, enjoy having lots of space to move around as they eat.  Tray/platform feeders come in dozens of different shapes and styles. They can be hung, mounted on a pole, or placed onto the ground. Trays can be added to tube feeders. Some platform feeders have built-in roofs installed overhead. Certain trays are plastic, and others are wooden.  It attracts many ground-feeding birds along with many species of mammal. Along with having four legs that extend to sit on the ground, it can be easily hung in the air or mounted permanently to a pole.

3. Tube Feeders - Tube feeders are what many people picture when they think of feeding birds. As the name suggests, these types of feeders look like a long tube, but with feeding ports and perches spaced out on the tube which allow the birds to eat. Food and seed are filled from the top and slowly lower as it’s consumed through the ports. Tubes come in all sizes, from very short to extremely long.  The material can be metal or clear plastic, and there can be two feeding ports or twelve. Tube feeders attract many types of birds, except for larger birds.  By adding a tray to the bottom, you provide a place for ALL birds to eat. In a way, you are combining a tube feeder with a tray feeder. The attached tray offers a landing spot for larger birds.

4. Nyjer/Thistle Feeders - Nyjer feeders look very similar to tube feeders, and I almost lumped the two together under one category. In the end, I decided against it because there is one thing that is very different between the two types.  Because it’s so small, nyjer seed can fit through openings that other foods can’t, which is why nyjer bird feeders were developed. Nyjer feeders are tube-shaped feeders, but the food ports are tiny so that only nyjer seed can fit through. If you try to put sunflower seeds in a nyjer feeder, you are going to have some hungry birds!  You may also know nyjer seed as “thistle,” which it’s sometimes called, even though it has no relation to actual thistle. Nyjer seed is tiny and black, and is popular to use because it’s a favorite food for goldfinches! A few other birds will also eat nyjer, such as House Finches, chickadees, doves, and House Sparrows.

5. Suet Feeders - In case you don’t know, suet is the hard fat on the kidneys and loins of cattle and other animals. Birds enjoy eating it because it provides them with healthy fats they need for energy. Suet is especially helpful during cold winter months when insects are not available, which are what most birds eat to obtain their fats naturally. 
Woodpeckers are typically the most common birds that appear on suet feeders, but other species also enjoy the healthy fats that suet provides, such as wrens and starlings.  Suet feeders come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The type of suet feeder that you choose for your backyard depends on the style of suet you want to use.

For example, suet is typically purchased in these four common styles:

• Cakes: The most popular variety. The size of 4.5″ x 4.5″ x 1.5″ fits standard suet feeders.
  
• Balls: Roughly the size of golf balls that fit in many types of mesh feeders.
  
• Nuggets: Typically slightly smaller than marbles. Nuggets also can be put in mesh feeders or on tray feeders.
  
• Plugs: Resemble a small log.  Suet plug feeders are typically vertical and made to resemble the side of a tree, so they mimic as close to possible how a woodpecker naturally eats.
  

6. Nectar Feeders - The main reason anyone puts up a nectar feeder is simple; they want to attract hummingbirds!  Watching hummingbirds visit your backyard is pretty cool. These small, colorful birds are full of personality and incredibly unique. It’s no wonder everyone wants more in their garden!  Because of their popularity, nectar feeders come in all different shapes, sizes, and construction materials. Some are as simple as a plastic dish with a top (which I think work the best!), others look similar to a bottle (see picture above), and many feeders are so unique and artsy they make better garden decorations than actual hummingbird feeders!

A few things to remember before purchasing a nectar feeder:

• Nectar spoils quickly! You will need to replace it quite often in your feeder, especially during extreme heat.
• Make your own homemade nectar by mixing four parts water to one part table sugar. And don’t use red dye!
  
• Try a window feeder. It’s a lot of fun to see hummingbirds at your window while enjoying your morning coffee.
  

7. Specialty & Unique - The types of bird feeders we have covered so far will satisfy most of the birds that visit your backyard.  But we have barely scratched the surface of all the different bird feeder types that are available for purchase. Countless styles would make unique additions to your garden or feed a specific food (such as mealworms).

10 Questions To Ask When Choosing a Bird Feeder

1. What birds am I hoping to attract?
I like to think about how a feeder will fit into my backyard feeding station. What types of bird food will be used? What species does the feeder cater towards?

2. Easy to fill?
This becomes especially important as you obtain more and more feeders. A feeder that is easy to refill is especially beneficial during freezing temperatures!

3. Are the birds visible? 
I want to provide my backyard birds with feeders they enjoy using, but I also want to be able to see them myself from the house! I try to think if there are any blind spots where the birds can’t be observed.

4. Easy to clean?
I look for hard to clean areas or if any part of the feeder comes apart to make cleaning easier.

5. Sturdy construction materials?
I want to know what the feeder is made from; is it metal, wood, hard recycled plastic? Or is it some cheap plastic material that will probably break in a few months.

6. Who is the manufacturer?
I have purchased many feeders over the years, and I have had good experiences with certain companies, which makes me more likely to buy from them again. These include Droll Yankees, Woodlink, & Aspects, to name a few. I also like to check if there are any warranties included.

7. Is the feeder squirrel-proof or squirrel resistant?
If squirrels are a problem, this could be the most important question you ask yourself!

8. Is the food kept dry?
It’s nice to walk to my feeding station after a big thunderstorm and see my food is still dry. It’s not possible with every feeder type but is something to think about. Proper drainage is also essential!

9. Will the birds like the feeder?
Maybe this should be the first question you ask? If birds don’t feel comfortable on the perches or trays, then nothing else matters. Some bird feeders opt to look “cute” instead of being functional.

10. Can I easily see the seed level from my house?
If I can avoid walking out to my feeders on a cold winters night to find out that the feeder didn’t need refilling, then that is a good thing!

Once you’ve got feeders set up, perhaps the best way to make your backyard more attractive to birds is to just add water. Birds need a dependable supply of fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing. Putting a birdbath in your yard may attract birds that don’t eat seeds and wouldn’t otherwise come to your feeders. (Other ways to attract birds are to supply a roost box and to provide nest material.)

Traditional concrete birdbaths sold in garden shops make nice lawn ornaments, but they aren’t the best type for birds—they’re often too deep, glazed ones may be too slippery, and they’re often hard to clean. Also, they may crack if the temperature drops below freezing. The best birdbaths mimic nature’s birdbaths—puddles and shallow pools of water in slow streams; they’re shallow with a gentle slope so birds can wade into the water. Look for one that won’t break and is easily cleaned. 

Birds seem to prefer baths that are set at ground level, where they typically find water in nature. While birds are bathing they can be vulnerable to predators, especially to cats. If you have a cat, please keep it indoors. If cats are at all likely to be lurking in your neighborhood, make sure there is a fairly wide open area between your birdbath and the nearest thick shrubbery, so birds have a better chance to detect and get away from a cat in time.

Place your birdbath in the shade if possible, to keep the water cooler and fresher. Having trees nearby will also provide branches on which they can preen.  Arrange stones (or branches) in the water so birds can stand on them to drink without getting wet (this is particularly important during freezing weather).

The water should be no deeper than 0.5 to 1 inch at the edges, sloping to a maximum of 2 inches deep in the middle of the bath.  One of the best ways to make your birdbath even more attractive is to provide dripping water. Many birds find the sight and sound of moving water irresistible. You can use a commercial dripper or sprayer, or make your own by recycling an old bucket or plastic container. Punch a tiny hole in the bottom, fill it with water, and hang it above the birdbath so the water drips into the bath.

Winter Bird Baths
This so much isn't a problem for Belize, but if you are from the North, you will need to consider this.  Birds will come to birdbaths year-round, and fortunately keeping yours ice free in winter is not as critical as many people believe. Birds have several physiological mechanisms for conserving water, and can usually get plenty from snow or dripping icicles.

The simplest way to provide water in winter is to set out a plastic bowl at the same time each day, and bring it in when ice forms.  If you do want to keep a birdbath ice-free during subfreezing days, manufacturers now offer birdbaths with built-in, thermostatically controlled heaters. Immersion heaters are also available at most places bird feeders are sold. Most new models turn off if the water in the bath dries up. Ideally, plug your heater into a ground-fault interrupted circuit (available from hardware or electrical supply stores) to eliminate the chance of electric shock.

Never add antifreeze to the birdbath—it is poisonous to all animals, including birds. Don’t use glycerin, either: it can saturate and matt a bird’s feathers leaving it susceptible to hypothermia.

Maintaining your Bird Bath
When the temperature is above freezing, it’s a good idea to keep your birdbath full at all times to attract the widest numbers and variety of birds. But to provide a safe drinking and bathing environment, it’s important to change the water every day or two. Bathing birds may leave behind dirty feathers and droppings, making the bath increasingly unsanitary for other birds. Grackles often drop their nestlings’ fecal sacs into birdbaths, another cause of filthy water. Algae grows much more quickly when the water isn’t cleaned frequently. Also, the species of mosquitoes most likely to transmit West Nile virus often lay their eggs in bird baths. By frequently changing the water, you won’t give the eggs time to hatch or for the larvae to emerge.

Steps To Cleaning Your Bird Bath

1. Dump out any old, stagnant water.
   
2. Remove any large deposits of spilled seed, feces, debris or other contaminants.
3. Use a solution of one part distilled white vinegar to nine parts water to scrub the birdbath thoroughly. Scrub the basin, lip, and any area of the birdbath where the birds can land, perch, drink or bathe. For extremely dirty birdbaths, it may be necessary to allow the vinegar solution to soak for several minutes, but monitor or cover the bath during that time to be sure no birds drink.
4. Rinse the birdbath thoroughly with running water until there is no persistent foaming.
5. Allow the birdbath to dry completely. This is a good opportunity to clean the area around the birdbath, refill feeders or do other bird-related chores.
6. Refill the bath with fresh, clean water.
   

Next boxes can also make birds easy targets for predators. Common predators of nests in nest boxes include raccoons, cats, snakes, and squirrels. Try to protect your nest boxes by using predator guards. Here are some tips to help you thwart these common next box predators.

Raccoons and Domestic Cats
Raccoons and cats are abundant in both rural and suburban areas. Raccoons are especially difficult to deter because they are very intelligent. Once they learn that nest boxes are good sources of food, these nocturnal creatures have been known to destroy nests in entire groups of boxes. Similarly, cats can quickly learn that nest boxes can be the source of an easy meal. When raiding nest boxes, both raccoons and cats will leap to the top of a box, sit on the roof, and “dip” into the entrance hole with their front paws to grab the eggs or young birds inside.

Ways to prevent raccoons and cats from raiding your boxes:

• Installing a roof that extends five inches beyond the front of the box will prevent these animals from easily reaching into the entrance hole from above.
• Mount your box high enough and away from trees so cats cannot spring to the top of the box in a single leap.
• Attach predator guards to your boxes to prevent these animals from climbing up from below. Three commonly used guards are shown below.
• Keep pet cats indoors.
• Do not feed feral cats. This will encourage them to stay in the area.
• Avoid leaving out pet food or bird seed that can attract predators to an area.

Snakes
Snakes are an occasional predator of eggs and nestlings, especially in southern states. A conical metal collar mounted below the box will prevent most snakes from climbing up from below, but very large snakes can occasionally circumvent these barriers. In this case, it is helpful to have a Noel predator guard installed as a backup. Also, nest boxes should be placed away from trees to prevent snakes from accessing them from overhead branches.

Squirrels
In some regions, squirrels do great damage to nest boxes. By chewing at entrance holes to enlarge them, they make it easier for themselves and other predators to enter. If squirrels are common in your area, simply cut a hole the same size as the nest box entrance hole in a rectangular piece of sheet metal and attach it to the front of the nest box so that both holes line up.

Fire Ants
Fire ants, common in the Southeast, can be attracted to active nests. To prevent them, add a baffle to your freestanding pole. Then, caulk the area between the baffle and the pole to prevent the ants from getting in between them and add petroleum jelly to the pole just below the caulk. The baffle keeps the petroleum jelly from washing away in the rain and the petroleum jelly prevents the ants from getting a good grip on the pole. If you don’t have a box on a freestanding pole (like on the side of a house or on a tree), you might not be able to fully prevent the ants from accessing the box. If you decide to move the nest box, make sure you wait until breeding season is over.

If you're looking to plan a vacation to Belize based around fishing, here's a great fishing guide you can use.  The Belize Barrier Reef is located very close to shore (off Ambergris Caye), so you can be literally fishing in a matter of minutes.

1. Grilled Dorado (aka Mahi Mahi)
This is one of the most popular ways to cook Dorado, and people will be calling you the next "Top Chef” after they taste this outstanding Dorado recipe. 

MARINADE

• 3 Tbsp. honey
  
• 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
  
• 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  
• 1 tsp. grated fresh ginger root
  
• 1 clove garlic, crushed or to taste
  

DORADO FISH

• 2 tsp. olive oil
  
• 4 (6 oz.) Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) fillets
  
• salt & pepper to taste
  
• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a shallow glass dish, stir together the honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, ginger, garlic and olive oil. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper, and place them into the dish. If the fillets have skin on them, place them skin side down. Cover, and refrigerate for 20 minutes to marinate.
  
• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove fish from the dish, and reserve marinade. Fry fish for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, turning only once, until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove fillets to a serving platter and keep warm.
  
• Pour reserved marinade into the skillet, and heat over medium heat until the mixture reduces to a glaze consistently. Spoon glaze over fish, and serve immediately.
  

2. Grilled Dorado with Spicy Chili Mango Sauce
This is a great grilled fish recipe, with an added kick of flavor.  Spice up your dorado, with spicy chili mango sauce. 

MANGO SAUCE

• 3/4 c. finely minced mango
• 1/4 c. seasoned rice vinegar
• Juice from one lime
• 1/2 small Thai chile pepper, minced

• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp. hot chile paste (such as sambal oelek)
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro

INSTRUCTIONS

• Stir mango, rice vinegar, lime juice, Thai chile pepper, garlic, and hot chile paste in a bowl until well combined. Cover and let rest 30 minutes. Stir in cilantro. 
• Season your fish and grill to your personal taste.
• Cover fish fillets with mango sauce and serve.

3. Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) Fish Tacos
Who doesn't like fish tacos?  Our family is a big fan of these, and if you get the fresh made corn tortillas (made on island), they simply are the best. 
 

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 (3 oz.) fillets Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) fillets
• 6 (6-inch) flour tortillas, warmed
• 1 c. chopped fresh cilantro (as garnish)

MANGO CREAM SAUCE

• 1/3 c. sour cream
• 1 Tbsp. lime juice
• 1 tsp. minced fresh ginger root
• 1/4 tsp. ground cumin

• 1 dash cayenne pepper
• 1 large mango - peeled, seeded and diced
• 1 c. diced fresh pineapple
• 1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, minced

INSTRUCTIONS

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the Dorado with salt and pepper. Cook the fillets in the hot oil until the fish is golden brown on each side, and no longer translucent in the center, about 3 minutes per side.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the sour cream, lime juice, ginger, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste; set aside. Gently combine the mango, pineapple, avocado, and jalapeno in a bowl.
• To assemble, place a cooked Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) fillets into the center of a warmed tortilla. Place a scoop of the mango salsa onto the fish, then drizzle with the sour cream sauce, and finish with a generous pinch of chopped cilantro.

4. Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) Ceviche
This Dorado is one of the best seafood appetizers you can make to impress guests.  The only bad news is that it takes upwards of 1 hour and 30 minutes to have fully ready to serve, but trust me, the wait is well worth it.

• 3/4 lb. Dorado (Mah-Mahi) fillets, diced or more to taste
  
• 1/3 c. lime juice
  
• 1/3 c. lemon juice
  
• 1 Tbsp. minced jalapeno pepper
  
• 1/2 tsp. salt, or to taste
  
• 1 pinch dried oregano
  
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  

• 1/2 c. diced avocados
  
• 1/2 c. peeled and seeded diced cucumber
  
• 1/2 c. orange segments, diced
  
• 1/2 c. fresh chives, chopped
  
• 2 Tbsp. radishes, sliced
  
• 1 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped
  
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  

INSTRUCTIONS

• Stir Dorado (Mahi-Mahi), lime juice, lemon juice, jalapeno pepper, salt, oregano, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl. Press down fish to completely immerse in liquid. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and press plastic wrap down so that it is touching the fish. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 6 hours.
  
• Stir avocado, cucumber, orange, chives, radish, cilantro, and olive oil into mahi mahi mixture until completely coated. Season with salt.
  

5. Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) Rockefeller
Although it might be one of the heavier Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) recipes in terms of calories, you can’t go wrong with this combo of oysters, bacon, butter, and cheese.

DORADO FISH

• 1 lb. bacon, diced (set aside)
  
• 4 (6 oz.) Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) fillets
  
• 1 pinch garlic salt, or to taste
  
• 1 pinch garlic & onion powder
  
• 1 pinch ground black pepper, or to taste
  

CREAM SPINACH SAUCE

• 1 Tbsp. butter
• 6 green onions, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
• 2 dashes hot pepper sauce, or to taste
• 1/4 c. evaporated milk, plus more as needed
• 2 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

• Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate, then chop. Set aside. Season Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) with garlic salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook mahi mahi until it flakes easily, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from skillet and place each filet on a baking dish.
• Preheat the oven's broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
• While the fish is cooking, melt the butter in a separate skillet. Stir in the green onions, garlic, and spinach. Cook and stir until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the chopped bacon, hot pepper sauce, and evaporated milk. Bring to a low simmer, then add the Monterey Jack cheese a little at a time until fully melted. Stir in more evaporated milk, if needed, to create a sauce. Divide the spinach mixture evenly over each Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) fillets. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  
• Broil in the preheated oven until the cheese has melted and is lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes more.
  

6. Sesame Crusted Dorado w/ Soy Shiso Ginger Sauce
Pan seared and nothing but delicious!  This is what happens when Dorado fuses with Japanese cooking!  I use to work in the chicken of a Japanese restaurant.  This was one of my favorites.

SOY SHISO GINGER SAUCE

• 3 shallots, minced
• 2 tsp. fresh ginger root, minced
  
• 1 lemon, juiced
  
• 1/2 c. dry white wine
  
• 1/2 c. heavy cream
  
• 1/2 c. unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
  
• 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
  
• 4 shiso leaves
  

• coarse kosher salt
  
• ground white pepper
  

FIX & SESAME COATING

• 2 Tbsp. canola oil
  
• 6 (6 ounce) Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) fillets
  
• 4 Tbsp. sesame seeds
  
• 4 Tbsp. black sesame seeds
  

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a sauce pan over medium heat, combine shallots, ginger, lemon juice, and white wine. Cook until liquid is reduced to approximately 2 tablespoons. Stir in heavy cream, and bring to light boil. Reduce cream by half; do not burn. Stir in soy sauce, then transfer to blender. Blend on low while slowly adding butter, a few cubes at a time, until all of the butter is emulsified. Roughly chop or tear shiso, add to sauce, and blend for about 10 more seconds. Season to taste with kosher salt and pepper. Keep sauce warm.
  
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
• Heat oil in a large saute pan over high heat. Season both sides of the fillets with kosher salt and white pepper. Mix together white and black sesame seeds, and place in a plate or flat dish. Press the TOP side only of each fillet into the mixture, and press seeds into fish so it sticks. Make sure that the crusted sides are evenly crusted with the seeds. When oil is smoking, add fish, sesame seed side down to pan, and be careful of oil splatters. Pan sear fish for about 30 to 45 seconds per side. Place pan into oven, or transfer fish to baking sheet, and cook in oven for about 5 to 6 minutes. Serve sesame crust side up with ginger butter sauce.

7. Pecan Nut Crusted Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)
I am a huge fan of anything with pecan nuts.  We really enjoyed this recipe.

• 6 (6 ounce)s Dorado (aka Mahi-Mahi) fillets
• 4 oz. butter

NUT MIXTURE

• 2 ounces pecan nuts
• 4 ounces plain bread crumbs

CARIBBEAN SAUCE

• 2 ounces shallots, diced
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 4 ounces pineapple, rough chopped
• 4 ounces papaya, rough chopped
• 4 ounces mango, rough chopped
• 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
• 2 habanero peppers, seeded
• salt and pepper to taste
• white sugar to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• In a food processor or blender, pulse together pecan nuts and breadcrumbs until finely ground. Pour nut mixture onto a plate, and coat fish fillets on both sides.
• Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry fillets on both sides until nuts are golden brown. Remove to a baking pan.
• Add shallots to skillet, and cook until translucent. Stir in chicken stock. Mix in pineapple, papaya, mango, coconut, and habanero peppers. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. Simmer until sauce is thick, about 30 minutes. Strain to remove peppers, fruit, and shallots. Reserve sauce in a pan over low heat.
• Bake dorado in preheated oven about 10 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F. Remove fish, and lightly coat with sauce.

The ancient Mayan civilization flourished in the steamy jungles of present-day southern Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. The ancient Maya classic age (the peak of their culture) occurred between 300 and 900 A.D. before they went into a mysterious decline. The Maya culture has always been a bit of an enigma, and even the experts disagree on certain aspects of their society.

Across Belize today, you can find sprawling ancient cities with towering pyramids, ball-courts, saunas, monumental sculptures, and enigmatic hieroglyphs—all thanks to the Maya.  From the Yucatan in the north to Honduras in the south, Belize in the east, and Mexico City in the west, the ruins of Meso-America (many of which are over a thousand years old) continue to intrigue and fascinate archaeologists and researchers worldwide.

In an attempt to help you decipher the profound history of the Mayans, we piece together astonishing facts about the Mayans - a civilization that developed its own written language, architecture as well as mathematical and astronomical system.  Here are 30 intriguing things, I bet you didn't know about this ancient civilization.

1. Their Pyramids & Cities are Still Being Discovered.
It’s amazing to think that something as large as a pyramid could elude archaeologists today. But it was only a few years ago that a Maya pyramid was even discovered.  Hidden under what many thought was a natural hill.  Underneath one natural hill, was actually Mexico's tallest pyramid at 246 feet in height, surpassing the 213-foot Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan. 

2.  They Had Kings & Royal Families.
Each major Mayan city had a king (or Ahau). The Maya rulers claimed to be descended directly from the sun, moon, or planets, which gave them divine ancestry. Because he had the blood of gods, the Ahau (king) was an important conduit between the realm of man and the heavens and underworld, and often had key roles in ceremonies. The Ahau (king), was also a wartime leader, expected to fight and play in the ceremonial ball game. When the Ahau (king) died, rulership generally passed to his son, although there were exceptions. There was even a handful of queens ruling mighty Mayan city-states.

4. They Had a Complicated System of Hieroglyphs.
Mayan writing, which dates to the late Preclassic period (300 BCE to 100 CE), is preserved on buildings, stone monuments, rare books, and pottery. While words in the English language are formed with combinations of 26 letters, written Mayan words are formed from various combinations of more than 800 hieroglyphs, each representing a syllable. The system is thought to be the most sophisticated of its kind in Meso-America. Only in the last few decades have they gained the ability to read the glyphs. 

5.  An Archaeologist Accidentially Cracked Mayan Handwriting.
Tatiana Proskouriakoff, a Siberia-born American and trained architect, couldn't find a job in her field.  So she started sketching for a curator at Penn Museum in Philadelphia in the 1930s.  She was invited on an expedition to the Piedras Negras (a Maya site in Guatemala). She was the first to recognize that the Mayas' "upended frog" glyph represented birth and that their “toothache” glyph represented the date the king ascended to the throne, which led to the identification of birth and death announcements, as well as the names of the rulers for a Maya dynasty.

6. The Maya Wrote Books & The Europeans Burned Them.
The Maya wrote books in their elaborate hieroglyphic script on long strips of durable paper made from the inner bark of fig trees. But there are just three Maya codices that survive today: the Dresden Codex, the Madrid Codex, and the Paris Codex. (There’s also the fragmentary Grolier Codex, but scholars dispute its authenticity.) Not all of the Maya were literate, as the books seem to have been produced and used by the priest class.  Many of the books fell victim to the damp conditions of Meso-America, others were destroyed by the arrival of Europeans. Diego de Landa, a Franciscan priest from Spain (in Yucatan in the 1540's, describes), “We found a large number of books in their letters (superstition & lies of the devil), we burned them all", which we later regretted.

8. Their Calendars Were Complex.
There was a lot of talk in certain paranoid corners on the Internet that doomsday, was predicted by the Maya calendar, as being December 21, 2012.  This was the date that their "Long Calander" ended after 5,125 years.  This calendar was impressive because it used zero as a placeholder—one of the earliest uses of zero as a mathematical concept in history. Was this the only calendar the Maya used?  No, they also had a 260-day sacred calendar (called Tzolk’in), which was used to plan religious ceremonies, as well as a 365-day solar calendar known as the Haab'.

9. They Didn't Think the World Would End in 2012?
As December of 2012 approached, many people noted that the Maya calendar would soon end. It’s true, as the Maya calendar system was complicated. To make a long story short, it reset to zero on December 21, 2012. This led to all sorts of speculation, from a new coming of the Messiah to the end of the world. The ancient Maya, however, did not seem to worry much about what would happen when their calendar reset. They may have seen it as a new beginning of sorts, but there is no evidence that they predicted any disasters.

11.  They Saw Their Gods in the Sky.
The Maya were obsessive astronomers who kept very detailed records of the movements of the stars, sun, moon, and planets. They kept accurate tables predicting eclipses, solstices, and other celestial events. Part of the reason for this detailed observation of the heavens was that they believed that the sun, moon, and planets were gods moving back and forth between the heavens, the underworld (Xibalba), and the Earth. Celestial events such as equinoxes, solstices, and eclipses were marked by ceremonies at Maya temples.

14.  Their Bible Still Exists.
Today, experts lament how so little is known about the Maya today, and how this entire culture has been lost.  Yet one remarkable document that has survived is the Mayan Bible (Popol Vuh). This sacred book describes the creation of mankind and the story of Hunahpu and Xbalanque, the hero twins, and their struggles with the gods of the underworld. The Popol Vuh stories were traditional ones, and at some time a Quiché Maya scribe wrote them down. Sometime around 1700 A. D., Father Francisco Ximénez borrowed that text, which was written in the Quiché language. He copied and translated it, and although the original has been lost, Father Ximénez’s copy survives.

15. They Were More Violent than Originally Thought.
The traditional view of the Maya was that they were a peaceful people, content to gaze at the stars and trade with one another for jade and pretty feathers. That was before modern researchers deciphered the glyphs left behind on the statues and temples. It turns out that the Maya were as fierce and warlike as their later neighbors to the north, the Aztecs. Scenes of wars, massacres, and human sacrifices were carved into stone and left behind on public buildings. The warfare between city-states got so bad, that many believe that it had much to do with the eventual ​decline and fall of the Maya civilization.

16. They Painted Human Sacrifices Blue.
The Maya cities fought frequently with one another and many enemy warriors were taken captive.  These captives were usually enslaved or sacrificed.  High-level captives such as nobles or kings, were forced to play in the ceremonial ball game against their captors, re-enacting the battle they lost (afterwards sacrificed).  The vivid pigment known as Maya Blue has long fascinated archaeologists because it’s incredibly resilient, surviving for centuries on stone monuments even in the harsh conditions of Meso-American jungles. But this cheerful color was also used to identify those who would be sacrificed.  When the Maya wanted to please the rain god, they painted human sacrifices blue.

17. They Played Extreme Sports.
The Maya played a game known as Pitz, on ballcourts.  Players would try to pass a heavy rubber ball (about the size of a soccer ball) without using their hands while wearing equipment to protect their ribs, knees and arms. The ultimate goal was to get the ball through a very high stone hoop. Playing the sport wasn’t exactly a pastime, but rather an important ritual, and losing could mean death.  

18. They Had Pretty Intense Beauty Regimens.
The Maya were not content with simply donning clothes and makeup to make themselves beautiful. In childhood, males and females alike had their head bound to artificially deform their skulls into an elongated shape, which probably signified their social status. The Maya also drilled holes into their front teeth and inlaid them with jade, pyrite, hematite or turquoise. They basically invented the grill.

19. They Took Ritual Enemas. 
For the Maya, consuming hallucinogens and intoxicants were the best way to talk to spirits.  They drank substances like balché, which was made with fermented (and possibly psychedelic) honey. But to get inebriated more quickly, and perhaps to avoid vomiting, they may have administered alcohol and psychoactives through the rectal route. There are a lot of scenes on Maya pottery depicting enemas in a ritual context. Researchers investigating the effects of an ancient ritual enema in the 1980s did some self-experimentation and tried it out for themselves, and reported that their results “certainly support the theoretical suggestion that alcohol is absorbed well from an enema.”

20.  They Traded Extensively.
Trade made up a big part of the Mayan way of life.  The Mayan people were keen traders and merchants and had trade networks from Mexico throughout Central America. They traded for two sorts of items: prestige items and subsistence items.
The subsistence items included basic necessities (like food, clothing, salt, tools, and weapons). Prestige items were things coveted by the Maya that were not crucial to daily life (for example: bright feathers, jade, obsidian, and gold). The ruling class treasured prestige items and some rulers were even buried with their possessions, giving modern researchers clues into Mayan life and who they traded with.

21.  The Mayan Culture & Tranditions.   
The Ancient Maya civilization may have fallen into decline a thousand years ago, but they still existed when Spanish conquistadors arrived in the early 1500s. Like other American peoples, they were conquered and enslaved, their culture erased, their books destroyed. The Maya people proved more difficult to assimilate than most. For 500 years, they fought hard to maintain their culture and traditions. In Guatemala and parts of Mexico and Belize, there are still ethnic groups who hold fast to their traditions, language, dress, and the religion of their ancestors.

23. They Appreciated a Good Sweat.
The Maya built sauna-like structures out of stone or adobe that were used for health purposes and ritual cleansing. Sweat houses have been found at various Mayan sites such as, Tikal (in Guatemala) and Hoya de Ceren (a Maya village in El Salvador), buried in volcanic ash around 600 CE. The earliest known sweat-bath was uncovered at Cuello, in  northern Belize. At 3,000 years old, it predates the famous bath houses of the ancient Roman empire.

24. They May Have Domesticated Turkeys.
Turkey's were first domesticated by the Maya. Turkeys weren’t just used for food; the Maya's also kept them for bird parts like bones and feathers, to create fans, tools, and musical instruments. Mexican turkey bones dating to the Preclassic Maya period were discovered at the archaeological site of El Mirador in Guatemala. This location was well outside of the species’ range in the wild, leading archaeologists to conclude that the Maya had domesticated turkeys by this point.

25. They Were Chocolate Eaters.
Over 3500 years ago, the Olmecs of Meso-America became probably the first to realize that with some work you could consume chocolate, but the Maya turned it into an art form. Archaeological evidence suggests the Maya were processing cacao at least 2600 years ago. The chocolate they produced, wasn't anything like the chocolate we eat and drink today.  The Maya would mix cacao with water, honey, chili peppers, cornmeal, and other ingredients to make a foamy, spicy drink.  Maya art and hieroglyphs suggest drinking cacao was an important part of celebrations and rituals; the Dresden Codex, for example, shows an image of the god of sustenance K'awil holding a vessel with cacao beans. 

27. Archaeologists Still Debate Why the Civilization Went Into Decline.
The civilization was really hitting its stride at the peak of the Classic Maya period (300 to 660 CE). Things started to decline in the 8th & 9th centuries.  Maya cities in the southern lowlands (which once boasted of populations up to 70,000 people), were abandoned. Scientists and archaeologists have pointed to a variety of culprits to explain what happened, including drought, rampant raiding and warfare among Maya city-states, migration to the beach and over population, or perhaps some fatal combination of those things.

28.  No One Knows What Happened To Them.
In 700 A.D. or so, the Maya civilization was going strong. Powerful city-states ruled weaker vassals, trade was brisk, and cultural achievements such as art, architecture, and astronomy peaked. By 900 A.D., however, the classic Maya powerhouses like Tikal, Palenque, and Calakmul had all fallen into decline and would soon be abandoned. So, what happened? No one knows for sure. Some blame warfare, others climate change, and still other experts claim it was disease or famine. Possibly it was a combination of all of these factors, as the experts can’t seem to agree on one root cause.

29. They Did Not Vanish. 
Sure, many of the great Maya cities were mysteriously deserted, but the people didn’t disappear. The descendants of the Maya are still around today, many of them living in their ancestral homelands (like Belize & Guatemala), where Maya people actually make up a majority of the population. “Maya” is really an umbrella term for many different indigenous ethnic group who may speak different Mayan languages such as Yucatec, Quiche, Kekchi, or Mopan.

30. Their Artifacts & Monuments Are At Risk.
In Guatemala and Belize, locals use the word "huecheros" to refer to people who loot archaeological sites. Illegally excavated vases, statues, and other artifacts from Maya sites have made their way into the illicit antiquities market, and looters’ tunnels destroy archaeological sites in the process. In one striking example, a pyramid was cut in half by looters at the Maya city of Xultun in Guatemala. In some cases, Maya antiquities have been returned to their country of origin. The Denver Art Museum returned a carved wooden doorway lintel to Guatemala in 1998 when the artifact was found to have been taken from El Zotz, a Maya settlement just west of the great city of Tikal.

Every country in the world has dangerous animals, and Belize is no exception.  Most of you, will never encounter many of these critters on your vacation.  None-the-less, it's still interesting to read about them and the role they play in the Belize eco-system.

Belize is home of many dangerous creatures.  Smaller animals can actually be more of a threat to humans than larger animals. To compensate for their size, nature has given many small animals weapons such as fangs and stingers to defend themselves. These are the animals you are more likely to meet as you unwittingly move into their habitat, or they slip into your environment unnoticed.

Bullet Ant - Also known by locals as the "24 hour ant".  From the moment you are bitten, you will "waves of burning, throbbing, all-consuming pain, that continues unabated for up to 24 hours.  Bullet ants are named after this powerful and potent sting, which is said to be as painful as being shot with a bullet. Worker ants are 18-25 mm long and look like stout, reddish-black, wingless wasps.  Certainly not something to mess around with.  The pain caused by this ant is greater than any other ant species, and is ranked as the most painful.

Black Widow Spider - Black Widow Spiders are extremely poisonous arachnids (not insects). Their venom is 15 times as poisonous as the venom of the prairie rattlesnake. These venomous spiders are found in warm and temperate climates all around the world. They live in dark places, in drain pipes, under logs and rocks.
The Black widow spider is one of the most poisonous and dangerous spiders in North & Central America. They are usually identified by their black color and red marking on the underside of their abdomen, also called the opisthosoma. This red marking is usually shaped like an hour glass.
What do they look like? - The female black widow spider is darker and larger than the male. Where the female is usually dark black, the male is often dark brown and doesn't have as bright red of an hour glass shape on the abdomen. The female can grow to about ½ an inch long body and 1 ½ inch leg span. The male black widow is typically around the half the size of the female.
How poisonous are they? - The black widow spider is the most poisonous spider in North America. The male and young black widows are generally not considered dangerous to humans. Upon getting bitten by a black widow, you should seek medical attention immediately. If you can catch the spider, it will be helpful in identifying the type of spider and potential medical remedies. If you see a black widow, do not play with it. Tell your parents or your teacher immediately.
Where do they live? - The female black widow spider generally builds her webs low to the ground. Once she finds a good spot and builds her web, she will often stay in or around her web for the majority of the time. Most of the time she will hang belly up within her web, making identification of the hour glass mark easier. This also warns off predators, which will recognize the bright color and not want to eat her. Even though eating a poisonous spider might not kill a predator, like a bird, it can make them sick.
Fun Facts About the Black Widow Spider

• The poison from a black widow spider is 15 times as potent as the poison from a rattlesnake. A black widow will inject a lot less poison than a rattlesnake in a typical bite, however.
  
• Black widows can live up to 3 years.
• Although black widow bites can be fatal to young children, most people do survive.
• Common predators include the wasp, praying mantis, and birds.
• Not all black widows have the red hour glass on their belly, so its best not to mess with any black spiders.
• They like dark areas and are nocturnal.

Brown Recluse Spider - Also known as the Fiddleback Spider.  Brown Recluse Spiders are shy and nonaggressive, but they have a powerful poison.  They usually only bite when pressed against the skin, such as when tangled up within clothes, bath towels, or in bedding.  Occasional bites happen because people and brown recluses often share the same living space.  These spiders like dark corners and places inside the house, and also live under furniture, boxes and books.
A minority of brown recluse spider bites form a necrotizing ulcer that destroys soft tissue and may take months to heal, leaving deep scars. The damaged tissue will become gangrenous and eventually slough away. The initial bite frequently cannot be felt and there may be no pain, but over time the wound may grow to as large as 10 inches (25 cm) in extreme cases. Bites usually become painful and itchy within 2 to 8 hours; pain and other local effects worsen 12 to 36 hours after the bite with the necrosis developing over the next few day.
Fun Facts About the Brown Recluse Spider

• Brown recluse spiders are found outdoors and like warmer climates.  They tend to thrive in the same environments that humans do.
• Brown recluse spiders are venomous.  Often, the bite goes unnoticed and only results in a pimple-like swelling. However, some people develop a necrotic wound (with blood and pus) which is slow to heal, with the potential for a secondary infection.
• They readily feed on prey that is dead, they are attracted to recently killed insects.
• Brown recluses build small, irregular webs in out-of-the-way places but do not use these to capture prey. They tend to hide in the dark and move around at night searching for prey.
• A brown recluse is tiny when it first emerges from the egg case and takes several molts to reach adulthood, six to 12 months. Remember, they are only active from March to October so this may take one to two years. Then they may live two to three years as adults. Females can produce two to five egg cases during this time (two or three is most common) and each may contain 20 to 50 spiderlings.
  
• Sticky traps for spiders and other insects, work well to trap brown recluse spiders.
• Brown recluse spiders are mostly only active from March through October.
• Insecticides labeled to control brown recluse spiders kill the spiders, but must be sprayed directly on them - otherwise, little control is achieved.
• Brown recluse spiders are better controlled with insecticides on non-carpeted surfaces.
• Preventative measures like sealing cracks in foundations and walls, clearing clutter in and around the home, moving woodpiles away from the house, placing sticky traps in low traffic areas and spraying pesticides can help eliminate brown recluse populations within the home.

Dart Frog - There are over 170 species and 13 genera of poison dart frogs. Although collectively known as "poison dart frogs," only four species were documented as being poisonous. The bright coloration of the poison dart frog serves as a warning to potential predators that it is one of the most poisonous animals on earth. Most poison dart frogs have brightly colored skin which is used as a warning sign to predators.  These frogs are very small.  Adult frogs range from half an inch to just under two and a half inches in length, weighing one ounce. 
From tiny pores in its skin, the frog secretes a defensive toxin that makes it unpalatable to curious predators and which could easily kill if injected into a human or other animal. "Even a very small amount of the poison found on the skin of the Golden Poison Dart Frog can be fatal".
Poison dart frogs live in the tropical and subtropical rainforests and wetlands of Central and South America. They are found in Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Suriname, French Guiana, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Brazil, Guyana, and Brazil. The frogs have been introduced into Hawaii.
Fast Facts About Poison Dart Frogs

• Scientific Name: Family Dendrobatidae (e.g., Phyllobates terribilis)
  
• Common Names: Poison dart frog, poison arrow frog, poison frog, dendrobatid
• Basic Animal Group: Amphibian
• Size: 0.5-2.5 inches
• Weight: 1 ounce
• Lifespan: 1-3 years
• Diet: Omnivore
• Habitat: Tropical forests of Central and South America
  
• Population: Stable or decreasing, depending on species
  
• Conservation Status: Least Concern to Critically Endangered
  

Poison Dart Frog Toxicity - The frog's poison comes from its diet. Specifically, alkaloids from arthropods accumulate and are secreted through the frog's skin. The toxins vary in potency. The most toxic poison dart frog is the golden poison frog. Each frog contains about one milligram of the poison, which is sufficient to kill between 10 and 20 people or 10,000 mice. This poison prevents nerve impulses from transmitting the signal to relax muscles, causing heart failure. There are no antidotes for poison dart frog exposure. Theoretically, death would occur within three minutes, however, there are no published reports of human deaths from poison dart frog poisoning.  The frog has special sodium channels, so it is immune to its own poison. Some predators have developed immunity to the toxin, including some snakes.  The golden poison frog is the most poisonous poison dart frog.

Bats - There are many bat varieties worldwide, but you find the true vampire bats only in Central and South America. They are small, agile fliers that land on their sleeping victims, mostly cows and horses at night to lick the blood after biting their victim. 

There are three species of vampire bats:

1. Common Vampire Bat
2. White-Winged Vampire Bat
3. Hairy-Legged Vampire Bat

The bat leaves its roost just after dusk, setting out to find a meal. Radio-tracking studies suggest that a foraging Common Vampire Bat returns to a general area where it has found prey before.  A Common Vampire Bat has the ability to detect the breathing sounds of a sleeping animal such as a cow.  The bat lands on the ground near its intended victim and approaches on foot. Among bats, Common Vampires are the most agile on the ground, hopping about like ballet dancers. There is a heat (infrared) sensor on the nose-leaf of Common Vampire Bats, permitting them to locate an area where the blood flows close to the skin.
If there is fur on the skin, the Common Vampire Bat uses its canine and cheek teeth like a barber’s shears to clip away the hairs. The bat’s razor-sharp upper incisor teeth lack enamel, making it easier to keep them razor sharp, and are used to make a quick cut, leaving a wound approximately 5 mm deep and 5 mm in diameter without cutting arteries or veins. If you made a wound this size on your body, it would produce about one drop of blood or less than a gram.  The bat then begins to use its tongue in the wound as well as its saliva. The action of the tongue keeps blood flowing, while grooves on the underside of the tongue draw blood toward the bat’s mouth. Meanwhile, the saliva has at least three active ingredients that promote bleeding. One is an anticoagulant that counters the clotting defenses. A second keeps red blood cells from sticking together and a third inhibits the constriction of veins near the wound. It may take the bat about 20 minutes to take its fill, it is then time to take off and return to its roost.

Inside the bat’s stomach the lining rapidly absorbs the blood plasma. In turn, the circulatory system shunts the plasma to the kidneys. From there it passes to the bladder and out of the bat. Within two minutes of beginning to feed, a Common Vampire Bat begins to urinate. The urine is very dilute—no wonder, it is the plasma from the blood meal. The plasma is heavy but contains no nutritive value, so the bat benefits from leaving it behind. Shedding the plasma makes taking off from the ground easier.  But the bat still has added almost 60% of its body weight in blood.   Usually within two hours of setting out, the Common Vampire Bat returns to its roost and settles down to spend the rest of the night digesting its blood meal.
Each vampire bat needs about two tablespoonful of blood every day. This represents about 60% of the bat’s body weight, or 20g of blood. It appears that vampire bats are “one stop shoppers,” feeding on one victim each night.  To obtain this amount of blood each night, a vampire bat will typically prey on only larger animals.  Common Vampire Bats usually roost in hollows, so they may be found in caves, hollow trees and buildings. They live together in structured societies that provide a network of social support. Colonies of Common Vampire Bats usually include one adult male with several females and their young. The bats may not all roost together at any one time, for they move between several roosts within the home range of the colony. Females that roost together often forage in the same general area.
When a Common Vampire Bat returns to the roost they often meet face-to-face and groom one another. A bat that fails to feed uses this face- to-face contact to beg blood from a roost-mate. The successful bat may then regurgitate some blood to the unsuccessful one.

Bees, Wasps, and Hornets - We are all familiar with bees, wasps, and hornets. They come in many varieties and have a wide diversity of habits and habitats. Avoidance is the best tactic for self-protection. Watch out for flowers or fruit where bees may be feeding. Nearly all honeybees in Belize are now Africanized, except the native sting-less bee.

Centipedes and Millipedes - Centipedes and millipedes are mostly small and harmless.  A few varieties of centipedes have a poisonous bite, but infection is the greatest danger, as their sharp claws dig in and puncture the skin. To prevent skin punctures, brush them off in the direction they are traveling, if you find them crawling on your skin

Scorpions - You can find scorpions on the Cayes and in on the Mainland. They are mostly nocturnal in habit. Fatalities from scorpion stings are rare, but they can occur in children, the elderly, and ill persons.  In environments known to have spiders and scorpions, check your foot gear and clothing every morning.  Also check your bedding and shelter for them. Use care when turning over rocks and logs.
Tarantulas - Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders, best known because they are often sold in pet stores. The bite of a tarantula is said to be painful but not dangerous unless you are allergic to the venom. If you are bitten by a tarantula and begin to experience tightness in the chest and shortness of breath, going to a hospital emergency room would be a good idea.

Among the 56+ species of snakes found in Belize, we could only find 8 that were considered dangerous to humans.

Central American Coral Snake - The two species of coral snakes found in Belize have brightly colored bands of red, yellow and black.  These bands are in sequence of yellow, red, yellow, black, yellow, red, yellow.  Maximum length of these snakes rarely exceeds three feet.  They have short, fixed front fangs.
Coral snakes are usually found seeking refuge under rotten logs, thick leaf litter, decomposing vegetation, and rocks.  This species of coral snake is found countrywide, in both northern and southern hardwood forests, including the Mountain Pine Ridge. 
Although coral snakes feed primarily on other snakes, lizards and frogs are also included in their diet.  Coral snakes are considered to be mild-tempered, however, extreme caution should be shown around coral snakes, as their bite can be fatal.  They have very strong neurotoxic venom.  When threatened, coral snakes immediately burrow into nearby vegetation to escape, but are sometimes noted to flatten their body to appear larger (defensive posture).  They are primarily nocturnal, but are often sighted at dusk and dawn.  Coral snakes are preyed upon by birds of prey and other snakes (kingsnake, mussarana). 

Eyelash Palm Pitviper - The eyelash viper is a beautiful pit-viper which is uniquely camouflaged.  Eyelash vipers blend in the moss often found on trees in a humid forest.  Their overall body color is green, with irregular blotches of brown, yellow, and white.  They have a pair of large, rotatable fangs situated at the front of the maxillary bone.  Eyelash vipers have a typical viper-shaped head, and a pair of facial pits or heat-sensing organs.  They have two pronounced tubercles over the yes, which gives an "eyelash" appearance.  Their tail is prehensile.
The eyelash viper has been recorded in Orange Walk and Cayo districts (northern hardwood forests), but is seldom seen, most likely due to its arboreal habits.
Eyelash vipers feed largely on birds and rodents, but have been known to include bats in their diet.  They have strong hemotoxic venom.  Not an aggressive snake, but it will not hesitate to bite if threatened.  Eyelash vipers spend most of their time in trees, rarely coming to the ground.

Jumping Pitviper - Color variation in jumping vipers is not uncommon, however, the pattern of adjoining saddles down entire dorsal surface of the body is consistent.  Maximum length rarely exceeds four feet.  Jumping vipers have a pair of large, rotatable fangs situated at the front of the mouth on the maxillary bone.  Other distinguishing characteristics include vertically elliptical pupils and a pair of heat-sensing organs.
Found primarily in the high elevations of Belize's southern hardwood forests.  Sometimes found at the mouth of caves, where they may seek refuge.
Jumping vipers prey on rodents, birds, frogs and lizards.  They have a strong, meotoxic venom.  This species is a mild-tempered snake, compared to some of the other pit vipers.  A bite, however, may result in extreme pain and severe haemorrhagng, causing death.  Jumping vipers are primarily nocturnal, although they are sometimes seen in the early mornings, basking in the sun.  Females are ovoviviparous.
Although called Jumping Viper or Jumping Tommygoff, these snakes don't actually jump but will strike throwing themselves backwards to appearing leap from the ground.  Most snakes are only capable of striking a third of their body length.

Mayan Coral Snake - This coral snake has large red bands with small yellow bands and small black bands.  Its colors are brilliant, with a sequence of red, yellow and black; the red bands always in contact with the yellow bands.  Its head is yellow and black.  The maximum length odes not exceed three feet.  The fangs of this snake are short and permanently fixed at the front of the maxillary bone.
Known only to be found in the southern hardwood forests of the country, in areas of thick leaf litter.  It prefers humid forests.
Micrurus hippocrepis, like most coral snakes, feeds primarily on other snakes, but will include lizards in its diet.  They have strong neurotoxic venom that is dangerous to humans.  This snake is terrestrial and sub-terrestrial.  It is primarily nocturnal, but is often active at dusk and dawn.  Females are oviparous.

Mexican Cantil Moccasin - The Mexican Moccasin is brown in color, with irregular blotches of white down the entire dorsal surface of the body.  Tail varies in color, from a pale white to yellow.  Maximum length does not exceed three feet.  Cantils have a pair of large, rotatable fangs, located at the front of the mouth on the maxillary bone.  The tongue is reddish in color.  They have a typical viper-shaped head, with vertically elliptical pupils, and a pair of heat-sensing organs, or facial pits.
The Mexican Moccasin has been recorded only from the Corozal and Orange Walk districts, in the northern hardwood forests of Belize.
The Mexican Moccasin juvenile uses its sem-prehensile tail to mimic a worm, in order to lure in frogs or lizards.  Their diet includes frogs, lizards, rodents and birds.  Cantils have a strong, fast-acting hemotoxic venom.  Like all members of the genus, female Mexican Moccasins are ovoviviparous.

Central American Rattlesnake - The Central American rattlesnake is distinguished by a black diamond down the dorsal body surface, fading towards the tail.  The overall body color is brown to gray.  Maximum length does not exceed six feet.  Rattlesnakes have a pair of rotatable fangs that are situated at the front, on the maxillary bone.  Other distinguishing characteristics include vertically elliptical pupils, a pair of heat-sensing organs, and a rattle at the end of the tail.
Found countrywide in both northern and southern hardwood forests, including the Mountain Pine Ridge.  Tropical rattlesnakes are particularly abundant in the pine savannas and grasslands of Belize.
Central American rattlesnakes are primarily nocturnal predators, feeding largely on rodents and birds.  The venom of this rattlesnake has high concentrations of hemotoxins and nurotoxins.  Tropical rattlesnakes are not particularly aggressive but will rattle and coil to strike if threatened.  Femals are ovoviviparous.

Hognosed Pitviper - The hognose viper is dark to reddish-brown in color, and pattrened with a narrow cream mid-dorsal stripe, flanked on either side by small, square brown or black markings.  It is also recognized by a conspicuous upturned snout.  Pupils are vertically elliptical, and the presence of a pair of large rotatable front fangs, as well as a pair of heat-sensing organs, characterizes this unique pit-viper.  Maximum length rarely exceeds two feet.
Found in the humid hardwood forests of southern Belize.  It prefers areas of open forests with fallen logs and leaf litter.  It is also seen around temple ruins.
Hognose vipers prey on small rodents, lizards and frogs that are quickly subdued by their strong meotoxic venom.  Although primarily nocturnal, these snakes can also be active during the day, depending on climatic conditions.  Females of this species are ovoviviparous.

There are more than 360 species of sharks in the world's oceans and Belize is home to a few of these.  Among the sharks seen diving are:  black tip shark, bull shark, lemon shark, nurse shark, reef shark, and occasionally a hammerhead shark.  The whale shark is migratory and usually only see in the Spring of each year in and around the waters off of Placencia. 

If you see a shark in the water, chances are it's a bull shark. Bull sharks are so named because of their thick, stout body and short, blunt snout which gives them an appearance of a bull.  Bull sharks are medium-sized sharks that can grow up to 11 feet long and weigh about 700 pounds, although females generally top out at 5 feet and males usually at 7 feet.  They are gray on top and white on bottom, so they camouflage against the dark depths when prey is above them, and they blend in to the lighter surface when prey is below them.   The first dorsal fin is larger than the second one and is angled rearward. The caudal fin is lower and longer than that of other sharks.  There has not been any shark attacks off Ambergris Caye for a good long while now. 
Interesting Facts About Bull Sharks:

• Bull Sharks have lots of teeth - All sharks have jaws that are filled with sharp, serrated teeth. The teeth are in rows that act like conveyor belts. When one tooth is lost, the tooth behind it moves forward, sometimes as quickly as within a day, to replace the lost one. A shark may lose and re-grow more than 20,000 teeth over the course of its lifetime!  The average number of rows of teeth in a shark’s jaw is 15, but the bull shark isn’t your average shark.
  
• Bull Sharks like fresh water as much salt water - When  Bull Sharks have to have salt in their body for survival. When excess salt accumulations in their body, they will seek relief by swimming up into fresh water rivers. 
  
• Bull sharks give birth to live young - Sharks give birth in one of three ways. If they’re oviparous, they lay a sac full of eggs (called a “mermaid’s purse”), which attaches itself to a rock or other surface until the eggs are ready to hatch. The newly hatched sharks are birthed live.  The gestation period for bull sharks is 12 months, after which they give birth in fresh water because the pups are born with a low tolerance for salinity. Bull shark pups are about two feet long when they’re born, and once they develop a little, they swim out to sea.  Bull sharks have a lifespan of about 12 years in the wild.
  
• Bull sharks are considered by many as the most dangerous shark - Bull Sharks, Tiger Sharks, and Great White Sharks, are the three sharks identified as the most frequent attackers of humans. Unlike the Great Whie Shark, bull sharks rarely actually eat humans, but rather bump ‘n’ bite ’em out of curiosity. Once they get a nibble & taste, they swim off to find something more edible. Unfortunately for those humans who are “tasted,” the bull shark has the highest bite force among all sharks, so that little nibble comes at a force of 1,300 pounds per foot.
  
• Humans are more dangerous to the Bull Shark than the Bull Shark is to Humans - Bull sharks are classified as “near endangered” on the IUCN’s Red List. Although bull sharks are very commonly seen by humans due to their habitat, their numbers are dwindling due to over-fishing of sharks in general, and particularly sharks that are easy to catch or trap, such as those that live in shallow waters near shore.  The fact is, scientists recently estimated that humans kill an astonishing 100 to 273 million sharks every year. If we split the change and call it 200 million sharks, that adds up to 380 sharks killed every minute of every day. In the time it takes you to say the word “shark!” six sharks have been killed.  Compare those numbers to the 16 people who are attacked by sharks every year and the one person who dies from a shark attack every two years, and it’s easy to see who’s really the most dangerous predator in the ocean.
  

The Tiger Shark is one of the shark species which can be aggressive, and is considered dangerous for that reason.  Tiger Shark are known by locals as "Sea Tigers".  Tiger sharks are among the largest species of sharks, both in length and weight. Females are larger than males at maturity. Tiger sharks average 10 to 14 feet in length, but the largest individuals may be as long as 18 feet and weigh over 1,400 pounds. The tiger shark is mostly a nocturnal hunter. Its diet includes a good kind of prey, starting from crustaceans, fish, seals, birds, squid, turtles, and ocean snakes; to dolphins and even different smaller sharks.
What Do Tiger Sharks Look Like?  - The tiger shark is named for the dark, vertical stripes on either side of its body, which are reminiscent of a tiger's markings. These stripes actually fade as the tiger shark ages, so they can't be used as an identifying feature of every individual. Young tiger sharks have dark blotches or spots, which eventually merge into stripes. For this reason, the species is sometimes known as the leopard shark or the spotted shark. The tiger shark has a stout head and body, although narrower at the tail end. The snout is blunt and somewhat rounded.

Crocodiles are clearly ferocious hunters, but they are opportunistic predators. Any animal that moves is fair game, and can be considered as prey.  Most of the larger crocodiles on the island have been relocated to habitats which do not interact with humans.  Occasionally these crocodiles can creep down into shorelines inhabited by humans.  Crocodiles prefer murky water with mangroves (as their habitat of choice), primarily so they can remain unseen.  Crocodiles are ambush predators, which mean they wait for prey to get close enough to them, before they attack.   
The average lifespan of a crocodile is 70 years in the wild and can be found on land and in water.

HOW TO AVOID A CROCODILE ATTACK - 10 Things You Need to Know
1. Stay away from water with crocodiles or alligators in - Ask local residents about where crocodiles or alligators live in lakes and rivers, and don't go swimming outside of designated areas.  Do not go in murky water, or swim at dusk or at night, when the animals hunt and are harder to see.
2.  Be aware of your surroundings -If you're going to be in or around water where they live, you must remain on your guard. Alligators and crocodiles can hide themselves very well in water, often keeping only their eyes and nostrils above water or submerging entirely.  Do not dangle arms or legs off a boat into the water, don't walk too close to rivers or lakes, and avoid thick vegetation that provides these animals with good cover.
3.  Stay at least fifteen feet away from alligators or crocodiles - Once you've spotted them, give crocodilians a wide berth.  Fifteen feet is usually ample on land, but during mating season, or when near babies, it's a good idea to stay even farther away.  Crocodilians are surprisingly fast - especially in water - so stay as far away as possible.
4. Don't get too comfortable in your camp - Crocs and alligators can memorise people's habits and campsite layouts - so be very wary when you're camping near water.  Set up camp well away from the water's edge, and do not litter the area with food scraps.  If you have to use the water for washing, try not to use the same path every time.
5. Avoid surprising the animals - If you see you're going to come anywhere close to a crocodilian, make noise by slapping the water with your oars or whistling.  Stay away from riverbanks when coming around bends in a river, and make your presence known.  Crocodiles or alligators basking on the shore may attack in self-defense if you surprise them.
6. Let it know you're watching it - If there's a croc or alligator on land, let it know that you're watching it.  From a safe distance, stare at it and never take your eyes off of it - it may be intimidated and not come any closer.
7. Run - Crocodilians rely on the element of surprise to capture prey, so it's extremely unusual for one to pursue a person on land.  The land speed record for a crocodilian is about 10 miles per hour, and they quickly grow tired - so a fit person should be able to outrun it without too much difficulty.  Run away from the water, as they will be trying to get back to where they feel safest.
8. If attacked, get away - Sometimes, the animal will deliver a single, quick defensive bite and then immediately let go.  If this occurs, just try to get away from the animal as quickly as possible.  However, sometimes the animal doesn't let go and will often try to drag a person into the water or underwater.  Crocodilians can stay underwater for much longer than humans can, so the only hope of survival if you're attacked in this manner is to fight back and get away.
9. Go for the eyes, nostrils, or throat - The most vulnerable part of a crocodile's or alligator's body is its eyes.  Try to hit or poke the eyes with whatever you have handy: an oar, a stick, or a knife - even your hands.  While not as sensitive as the eyes, the nostrils and ears can also be effectively attacked.  A hard blow or a cut to either of these areas may cause the animal to release you.  Crocodilians have a flap of tissue behind the tongue that covers their throats when they submerge in water.  This flap prevents water from flowing into their throats and stops the crocodile from drowning when its mouth is open.  If your arm or leg is stuck in a crocodile's mouth, you may be able to pry this valve down.  Water will then flow into the crocodile's throat, and animal will most likely let you go.
10. Get medical attention promptly - A crocodilian's mouth is home to millions of bacteria, and infection is almost guaranteed if a bite is not treated promptly.

Cone shell snail venoms contain many different toxins that vary in their effects; some are extremely toxic. The sting of small cones is no worse than a bee sting, but the sting of a few of the larger species of tropical cone snails can be serious, occasionally even fatal to humans.
Symptoms can begin within minutes or take days to appear. Severe cases of cone shell snail stings involve muscle paralysis, blurred/double vision, and respiratory paralysis, leading to death.  Do not eat these snails, as their flesh is poisonous.

Cone Shell Snails
These cone-shaped shells have smooth, colorful mottling and long, narrow openings in the base of the shell. They live under rocks, in crevices and coral reefs, and along rocky shores and protected bays in tropical areas. All have tiny teeth that are similar to hypodermic needles. Avoid any shell shaped like an ice cream cone.
They can inject an extremely poisonous venom that acts very swiftly, causing acute pain, swelling, paralysis, blindness, and possible death within hours. Avoid handling all cone shells. Three species that are known killers are the Geographic Cone (Conus geo- graphus) the Textile Cone (Conus textile), and the Tulip Cone (Conus tulipus) though around twenty cones are known to be dangerous to humans.
Cone shell snail stings:  Symptoms include intense pain, numbness, and tingling. Symptoms can begin within minutes or take days to appear. Severe cases of cone shell snail stings involve muscle paralysis, blurred/double vision, and respiratory paralysis, leading to death.  Do not eat these snails, as their flesh is poisonous.

Auger Cone Shells
The Auger Shells or Terebra,  are similar to cone shells but much thinner and longer. They are poisonous in the same way as cone shells, but their venom is not as poisonouss as some cones.  The venom is powerful enough to be lethal to collectors who are not careful in handling the mollusc. World-wide, there are about 300 species of auger shells.
The species most dangerous to humans are the larger cones, which prey on small bottom-dwelling fish.  Cone snails use a hyperdermic needle-like modified radula tooth and a venom gland to attack and paralyze their prey before engulfing it. The tooth, which is sometimes likened to a dart or a harpoon, is barbed and can be extended some distance out from the head of the snail. 
Cone shell snail venoms contain many different toxins that vary in their effects; some are extremely toxic. The sting of small cones is no worse than a bee sting, but the sting of a few of the larger species of tropical cone snails can be serious, occasionally even fatal to humans.
Symptoms can begin within minutes or take days to appear. Severe cases of cone shell snail stings involve muscle paralysis, blurred/double vision, and respiratory paralysis, leading to death.  Do not eat these snails, as their flesh is poisonous.

Fire Coral
Fire corals have a bright yellow-green and brown skeletal covering and are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical waters in Belize. They appear in small brush-like growths on rocks and coral. Divers often mistake fire coral for seaweed, and accidental contact is common.  Fire coral is actually a marine colony of organisms,  that look like real coral. However they are technically not corals; they are actually more closely related to jellyfish and other stinging anemones.  The very small nematocysts on fire corals contain tentacles that protrude from numerous surface pores (similar to Jelly Fish stings). Fire corals have a sharp, calcified external skeleton that can scrape the skin.

• What Are the Symptoms of Fire Coral Cuts and Stings?
  
• Within 5-30 minutes following skin contact with fire coral, an immediate burning sensation or a stinging pain develops.
• A red rash with raised wheals or vesicles appears, and itching develops.
• Lymph gland swelling may occur over time.
• Rarely, nausea and vomiting have been reported.
• Fire coral cuts are treated like all other coral cuts.

What Is the Treatment of Fire Coral Cuts and Stings?
The following guidelines are suggested to treat fire coral cuts:

• Rinse with seawater. Avoid fresh water because it will increase pain.
  
• Apply topical acetic acid (vinegar) or isopropyl alcohol. This treatment can inactivate the venom (toxin).
  
• Remove any parts of the fire coral with tweezers or with tape after treating with acetic acid or isopropyl alcohol; this will help remove the toxin that causes the symptoms.
• Immobilize the extremity because movement may cause the venom (toxin) to spread.
• Apply hydrocortisone cream two to three times daily as needed for itching. Discontinue immediately if any signs of infection appear.

If the person who has come into contact with fire coral develops shortness of breath; swelling of the tongue, face, or throat; or other signs of an allergic reaction, the patient should be treated for an allergic reaction. If no signs of allergic reaction are present, pain may be relieved with one to two tablets of acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 4 hours (not to exceed 3 grams in a 24 hour time period) and/or one to two tablets of ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) every 6-8 hours. Some health care professionals prefer naproxen (Aleve) for pain treatment.
When Should I Call the Doctor About Fire Coral Cuts and Stings?

• In severe cases, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
• Consult a doctor for treatment with available medications, especially if the affected area develops pus, or a blister more than 3/16 of an inch (5mm) in diameter (bullae) forms with any read streaks that appear on the skin. If itching lasts more than a few days or pus or blister (bullae) develops with topical hydrocortisone treatment, seek medical care immediately.

Portuguese man on war
Although it resembles a jellyfish, the Portuguese man-of-war is actually a colony of sea animals. Mainly found in tropical regions, such as Belize.  The Portuguese man-of-war resembles a large pink or purple balloon floating on the sea. The floating portion of the man-of-war may be as small as 15 centimeters, but the tentacles can reach nearly 165 feet in length. The huge tentacles are actually colonies of stinging cells. These tentacles inflict a painful and incapacitating sting, but the sting is rarely fatal.
How to Avoid Being Stung by a Portuguese Man-of-War
Portuguese Man-of-War creatures regularly make appearances on Spanish beaches.
The man o'war (is not a jellyfish), but a floating colony of microscopic hydrozoans - has tentacles that can reach 30 yards long and are barbed with a sting that typically cause painful welts lasting up to three days.  In some cases the sting can cause an allergic reaction and in rare cases, heart failure.  Even when washed up on the sand the stings still contain venom.

Rule No. 1: Don't touch it

Man-of-war fish have stinging cells that are still active and capable of stinging even after the creature is dead and washed up on shore. So don't touch it.

Rule No 2: Listen to lifeguards

If the red flag is raised then don't go into the water. If you break that rule you may face a fine or even be stung by one of the creatures lifeguards are trying to protect you from.  If you are in the water then you may be stung without even seeing the culprit. The Man-of-war looks like a floating blue plastic bag but they have practically invisible tentacles that typically extend over 2.4 meters (8ft) under the surface of the water and sometimes stretch to 10 meters. 

Rule No. 3: Get help if you are stungIf you are stung then leave the water immediately and look for a lifeguard. If there are no lifeguards on the beach, wash the wound with salt water and remove any tentacles stuck to the skin by dousing the site with sea water.  Never use fresh water as that can actually cause the stinging cells, or cnidae, left on your skin to discharge, which could make the sting worse.

Don't touch the tentacles with your bare hands, and don't scrape them off your skin with objects like a credit card or razor, because that could increase pressure around the sting and make it worse.

Some experts suggest cooling the area down by applying ice for around five to ten minutes. You can also try wetting the wound with vinegar or baking soda dissolved in water.  Protect the area by using an antiseptic to avoid infections.  If the pain continues, make sure you consult a doctor. 

Rule No. 4: Don't pee on it

Professor Josep Maria Gili from Barcelona's Institute of Marine Sciences warns against the common myth that urinating on a jellyfish sting can help ease the pain.  "That is absolutely false," he told The Local.  "It could be effective for some fish bites but never for jellyfish."  In fact, it might actually make the stings worse.

Rule No. 5: Seek medical attention

If you get stung by a man-of-war and you have trouble breathing, this could be a result of severe envenomation, and you'll need to see a medical professional immediately.  Extremely painful stings also require medical attention, as do stings that make you feel dizzy or disoriented.

Scorpion & Lion Fish
Scorpion fish live mainly in the reefs. They vary from 30 to 90 centimeters long, are usually reddish in coloration, and have long wavy fins and spines. They inflict an intensely painful sting.  Scorpion (or Lionfish) are also equipped with spines containing dangerous venom. When the spines pierce a predator, the venom is injected immediately at the point of contact. A sting from one of these spines can be potentially fatal to other animals and extremely painful to humans. 
Scorpionfish, lionfish, and stonefish are all poisonous fish that live in tropical and temperate oceans, the Pacific Ocean. They have erectile spines on their dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. Because these fish are not aggressive, contact with them and the poisonings that result are usually accidental.
Contact with ornate Scorpion or Lionfish causes mild-to-moderate poisoning.  Contact with a motionless stonefish, causes severe-to -life-threatening poisoning.
Fun Facts About Scorpionfish

1. Scorpionfish have extremely potent venom in their sharp spines, making them one of the most poisonous animals in the ocean.
2. Scorpionfish tend to live near the surface but can be found up to 2,625 feet (800 m) deep.
3. Scorpionfish are about 8 inches (20 cm) long on average , but some species can grow to a maximum length of 20 inches (50 cm).
4. Scorpionfish blend in perfectly with their coral and rocky surroundings because of their mottled color patterns.
5. Scorpionfish are solitary and only congregate for mating.1

Yes, Lionfish pose a big threat to the Belize Barrier Reef.  They can drastically reduce other small prey fish populations by as much as 80% and one female can release up to 30,000 eggs every four days! They eat as many as 70 different species and just one can consume 20 fish in half an hour.  That is one hungry fish!!!  This is why Belize periodically has a Lionfish hunt (to reduce the population of the Lionfish), in an attempt to save our reef.

Stone Fish
Stonefish are found in the tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans. Averaging about 30 centimeters in length, their subdued colors and lumpy shape provide them with exceptional camoflauge. When stepped on, the fins in the dorsal spine inflict an extremely painful and sometimes fatal wound. The Stonefish is the most venomous fish in the world.
This strange looking fish, despite it’s somewhat tiny size (up to twelve inches) is considered the most venomous fish existing. It’s camouflaged body will keep it absolutely hidden between rocks underwater, adding to its danger. It’s the dorsal fins you've got to be worry of, that are sharp enough to pierce through a shoe therefore watch your step.

Stonefish have also been called rockfish because of their tendency to live among rocks near the seafloor. There are more than 200 known species of stonefish in the oceans. Members of this fish family are commonly found in Pacific Oceans where water temperatures are temperate and coral reefs are plentiful. Coral reefs provide the perfect space for a stonefish to hide and hunt for prey and also avoid any potential predators brave enough to take a bite.
The body of a Stonefish is just as important as its habitat when it comes to remaining unseen. Stonefish are covered in feathery fins or skin flaps that help with camouflage against surrounding coral. Some stonefish are dull in color–mottled brown or yellow, while other species are bright red or orange, making them virtually invisible when hidden among either rocks or reefs. 
Stonefish are exceptional sit-and-wait predators. Stonefish only hunt at night and spend daylight hours resting in crevices. They will remain in the shadows of rocks or reefs before pouncing on unsuspecting prey swimming by. Their diet consists of small fish, crustaceans and snails that also live in coral reefs. A stonefish's mouth is wide in size, which allows the fish to quickly suck and swallow prey whole in one bite. Stonefish can also use their venom to stun prey before eating them. Predators of Stonefish remain few, but sharks, rays and large snappers have been known to hunt the fish.
Most Stonefish species are less than two feet in size and have a lifespan of 15 years. A female Stonefish may release upwards of 15,000 eggs into the water for fertilization by the males. Fertilized eggs float to the surface where egg-eating predators are less likely to get to them. After just two days the eggs will hatch and baby Stonefish will remain near the surface until they are big enough to swim down to the reefs where the adults swim. Stonefish face few threats in our ocean—they are not commercially fished because of their venom, but some species may be caught as incidental by catch when lines and hooks are set near reefs. Their coral reef habitat may also be in jeopardy due to warming oceans and global warming.

Stripped Surgeonfish
The Surgeonfish or Tang is average 20 to 25 centimeters in length, with a deep body, small mouth, and bright coloration. Named for extremely sharp and movable spines located on each side of their tail that are thought to resemble a surgeonâs scalpel, that cause extremely painful wounds.
tay away from this dangerous fish, as the caudal spine of a striped surgeonfish is venomous. They tend to live in marine waters and are associated with reefs. However, scientists have used its venom for the development of new drugs.
Facts on Surgeonfish Cuts

• Surgeonfish (also known as the doctorfish, or tang) is a tropical reef fish that has bladelike spines "knives" on their sides near the tail, which can inflict deep lacerations (cuts). These blades are retractable.
• There are approximately 75 species of surgeonfish, and are in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, Atlantic, Caribbean, and the Red Sea.
• Surgeonfish tend to ignore divers and move away when approached. Their spines may cause deep penetrating wounds.
  
• Surgeonfish do not have venom or toxin associated with them.

Surgeonfish Cuts Symptoms
The laceration from a surgeonfish is immediately painful and usually deep. It will actively bleed. It is rare to have symptoms beyond the laceration but when it does happen there can be nausea, muscle aches, and anxiety.
Surgeonfish Cuts Treatment

• Apply direct pressure to stop any bleeding.
• Clean the cut with soap and water thoroughly.
• Soak the cut in hot, non-scalding water (to about 110 degrees F or 43.3 C) for 30 to 90 minutes or until the pain is relieved.
• Scrub the cut really well to remove any foreign material (dirt, shells, etc) out of the cut
• Stitches are rarely going to be placed because it would increase the risk of infection. However, if the cut is very large or is in a cosmetic area (for example the face) then the health care professional may consider placing stitches after explaining the options to the patient.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent secondary infection due to the nature of the cut and the depth. This is controversial and based on the size, depth and location of the laceration or injury sustained.

Toadfish
There are about 80 species of bottom-living Toadfishes. They are found chiefly in warmer oceans, occasionally in freshwater. Toadfishes are heavy-bodied fishes with broad, flattened heads and large mouths equipped with strong teeth. They grow to a maximum of about 40 cm (16 inches) and either are scaleless or have small scales. Most can produce audible grunting or croaking sounds. Toadfishes are carnivorous and sometimes bite when touched.
Toadfish are divided into three (3) groups:

1. True toadfishes - such as the oyster toadfish, a common resident of shallow coastal waters along eastern North America
   
2. Venomous toadfishes - found in Central and South America and notable for inflicting painful wounds with the hollow, venom-injecting spines on their dorsal fins and gill covers
   
3. Midshipmen - Shallow-water American fishes named for numerous (600–840) small, buttonlike light organs arranged in rows along the body
   

Toadfish are between 17.5 and 25 centimeters long and have a dull color and large mouths. Males make the nests and guard them after the female lays the eggs.
The male attracts the female by "singing", that is by releasing air by contracting muscles on their swim bladder. The sound has been called a 'hum' or 'whistle'. They often hide in rock crevices, among the bottom vegetation, or even bury themselves in the sand and may be easily stepped on. They have very sharp, extremely poisonous spines on the dorsal fin (back).

Jellyfish
Jellyfish-related deaths are rare, but the sting they inflict is extremely painful.  As the temperature gets warmer, jellyfish are found closer to the shore. Therefore, the warmer the ocean, the higher the possibility of encountering a jellyfish. A jellyfish sting can cause headaches, vomiting, muscle spasms, an allergic reaction, chills, fever and difficulty breathing. Box Jellyfish are among the most dangerous because they have extremely powerful venom. Stings from them have caused death amongst humans.
Jellyfish stings are relatively common problems for people swimming, wading or diving in seawaters. The long tentacles trailing from the jellyfish body can inject you with venom from thousands of microscopic barbed stingers.
Jellyfish stings vary greatly in severity. Most often they result in immediate pain and red, irritated marks on the skin. Some jellyfish stings may cause more whole-body (systemic) illness. And in rare cases jellyfish stings are life-threatening.  Most jellyfish stings get better with home treatment. Severe reactions require emergency medical care.
Signs and symptoms of severe jellyfish stings include:

• Stomach pain, nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Muscle pain or spasms
• Weakness, drowsiness, fainting and confusion
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Heart problems
  
• Burning, prickling, stinging pain
• Red, brown or purplish tracks on the skin — a "print" of the tentacles' contact with your skin
• Itching
• Swelling
• Throbbing pain that radiates up a leg or an arm
  
• Severe jellyfish stings can affect multiple body systems. These reactions may appear rapidly or several hours after the stings.
  

The severity of your reaction depends on:

• The type and size of the jellyfish
• Your age, size and health, with severe reactions more likely in children and people in poor health
• How long you were exposed to the stingers
• How much of your skin is affected

When to see a doctorSeek emergency treatment if you have severe symptoms.
Fast facts on jellyfish sting treatment:

• More than 2,000 species of jellyfish populate the world’s oceans. Not all of them sting, and most are not dangerous.
• Jellyfish sting treatment begins with assessing whether the sting is potentially dangerous.
• People stung by potentially lethal jellyfish require immediate emergency treatment.
• People stung by jellyfish with mild stings can usually administer first aid themselves.

Stingrays As they gently glide a few inches above the sand, stingrays appear elegant, peaceful and calm—and they are, the vast majority of the time. The only time divers need to worry is when stingrays feel threatened. A frightened stingray can plunge its sharp, venomous stinger straight through a wetsuit and deep into a diver's flesh.
Diving with Stingrays is Generally Safe
While diving, stingrays may be approached with little risk. On the rare occasion that a stingray strikes a diver underwater, the diver has most likely inadvertently threatened or cornered the animal. Perhaps the diver hovered directly over the ray or floated in front of it, making the stingray feel trapped against a reef without an escape route.
The Stingray Danger Zone Because a stingray sees and swims forward easily, leave it a forward escape route. Most important, stay out a stingray's striking zone, the area directly above the ray. The ray can easily strike in the area at the top of its back by arching its tail forward. By contrast, the area behind the ray's back and the space to its sides are difficult for the ray to reach without turning its body or making swimming adjustments. Divers who are alert and aware of the stingray's attack zone should be relatively safe.
How to Avoid Attacks
Stingray attacks are more likely to happen to divers who are entering or exiting the ocean through shallow water and accidentally step on a stingray. Naturally, the stingray will react. When a stingray is stepped on, it quickly whips its long tail forward and down, which jabs the stinger at the base of the tail into the offender. This is a defensive maneuver designed to remove the diver's foot from the stingray's body, and it works.
To avoid stepping on top of a stingray, divers can shuffle their feet when entering and exiting the water and throw rocks and shells in front of them as a warning. If a stingray is camouflaged in the sand hiding out, waiting for fish or crustaceans to eat, it might not be visible until it's too late.
In addition, people should be aware of stingray habitats such as long, sandy shores. Because neither dive booties nor fins protect anyone from a stingray's hard, razor-sharp stinger, people should be vigilant if they suspect they might be in a stingray habitat.
What Happens in a Stingray Sting As the stinger enters the diver's body, a thin sheath containing the venom breaks, allowing the poison to flow into the surrounding flesh. The venom contains enzymes and neurotoxins that cause cell death (and pain), and serotonin, which prevents smooth-muscle contraction. The area will also swell.
How to Treat an Injury In the unlikely event that a stingray injury occurs, there are two considerations in treating the wounded area: the stinger and the venom it contains. A stingray's stinger is covered with sharp, hooked barbs that are angled to enter a victim smoothly but hook into the flesh if pulled out. Although a diver's immediate reaction might be to pull out the stinger, it may be better to allow a medical professional to remove it, in order to avoid exacerbating the injury.
It is important to neutralize the venom as quickly as possible. Immersing the area in hot water for 30–90 minutes and applying antibiotic ointment can help prevent complications, but it is still advisable to also see a medical professional.
Pieces of the stingray barb can remain deep in the wound and cause a delay in healing and secondary bacterial infection. Foreign matter and infectious bacteria from the water can also be an issue complicating wound healing. Because of these issues, a medical professional may require an X-ray or ultrasound and prescribe antibiotics. Dead tissue may have to be surgically removed.
Because the venom causes cell death, stings near vital organs in the chest and abdomen can be fatal, and these injuries should be taken seriously. Life-threatening allergic reactions to the venom, shock, and seizures can also occur.

Red-eyed tree frogs, despite their conspicuous coloration, are not venomous. They are found in tropical lowlands from southern Mexico, throughout Central America, and in northern South America. Nocturnal carnivores, they hide in the rain forest canopy and ambush crickets, flies, and moths with their long, sticky tongues.  Red-eyed tree frogs are not endangered. But their habitat is shrinking at an alarming rate, and their highly recognizable image is often used to promote the cause of saving the world's rain forests.
The Red-eyed tree frog is a slender, delicate frog with webbed hands and feet and is one of the most common tree frogs kept in captivity as pets, perhaps because of their vivid colors and overall beauty. They are medium sized frogs, with females reaching around 3.5 inches in length, and males around 3 inches. They begin their lives under water and later spend their adult life on land.
They inhabit low and tropical forests in Veracruz and Oaxaca, Mexico, into Central America, Panama and Costa Rica, and farther south into Columbia, South America. Their environment is rather warm year-round with high levels of humidity. Like most amphibians, they are dependent on water for most of their life. In the forests of Belize, the Red-eyed tree frog minimizes water loss by resting underneath leaves and tucking its limbs up close to its body. They are quite a common site for locals and tourists in some regions and often invade public areas close to the forests.

During the day light hours, these frogs spend their time sleeping on the undersides of green leaves, for which they blend into nicely. While resting, the brightly colored sides are covered by the rear limbs, and the eyes are covered with a mesh-like membrane, so that the frogs are almost entirely camouflaged green.  When disturbed, they flash their bulging red eyes and reveal their huge, webbed orange feet and bright blue-and-yellow flanks.  This technique is called startle coloration,  ad may give a bird or a snake pause, offering a precious instant for the frog to spring to safety.  This may work well in most cases, however, predators are not always fooled. 
While awake they are at higher risk of predication than when sleeping camouflaged against green leaves.  Their neon-green bodies may play a similar role in thwarting predators. Many of the animals that eat red-eyed tree frogs are nocturnal hunters that use keen eyesight to find prey.

The bright colors found on the sides of these frogs are often referred to as “flash colors,” as they are flashed to potential predators. The shocking colors of this frog may over-stimulate a predator's eyes, creating a confusing ghost image that remains behind as the frog jumps away.  This may throw off those predators that rely mainly on visual prey detection, such as snakes, and birds. 
This is similar to the effects of gazing at a bright light or object for a period of time, resulting in the image being “burned” into the eyes when you look away. Still, despite their unique defense methods, they are preyed upon regularly.

Habitat - Although these beautiful creatures are not considered threatened, the condition of their habitat is of great concern.  Problems such as global warming, wetland drainage, atmospheric and climatic changes, pollution and deforestation have all taken a severe toll on the rainforest.  With less rainforest comes fewer tree frogs. Amphibian populations are known to suffer environmental effects sooner than other populations. 
Red-eyed tree frogs inhabit areas near rivers and ponds in rainforests and humid lowlands on the Atlantic slopes from southern Veracruz and northern Oaxaca in Mexico, to central Panama and northern Colombia. They also live on the Pacific slope in southwestern Nicaragua and southwestern Costa Rica to eastern Panama. The optimum temperature for red-eyed tree frogs is 75–85 °F (24–29 °C) in the daytime, and 66–77 °F (19–25 °C) at night.
Behavior - Red Eyed Tree Frogs spend a majority of their lives in trees, and are excellent jumpers. Red-eyed tree frogs are not poisonous and rely on camouflage to protect themselves. During the day, they remain motionless, cover their blue sides with their back legs, tuck their bright feet under their bellies, and shut their red eyes. Thus, they appear almost completely green, and well hidden among the foliage. The large red eyes serve as a defensive adaptation through deimatic behavior. When a red-eyed tree frog detects an approaching predator, it abruptly opens its eyes and stares at the predator. The sudden appearance of the red eyes may startle the predator, giving the frog a chance to flee.
Diet - The Red-eyed tree frog, a strict carnivore, is also an avid and skilled hunter. It eats mostly insects, crickets, moths, grasshoppers, flies and beetles, catching them with its long, sticky tongue. It also eats other small invertebrates and sometimes will even other eat small frogs. Most individuals are strictly nocturnal, and will only feed at night.

Mating
Red-eyed tree frogs spend their lives near water because they must return to the water to lay their eggs. Like many tropical frogs, red-eyed tree frogs enter breeding mode during the rainy season. At this time, the males will croak incessantly to attract females, and will wrestle other males in the near vicinity. In addition to croaking, males are known to “quiver” during the breeding season. This occurs at the peak of a croak, while facing another male. During this staring contest, any sign of movement from one frog prompts a wrestling match between the males. 
During the mating season, the male frogs shake the branches where they are sitting to improve their chances of finding a mate by keeping rivals at bay. This is the first evidence that tree-dwelling vertebrates use vibration to communicate.When rainfall is at its highest, a male red-eyed treefrog calls "chack" to get the attention of the female.

Reproduction
Breeding occurs from October to March, usually near ponds of water. While locked in an embrace, the male fertilizes 30 to 50 pale eggs as the female lays them on a leave over standing water. In five days the eggs hatch into tiny brown tadpoles and they wiggle their way down the leaf to the water below. The tadpoles breathe with gills and swim with a tail. It takes the tadpoles 75 to 80 days to metamorphose into a frog. As they mature, they lose their tail, they develop lungs (for breathing air), and they become brightly colored. The adult frog will spend most of the rest of its life in the forest canopy, often hidden among bromeliads.
The female will carry the male on her back for several hours during the mating process. The female chooses a leaf above a pond or large puddle on which to lay her clutch of roughly 40 eggs.  She will produce a sticky jelly to glue the eggs together; this protects the eggs from splitting and dehydration.
The eggs develop into tadpoles, which hatch after six to seven days and fall into the water below. Red-eyed treefrog eggs hatch early when a change in the environment signals a danger to their survival. Dragonflies, fish, and water beetles prey on the tadpoles. The tadpoles remain in the water from three weeks to several months, until they metamorphose into frogs. The time of metamorphosis depends on duration of larval stage, which varies depending on environment. After metamorphosis, the color of tadpoles' torsos changes from brown to green, and their eyes, which are initially yellow, turn into deep red without much side patterning. These changes mark maturity.

Young frogs that survive the first few weeks after metamorphosis move into the undergrowth and security of plants near their natal pools, often into the hollows of tubular plants such as bromeliads. Young frogs prey on very small flies and other insects during the first months of their lives. The young mature after two years and begin mating at the age of three to four years. These treefrogs are known to live up to five years, depending on the health and conditions of their habitat.

Agalychnis callidryas, better known as the red-eyed tree frog, is one charming amphibian. With bright red eyes, colorful sides, and an extremely expressive face, it’s hard not to be captivated by this wonderful frog.

1. Red Eyed Tree Frogs have been around for thousands of years.
Frogs, in general, are a pretty old bunch. Fossils show that frogs have been around for thousands of years.

2. Red Eyed Tree Frogs are masters of disguise. 
These amphibians are arboreal, meaning they spend a lot of time hiding in the trees. The frogs live in tropical lowlands in Central America and northern South America, and though one might think that its bright red eyes and blue and yellow markings would put the amphibian in danger, the crafty frog actually uses its flashy colors to its advantage. 
When seated on a leaf, the red-eyed tree frog tucks its legs in close to its body and closes its eyes to hide—but when they sense a predator, they open their eyes and jump away, exposing a whole slew of dazzling colors. Some scientists believe that this sudden burst of color can startle animals and throw them off guard, but a more popular theory is that it helps the animal get back into hiding.

3. Red Eye Tree Frogs can best be seen at night. 
During the day, the red-eyed tree frog hides its colors and sleeps stuck under leaves, where it blends into the foliage perfectly—sometimes, the frog will even have tiny yellow spots that resemble leaf blemishes. At night, when they're less at risk of becoming a meal, the frogs are much more active; they spend the time hunting for insects.

4. Red Eyed Tree Frogs are not venemous. 
Tree frogs rely more heavily on their camouflage for protection, but they do have some toxins in their skin. These toxins are not dangerous, but they do leave a bad taste in a predators’ mouth.

5. Red Eyed Tree Frogs use their eyes to swallow food. 
If you've ever seen a frog eat something, you might have noticed they close their eyes. Like most frogs, red-eyed tree frogs use their eyes to help swallow. Their tiny teeth hold the insect in place, and they retract their eyes into their body to push the meal down their throats. While they can swallow without the extra push from the eyes, it helps expedite the process so they can get moving.

6. Male Red Eyed Tree Frogs use vibrations to ward off competition. 
When marking territory, males will shake their perch violently. The vibrations tell other males that the area has already been reserved. Scientists used a miniature seismograph to verify that the shaking branches were due to the frogs’ movements and not the wind. The vibrations travel about 1.5 meters, giving the male frogs a good amount of personal space.

7. Red Eyed Tree Frogs mating season is from October to March.
Mating season generally lasts from fall to early spring. Males climb down from their trees and gather around bodies of water; once each finds the perfect location, he'll start calling, at which point the females will descend from the trees and respond to the calls.

8. Male Red Eye Tree Frogs attach themselves to the back of a female.
Once the female has selected her mate (it’s unclear what the deciding factors are, but it’s likely a mixture of size and call), the pair will go into amplexis: the female will carry the male around on her back for the course of the egg laying process. After the male hops on, the female draws in water that she uses to lay her gel-like eggs. After she lays her eggs on the bottom of a leaf, the male fertilizes them externally.

9. Red Eyed Tree Frog tadpoles can hatch early.
Red-eyed tree frog eggs are laid under leaves that loom over water, so that when the eggs hatch, the tadpoles can fall directly in. These frogs-to-be generally hatch about a week after being laid, but they can emerge sooner, after just four or five days, if their survival depends on it. Because some species of snakes and wasps like to dine on the jelly-like eggs, the tadpoles are equipped with a special defense plan: If they detect movement or vibrations, they hatch prematurely and make their escape.

10. Red Eyed Tree Frogs takes a while to grow up. 
It takes a red-eyed tree frog one to two years to reach maturity, depending on how much they eat. The frogs are usually about 1.5 to 2 inches long, and females are always larger than the males (a necessity for giving piggyback rides). The frogs usually survive about 5 years in the wild, but can live much longer in captivity.

11. Red Eyed Tree Frogs can easily scale wet leaves. 
These amphibians can defy gravity and cling to leaves, sticks, and even glass. Frogs’ feet are not entirely flat: If you look at them under a microscope, you would see hexagonal nanopillars, which allow them to stick out and fit into irregular surfaces. These frogs can stick to almost any surface—especially anything moist.

The ancient Mayan Citadel of Tikal is found in the archaeological region of the Peten Basin in northern Guatemala.  Surrounded by rainforest it’s part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve which was created to protect the dense El Peten jungle.

About the Tikal National Park
Tikal National Park comprises of 222 square miles of jungle and thousands of ruined structures.   The central part of the ancient city alone contains 3,000 buildings and covers about 16 square kilometers.

The park contains some of the most fascinating archaeological remains of the ancient Maya civilization.  From 1956 to 1969, the site was excavated by the Pennsylvania Universtiy, and is the largest Maya site in Central America. 

As of to-date, the park is being manged by the Institute of Anthropology & History (IDAEH).  They are overseeing the present excavation & restoration by the Proyecto Nacional Tikal, University of San Carlos in Guatemala.

Many mounds have been discovered, which remain covered by a thick layer of jungle for more than a thousand years. Restoration continues to this day.

Tikal is located just two hours away from the Belizean border.  Just south of Tikal, are two sister cities, Flores & Santa Elena.  They are the closest towns to the site, and have many popular hotels for you to choose from (we'll discuss more on this in a bit).

Enormous trees still shroud Tikal's buildings, which cluster in groups reached by wide causeways meandering through the tropical forest, home to toucans, parrots, wild turkeys, howler monkeys, raccoon-like coatimundis and countless other creatures. Tikal's grand scale even awes those who have visited spectacular Mayan sites such as Palenque and Chichen Itza in Mexico.

The Temple of the Grand Jaguar (Temple I) & Temple of the Masks (Temple II)
Loom like a pair of colossal bookends on opposite sides of the Great Plaza, a vast expanse ringed by terraces, palaces and ball courts.

Grand Plaza
The Great Plaza was the heart of Tikal and the main focus of sociopolitical life. It sits at the centre of the site and is bordered by Temple I and II, and the North and Central Acropolis.  Dozens of stone pillars known as stelae, each one paired with a circular altar, stand in rows throughout the plaza and along surrounding terraces. Carvings and glyphs commemorating important dates and the great deeds of Tikal's rulers still adorn many of these weathered monoliths.

And no trip to Tikal is complete without huffing and puffing your way to the top.  The views are spectacular with Temples I, II and II rising above the Guatemalan jungle. 
Tikal Star Wars Fun Fact:  The view of the temples of Tikal soaring out of the Guatemalan jungle was used in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

Temple I (Jaguar Temple)
Temple I rises some 50 meters above the plaza's eastern end. A stone stairway leads up the pyramid's nine tiers, corresponding to the nine levels of the Mayan underworld. Tourists have fallen to their deaths from these vertiginous steps, prompting park authorities to recently ban climbing.

In 1958, archeologists discovered the tomb of Ah Cacau (Lord Chocolate), one of Tikal's greatest rulers, inside Temple I. Ah Cacau's skeleton was festooned with jade ornaments and surrounded by precious offerings, including pottery, alabaster, sea shells and pearls from the Caribbean coast. You can see a replica of this elaborate tomb in the Tikal Museum near the visitors' centre.  Temple I has yielded other treasures, including intricately carved wooden lintels over its doors, which have furnished clues to Maya beliefs and cosmology.

Temple I or the Temple Of The Great Jaguar has a carved lintel of a king sitting on a jaguar throne. It’s dedicated to Jasaw Chan K’awil (Ah Cacao) who was entombed there in 734 AD. Tikal Temple I

Temple II (Temple of the Masks)
Temple II is called the Temple of Masks, because of huge stone masks guarding its stairway, Temple II is almost as tall as Temple I, but safer to climb. Its summit offers travel-poster views of the Great Plaza and two labyrinthine ceremonial and residential complexes named the North Acropolis and the Central Acropolis.

Temple II is also known as the Temple of the Masks due to a couple of funky looking masks that flank the stairway.  Thought to be a monument to Jasaw Chan K’awil’s wife the pyramid faces the rising sun.  It’s possible to climb the temple for fabulous views of the surrounding ruins and Tikal jungle.

Tikal Temple III (Temple of the Jaguar Priest)
Temple III, or the Temple of the Jaguar Priest, is thought to be the resting place of King Dard Sun.  At 55 metres high it soars above the jungle canopy and is a gasp-inducing sight.  It was the last of the Tikal pyramids to be built before the demise of the Mayan city.

Tikal Temple IV (Temple of the Double-Hearted Serpent)
Temple IV is also known as the Temple of the Double-Headed Serpent.  It stands at an awe-inspiring 65 metres high and is thought to be the tallest structure built by the ancient Maya.

Tikal Temple V
Temple V stands at 57 metres high and is the second tallest structure in Tikal and pre-colonial America. It’s the funerary pyramid of an unknown ruler.

Tikal Temple VI  (Temple of Inscriptions)
Temple VI was discovered as recently as 1951 and is known as the Temple of Inscriptions. Hieroglyphs adorn its roof-comb and tell the story of the city’s dynastic history.

Its unique architecture shows another side to Mayan culture that was dedicated to astronomy. Data collected from their observations were used to calculate the complex Mayan calendar.

Mundo Perdido
The two important pyramids in Mundo Perdido are (1) The Grand Pyramid and the (2) Temple of the Three Rooms. 

The Grand Pyramid stands at 32 metres high and has a staircase on each side that reaches the top. Its summit never had a temple and was used as an astronomical observation point.

Temple of the Three Rooms is just as it names suggests, there are three rooms built on its peak. The pyramid has its own unique style not found elsewhere in the complex and is thought to have been built by the people of Teotihuacan.

Another interesting feature of Mundo Perdido is the Temple of the Skulls. The third highest pyramid in the Lost World complex, it’s adorned with sculpted skulls. One faces forward and there are two others in profile.

Acanaladuras Palace & Bat Palace (Palance of Windows)
Acanaladuras Palace or Palace of Vertical Columns derives its name from the column-like structures it features. Its also known as Group G and is one of the largest groups to be uncovered. There are vaulted chambers and ceilings and the remains of a second story.  For some added curiosity, archaeologists also found a stucco mask featuring a character called the Witz Monster. 

The Bat Palace (Palance of WIndows) has tiny bats hanging from the ceiling that occasionally fly around.  The building’s many west-facing windows have earned it the nickname the Palace of Windows.  Built on a hill it was originally two stories high but the top story has crumbled. The palace was home to many Tikal rulers.

TIKAL NATIONAL PARK - On-Site Museums
There are two small museums near the entrance to the park, (1) the Museo Litico and (2) Museo Sylvanos G Morley.  They are tiny but worth a visit to gain some understanding of Mayan history.

Museo Litigo Museum
The Museo Litigo is the largest of the two and houses carved stelae taken from the ruins. There are also interesting photographs of the jungle-covered temples that were snapped during excavations.

Museo Sylvanos G. Morley Museum
Museo Sylvanos G Morley displays ceramic pieces discovered within the park. There are descriptions for each of the displays in Spanish. 

Note:  Your Tikal admission fee doesn’t cover the cost of the museums, but thirty (30) quetzals gets you into both.  Photographs are not allowed inside the museums.

Tikal Temple I - Temple of the Great Jaguar
Is the designation given to one of the major structures at Tikal, one of the largest cities and archeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization in Mesoamerica.  It is located in the Peten Basin region of northern Guatemala.  It is situated at the heart of a World Heritage Site, the temple is surmounted by a characteristic roof comb, a distinctive Maya architectural feature. Building Temple I on the eastern side of the Great Plaza was a significant deviation from the established tradition of building funerary temples just north of the plaza in Tikal's North Acropolis.

It also is known as the Temple of the Great Jaguar because of a lintel that represents a king sitting upon a jaguar throne.  An alternative name is the Temple of Ah Cacao, after the ruler buried in the temple. Temple I is a typically Petén-styled limestone stepped pyramind structure that is dated to approximately 732 AD.

Temple Structure
The temple rises 154 feet over the Great Plaza. The pyramid is topped by a funerary shrine, containing finely carved wooden lintels.  The structure is a funerary temple associated with Jasaw Chan K'awiil I, a Classic Period ruler of the polity based at Tikal, who ruled from AD 682–734. The tomb of this ruler has been located by archaeologists deep within the structure, the tomb having been built first with the temple being raised over it. The temple rises in nine stepped levels, which may be symbolic of the nine levels of the underworld. The temple has grooved moldings and inset corners. A steep staircase climbs the temple to the summit shrine.

The shrine bears a high roof comb decorated with a sculpture of the seated king, Jasaw Chan K'awiil, although it now is difficult to discern. The roof comb consists of two parallel structures with an enclosed, vaulted hollow between them, which reduces the weight of the construction.  The weight of this heavy superstructure is borne through the spine of the temple. 

Royal Tomb
The tomb of Jasaw Chan K'awiil I was discovered by archaeologists in 1962. It was entered through the roof of the tomb after exploratory tunneling from the bottom of the temple stairway.  The tomb has been labeled as Burial 116 by archaeologists. It is a large vaulted chamber deep within the pyramid, below the level of the Great Plaza. Over half of the chamber is occupied by the masonry bench supporting the king's body and his jewelry. The king's remains had been laid on a woven mat and the tomb contained rich offerings of jaguar skins, jadeite objects, painted ceramics, rare spondylus shells, pearls, mirrors, and other works of art. The body of the king was covered with large quantities of jade ornaments including an enormous necklace with 114 especially large beads, as depicted in sculpted portraits of the king, and weighing 8.6 pounds.

One of the outstanding pieces recovered from the tomb was an ornate jade mosaic vessel with the lid bearing a sculpted portrait of the king. Also accompanying the burial was a series of 37 finely carved human bones bearing inscribed hieroglyphic texts, arranged in a pile by the king's right foot.

In 1848 - Tikal was discovered.

In 1877 - Various pieces were looted from the major temples at Tikal, including pieces of Temple I.  Alfred P. Maudslay first mapped the centre of Tikal in 1881–1882, marking the five major temples on his sketch, including Temple I, although he named the major temples alphabetically, ranging from A through to E. Teoberto Maler carried out the first topographical survey of the site in 1895, naming Temple I as the "First Great Temple". Alfred Tozzer carried out another survey in 1911 and generally followed Maler's naming conventions; it was he who abbreviated the name to Temple I.

In 1955 - The University of Pennsylvania began its Tikal Project, carrying out archaeological investigations of the ruins and preparing them to be opened for tourism, which included work on Temple I and Temple II. The project was overseen by Aubrey Trik and George Guillemin. The tomb under the temple was not discovered until 1962, by Aubrey Trik of the University of Pennsylvania. The work on Temple I lasted until 1964.

In 1986 - The Proyecto Nacional Tikal (PRONAT) carried out repairs to cracks in the roof of the temple.

900 B.C. - Archeologists estimate that the Maya settled in the area now known as Tikal in about 900 BC. 

8th Century - Tikal grew into an important ceremonial, cultural, and commercial centre over the centuries. Most of the city's huge temples were constructed during the eighth century AD when Tikal became the greatest city in the Maya world with a population of perhaps 100,000.

9th Century - Like Maya complexes on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Tikal fell into decline at the end of the ninth century and was virtually abandoned. The causes of the Maya empire's collapse remain a mystery, but wars, famine, overpopulation and resource depletion have all been blamed.

1525 - Tikal's great stone monuments languished for centuries and were gradually reclaimed by the jungle. Hernan Cortes, the conqueror of Mexico, and his motley band of conquistadors marched by Tikal in 1525, but they failed to see its temples concealed by 40-metre-tall silk, cotton, cedar and mahogany trees.

1848 - Spanish friars later wrote of a great city hidden in the forests of the Peten. It wasn't until 1848 that an expedition sent out by the Guatemalan government officially discovered the ruins. Swiss, German and British archeologists soon followed to clear debris and begin studying the site.

1950 to 1960 - The Museum of the University of Pennsylvania and the Guatemalan Institute of Anthropology and History restored Tikal's structures to their current condition during the 1950s and 1960s. UNESCO designated the ruins a World Heritage

1979 to Today - Tikal is to Guatemala what the Great Pyramids are to Egypt, a national symbol and a source of pride in the past.

Fees may vary, depending on the current exchange rate.  There are no ATM’s anywhere near Tikal National Park, so bring all the cash you need for your stay.

All tickets must be purchased in advance of entering the Tikal National Park, so you will need to decide ahead of time - if you want to do sunrise / sunset tours or spend additional days exploring Tikal National Park. 

Sunrise has traditionally been the most popular time but given the mist in the forest sunset is becoming more favoured, and does not have such an early start time. There are a few onsite museums also not included in your ticket, and while I never meet anyone who actually went to them they are highly recommended by other sources online.

Buying Tickets to Tikal National Park   
Tikal National Park is open every day of the year from 6 a.m til 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance through various operators or Banrural Bank, but based on stories I heard this only leads to problems and deceit.

At the entrance to Tikal National Park (about 5 kilometers from the ruins), there is a road-block where all passengers must disembark and buy tickets before being allowed to proceed. Cash and cards are both accepted here but being in the jungle WiFi is spotty at best (as is elsewhere in Guatemala), so cash is king here. 

You have some choices when it comes to purchasing tickets, prior to enterting the park, they are:

TICKETS NEED TO BE PAID FOR IN CASH (Is Best)

• Tickets can be purchased at the border (Belize-Guatemala by immigration), at a Banurual Bank of Guatemala.
• Tickets can be purchased in Flores or Santa Elena.  There are (3) Banrural Bank of Guatemala locations.
• Tickets can be purchased at the Park's entrance in two locations.
  • Main Entrance - Banrural Bank of Guatemala
  • Second Entrance - Banrural Bank of Guatemala
    

PARK FEES $22.00 USD or $150 Quetzales Per Person Per Day
Ticket Office Opening Times: 6.00 am – 5.00 pm
If you enter the park before 6:00 a.m. for the Tikal sunrise it's $36.00 USD or 250 Quetzales.

All Tickets Must be Purchased in Advance, Prior to Entering the Park

• Best to pay for all tickets in cash.
• All tickets purchased must accompany a valid passport.
• Children under 9, FREE (with identification to establish age).
• Children over 10, pay full entrance fees.
• Tickets purchased from Banrural Bank of Guatemala.
• Tickets can be purchased at the border Banrural Bank (near Guatemala immigration).
• Tickets are valid for thirty (30) days and activated once you've passed the second gate into the park.
• For tours outside of the park hours (6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.), such as the sunrise & sunset tours, there are additional fees required and a guide is mandatory.
• Regular park tickets do not include sunrise, sunset or museum entrance fees.
  • Sunrise Tickets - additional $14.00 USD per person or 100 Quetzales
  • Sunset Tickets - additional $14.00 USD per person or 100 Quetzales
  • Museum Tickets - entrance fee $4.20 USD per person or 30 Quetzales
• Sunrise tickets must be marked "Amanecer".
• Sunset tickets must be marked "Atardecer".
• If you're staying at the National Park, you need to buy your ticket before you arrive, as the main entrance is 20 kilometers away and is difficult to get to.
• When purchasing from a bank agencies, you will receive a deposit slip, which you will exchange for a color-coded bracelet at the park upon arrival.
• At the Park's entrance there are two places where you can purchase tickets.
  • Main Entrance - Banrural Bank of Guatemala
  • Second Entrance - Banrural Bank of Guatemala
• Purchased after 3:00 p.m. are valid for the next day.

TIP:  You may also purchase your park entrance fees at the park's gate, where there is a painfully slow internet connection and long lines at certain times of day, so it is best (wherever possible), to purchase them in advance.

PARK RE-ENTRANCE
Is allowed, as long as it's the same day and you DO NOT remove your wristband.  

PARK GUIDES
Guides are not required but can be organised for an additional cost at the main park entrance just before you enter, if you so desire.

Top Tips For Visiting The Guatemala Ruins

• Arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat.
  
• The sun can be relentless so bring plenty of water and money to buy more.
  
• Be sun smart. Wear a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and cool comfortable clothing.
  
• There aren’t any ATMs in Tikal so all the cash you'll need for your trip.
  
• Allow more time than you think. The distances between temples are long and Tikal is huge!
  
• Have a picnic under the trees while gazing at the ancient ruins. The food at the onsite restaurants is bla and overpriced.
  
• Be careful when climbing the pyramids and if you feel at all unwell, take a break.
  
• Wear comfortable sturdy shoes and watch out for slippery wet stones, roots, and logs.
  
• You’ll need a flashlight if you sign up for a Tikal sunrise tour. It’s hard to see the path in the thick jungle without the sun in the sky.
  
• Same goes for a Tikal sunset tour.
  
• Please take your rubbish with you, when you leave the park.
  
• Don’t feed the Tikal wildlife, as it creates a dependency on humans for survival.
  
• Best tip of all is to have a wonderful time!
  

Appreciate the History
Guatemala is dotted with Mayan ruins, but Tikal is among the most impressive. The kingdom is thought to have been one of the most powerful of the ancient Maya, and dominated much of the Meso-American region from 200BC to 900AD.

Book Your Tour Early
There are different options for tours to Tikal, and the best ones leave early. It might mean getting up at 4 am, but you’ll be thankful to avoid the beating midday sun that awaits those on later tours.

Get a Guide & Read up Before you Go
If you really want to find out about the ruins, it’s worth paying a local guide. Another option is to look up the relevant pages in your guidebook before you go. You’ll get more out of the tour if you know what you’re looking at.

Take Food, Snacks & Water with you
Stock up on snacks before you go if you’re on a budget. The on-site cafes are fairly expensive and the food isn’t great.

Get a Map of the Site
Even if you’re watching your spending, it’s worth picking up a map of Tikal. The site is huge and it’s easy to get lost.

Take Sunscreen & Insect Repellent
The sun and the insects can be incredibly intense, and you’ll need protection. You don’t want to spend the day hiding from the sun or beating off mozzies.

FACT #1)  Tikal is just two hours away from the Belizean border & remains one of the most popular attractions in Guatemala.
FACT #2) Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya Civilization.
FACT #3) The name Tikal may be derived from ti ak'al in the Yucatec Maya language; and it is said to be a relatively modern name meaning "at the waterhole".
FACT #4)  The Tikal architecture was built from limestone that was quarried from the local area.
FACT #5)  For most of its history, Tikal was influenced and controlled by powerful Teotihuacan located in central Mexico.
FACT #6)  The Tikal Mayan civilization fell into decline around 900 AD. Its demise is thought to be due to drought, but no one really knows.
FACT #7)  The park covers an area of 575 square kilometres and was the first protected area in Guatemala.
FACT #8) The Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes passed within a few kilometers of the ruins of Tikal in 1525, however he didn’t mention them in his letters.
FACT #9) There are traces of early agriculture in Tikal that dates as far as 1000 BC. A cache of Mamon ceramics for example, dates from about 700-400 BC were found in a sealed Chultun, a subterranean bottle-shaped chamber.
FACT #10) The architecture of Tikal is built from limestone and includes the remains of temples that tower over 70 meters high, large royal palaces and a number of smaller pyramids, palaces, residences, administrative buildings, platforms and inscribed stone monuments.
FACT #11) In 1979, Tikal was declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
FACT #12) According to Archaeologists, Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya.
FACT #13) Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, ca 200 to 900 AD during this time the city dominated much of the Mesoamerican region politically, economically and militarily.
FACT #14) The Tikal National Park covers an area of 575.83 square kilometers and was created on May 26 1955 under the auspices of the Instituto de Antropologia e Historia and was the first protected area in Guatemala.
FACT #15) The population estimates for Tikal vary from 10,000 to as high as 90,000 inhabitants with the most likely figure being at the upper end of this range.
FACT #16) The dynastic line of Tikal, founded as early as the 1st century AD, spanned 800 years and included at least 33 rulers.  
FACT #17) The tallest structure in Tikal is 65 meters in height and is the temple of the two-headed snake that was built by King Yaxkin Caan Choc in 470 A.D. This temple is a must climb for the adventurous!

The two main options for accommodation in Tikal are (1) to stay in the national park or (2) to stay in the town of Flores.  Both options offer different experiences and have their advantages and disadvantages.  And it really depends on your personal preference and plans for Tikal as to which is best for you.

Many visitors to Tikal National Park mistakenly opt to stay in Flores, a 1-2 hour shuttle away, without realizing there is accommodation within the Tikal National Park which is both affordable and allow you to relax and immerse yourself in nature.

By contrast, Flores is well known as one of the places with the most scams or coyotes in Guatemala, is ridiculously hot and best avoided if your only reason to be in the region is Tikal. There are three accommodation options on offer within Tikal National Park, but by far the best is Hotel Tikal Inn which offer’s affordable prices, clean bungalows, a large swimming pool and is a 2 minute walk to the ruins.

Tikal National Park Hotels
A night in the national park will give you a wonderful jungle experience. And you’ll most likely see an abundance of Tikal wildlife.  It’s perfect if you’re planning a sunrise tour, as you’re right there at the park.  No 2.00 am alarm!  The downside is that you’ll be fully dependent on the hotel’s services. The food at the restaurants can be blan and expensive and you may be stuck there without any transport.  You’ll need to bring plenty of cash as there aren’t any ATMs.

Choice #1 - Jungle Lodge Tikal
This is the cheapest option in the archaeological site and is located at the park’s second gate.  The rooms are basic with comfortable beds, a safe environment, and ceiling fans. There is no air conditioning and the rooms have shared facilities.  Sometimes called Tikal lodge, it’s more like a Tikal hostel than a Tikal hotel.  It does have a pool however, which is great for relaxing after a hot day of sightseeing.

Choice #2 - Tikal Inn (Recommended)
This resort sits on the edge of the jungle and is only a ten-minute walk to the ruins.
It offers rooms, suites, and villas at various prices and you can choose from either pool or jungle views.  Coctails and food can be enjoyed poolside but Tikal Inn also has a delicious restaurant with a mix of international and local cuisins.  For true nature lovers, there’s a satellite building snuggled in the jungle where you can lap up all the wildlife you want. 

It also offers pool-side bungalows with thatched roofs and spacious Junior suites , with a room configuration to suit all needs and budgets. Being located in the Mayan Biosphere power here is limited to set hours in the morning and the afternoon that you are likely to be around – and outside of these times the front desk will happily charge any electronics so I never found it annoying.  WiFi is also available at all times (which is crazy given it’s location!) and was good enough for checking emails and updating Facebook.

Between the location in the jungle, the distance from the ruins and the pool I honestly cannot believe so many people opt to make the long day trip out from Flores which can involve up to 4 hours in a shuttle when you could relax at Tikal Inn, enjoy the ruins on your own (and beat the crowds!) and cool off in the pool after instead of cramming into a shuttle to get yourself back. And it is surprisingly affordable, especially if there is two people sharing a room.

Tikal Inn also offers very affordable tours of Tikal for sunrise, sunset and of the ruins during the day – as well as specific birding tours or to other far flung ruins. Their guides are all hand-picked and some work exclusively for the hotel so quality is always assured.  In fact, one of the owners, Roxy, is herself a qualified guide and people will stay here just to go on one of her amazing tours.

inbound shuttles through them for a more enjoyable experience – I meet a lady who was besides herself after being sold a three day package including sunrise tour, only to never have here guide turn up and to find out she only had a one day ticket not two.
Tikal National Park is entirely worth it so don’t let this put you off – but please keep your guard up and wits about you!

Choice #3 - Jaguar Inn
Jaguar Inn offers two different types of accommodation for you to choose from.  It has thirteen bungalows equipped with ceiling fans, hot water, and private ensuite bathrooms.  And for the more adventurous there is budget friendly tent lodging.  The resort also offers twilight or full moon tours where you can star gaze surrounded by jungle and the ancient Mayan ruins.

What to Bring For A Visit To Tikal National Park   
Tikal National Park is truly remote and does present a few challenges that can be overcome – either with forward planning or a costly purchase from the markets just outside the entrance. Don’t forget there are no ATM’s at Tikal National Park. Below is my recommended packing list for Tikal:

• A light rain-jacket
• 2 litres of water
• A camera!
• Strong insect repellent
• A wide-brimmed sunhat
• Sunscreen
• Snacks and food
• Your passport
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A Tikal Map
  

NOTE:  Tikal is huge & without a map, you are likely to get lost.  Maps are available outside the visitors center for $20 Quetzals.  If you don't have Quetzals on you, take a photograph of the sign out front as you pass the ticket counter.

Warning About the Scams and Coyotes Operating in Flores   
Speak to almost any traveler who has been through Flores and you will be regaled with stories of fast-speaking ticket touts, many with perfect English, who promised the world and delivered ….well nothing.

They have been known to swarm incoming buses from Mexico and Belize, hassle tourists on the streets, fake phone calls to popular hotels and selling bogus or over-priced tickets to Tikal National Park for a Tikal Day Trip, shuttles or buses for onward destinations. 

To avoid being taken by scam artists, we advise you to experience Tikal by going with one of our seasoned, licensed guides.  They know where to go, where not to go and can help you avoid many pitfalls by being sucked into scams and trusting local coyotes looking to take advantage of an inexperienced traveler.

Getting to Tikal - From San Pedro, Belize
Flights from San Pedro to Belize International onto Flores Guatemala, are presently the only means of transportation to Tikal from the island.  Our licensed tour guides, will accompany you during the entire trek, so no worries when it comes dealing with Guatemalan immigration, check points, purchasing your tickets and touring the site.

Flights leave from Belize City to Tikal Airport in Flores once a day. The flight leaves around 4.30 pm and takes about one hour. The return flight is at eight o’clock in the morning.

Unless you're prepared to spend days at a time in the jungle, a trip to the zoo is the best way to see and experience indigenous animals of Belize, you'd normally never get to see.  The Belize Zoo has on display over 175 animals (mammals, reptiles, and birds), many of whom have been rescued.    

Mammals of Belize - What makes a mammal?
There are over 40,000 mammals on planet Earth, some live on land and others in water, but they all share certain characteristics. Mammals are a group of animals with vertebrae or backbone, and their bodies are covered with hair. Mammals also produce milk which allows them to nurse their young and spend a lot of time with them as they are growing up. Mammals are endothermic or warm-blooded, which means that they can regulate their own body temperature. This is the group of animals which humans belong to.

Belize has approximately 145 species of mammals living within its boundaries. Mammals exist within all the different habitats of Belize, from the manatee and dolphins of the coastal zone, to the 5 different species of wildcats which live deep within our lush broadleaf forests.

The wild mammals of Belize tend to be very secretive and mostly nocturnal. This makes them extremely difficult to see. They usually see, hear, or smell you long before you know they are near by. Forest dwelling mammals do not stand out in the open for easy viewing, but instead climb through the canopy or scurry over the forest floor well ahead of you. That is one reason the Belize Zoo is such a special place. Here you can see many of the mammals found in Belize's forests.

A visit to The Zoo is the best way to get an introduction to the mammals of Belize, and to understand why it is important to protect the habitats that sustain them. Here at the Zoo you get a chance to get up close and personal with Belize's National Animal, the Central American Tapir. As you walk around the Zoo you will see spider monkeys, white-tailed deer, coatimundis, white-lipped peccaries, and Belize's five wildcat species. You can even give a jaguar a "high five" by doing a Jaguar Encounter.

The Birds of Belize - What makes a bird?
Birds are a group of winged, two-legged animals that also have a backbone just like mammals. They are warm blooded like mammals, but do not have hair on their bodies; instead they have feathers. All birds lay eggs and most of them incubate the eggs with their warm, fluffy bodies.

Belize supports over 580 species of birds. This includes both resident and migratory species. Birds thrive in all of Belize's habitats. Wading birds congregate along the coastline and inner lagoons. The grasslands and savannas provide seeds for the many finches, and hunting grounds for keen-eyed soaring raptors. Tall emergent trees provide nesting sites for giant birds such as the Harpy Eagle and Jabiru Stork. In our tropical forests there is an astonishing diversity of birds, such as parrots, toucans, mot mots and others.

Watching birds in the tropical forests of Belize can be difficult at times, but extremely rewarding for birders. The thick vegetation, and the typical behavior of quick, seemingly random movements of many forest birds, make them often difficult to see. Many birds also live in the upper canopy of the forest, making it a strain to be constantly looking upward. Often times we hear but do not get to see them.  However, early morning and late afternoon are excellent times to bird watch, as most bird species are feeding or moving to new locations during these times.

The Belize Zoo has always had a strong collection of bird species, from parrots such as scarlet macaws, to vultures and hawks, and wading birds, including the iconic Jabiru Stork. A part from birds in enclosures the habitat around the zoo supports a variety of wild birds, that come and go when they chose to. For another up close experience you can do a Toucan Encounter with "Runt" our ambassador Keel-billed toucan.

Reptiles and Amphibians of Belize
The exact number of reptiles and amphibians is unknown as it is often difficult to study these two groups due to their habitats. To date there is approximately 139 species of reptiles and amphibians recorded in Belize, with 62 of those being snakes.

What makes a reptile?
Reptiles are back-boned animals covered with scales. They lay shelled eggs similar to birds, or keep the eggs inside their bodies till they hatch. Reptiles are grouped into turtles, crocodiles, snakes and lizards.

What makes an amphibian?
Amphibians are back-boned animals that  have smooth, thin skin and require water to keep their bodies moist. They can be found under rocks, alongside streams, in swamps and marshes; places which are not the most comfortable for humans. This group includes salamanders and frogs.

Reptiles, unlike amphibians, are not restricted to wet habitats because they have scales. Snakes and lizards can be found in any habitat, from the soil and leaf litter of the forest floor, to the upper canopy of the rainforest, and the mangrove forests of the coastline and Cayes of Belize.

The Belize Zoo supports a small display of the more common snakes of Belize including the infamous Fer- de -lance. Humans tend to have a strong fear of snakes, although venomous snakes are not frequently sighted, as they are mostly nocturnal, and will only attack a human if threatened. The Zoo includes the non-venomous Boa Constrictor in its many environmental education programs in order to teach persons the importance of snakes.

We focus on the positive aspects of snakes. Snakes help to keep the population of more prolific creatures which are harmful to humans balanced, such as rats, mice, and insects of the tropics. A visit to the Zoo might give you a chance to meet "Balboa" our friendly boa constrictor.

The Zoo is also home to two species of crocodiles; the Morelet's and American crocodile. "Rose" the American Crocodile is an ambassador for her species as she also accompanies "Balboa" on educational programs to educate children and adults about their importance.

Director's VIP Tour

Come on a unique adventure with TBZ's Founding Director and Award-winning Environmentalist, Sharon Matola!  On this special Belize Zoo journey, Sharon will take you for personal encounters with our charismatic animal ambassadors. Some of these encounters include:

• Junior Buddy the Jaguar. Here you get a full introduction on Jr Buddy’s background and interact with him in an encounter available nowhere else in the world!

• Runt the Keel-billed Toucan. Here you will get to feed and take photos with a charming representative of Belize's National Bird! What "Runt" lacks in size, he makes up for in personality!

• Indy the Tapir. One cannot visit the Belize Zoo without meeting the magnificent "mountain cow," our national animal. Indy the tapir will trundle right over for a "meet and greet," and accept treats from his new friends!

•  Panama the Harpy Eagle. On your tour with Sharon, you will get to meet "Panama," our harpy eagle! The harpy is one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world, and Panama is their famous "ambassador" here at the Zoo. Learn about the success of the Belize Harpy Eagle Restoration Program, while being in the presence of this regal raptor.

Take photos, ask questions, make memories! The Director's VIP Tour is an unforgettable experience, and great for everyone: couples, groups, families, and "lone wolves" are welcome!

Note:  Tours take a minimum of 2 hours, and includes a signed copy of one of Sharon's books. 

The call of our Macaws
At  The Belize Zoo, the scarlet macaw exhibit is a proven “must see” for all visitors.   The bright beauty of a scarlet macaw is unmatched in the parrot world.   Next to their exhibit is, unfortunately, a sad recount of environmental misbehavior which has led to a steady decrease of scarlet macaws in Belize.  Studies in the past few years have indicated that the birds which remain face a gloomy future.

Recently, someone pointed out, “But the birds are still there”. As the person in Belize who studied the population of scarlet macaws in the Upper Macal River valley for a period of five years , which also involved many meetings and discussions with other biologists, it seems timely to put into writing our current scarlet macaw scenario.

A small and struggling population of scarlet macaws is still trying to keep the Chalillo dam area as a home. This population has decreased from the “dam” changes.  What did people think the remaining birds would do?  Fly into trees and commit macaw-suicide because their traditional home area, where they have bred and foraged for hundreds of years, was systematically altered and mangled?

Research has repeatedly shown that a macaw will return to a nesting site, even though it is sub-standard, and attempt to use it as the “chosen place” for their reproduction attempts. Occurring now is that a decreased population of these rare birds has become geographically isolated and, in addition, is faced with poaching and further habitat loss. Scientific-based warnings about this very probable parrot-situation, one which would likely lead to local extirpation, were aired and spoken about during the Chalillo dam debate. Few cared to listen.

Saving the scarlet macaw for a future in the wild will take a complex toolbox of conservation strategies, and much, much more than simply “monitoring the remaining population.” Serious captive-breeding for re-introduction in protected and strongly guarded areas is a good start.  But a difficult one, and sadly, unless the difficult route is chosen, the forthcoming generations of Belizeans will only know a scarlet macaw from a zoo visit.   Rather than see the jewel tarnished, our nation needs to provide a strong semblance of pride and protection for our important natural resources. 

The Belize Zoo's Education Department is commitment to achieving the following goals:

• To heighten awareness and increase appreciation of the natural world.
  
• To promote the recognition and understanding of Belize's unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife.
  
• To instill sound knowledge, positive attitudes and valuable skills that will aid in the preservation of Belize's natural resources.
  

In order to achieve the above goals, the Education Department has conducted both extensive out-reach and on-site education programs. For example, our onsite education programs allow teachers and students to use the Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center as both a teaching tool and outdoor classroom. It is estimated that 10,000 students and over 600 teachers visit the Belize Zoo annually and participate in our programs.

After 4 Environmental Education Manuals were developed collaboratively by the Belize Ministry of Education, The Belize Zoo and Peace Corps Belize 1990-1994, there remained the dire need for the teachers to effectively interpret and transfer the information contained in each of the four resource Environmental Education Books.

Recognizing this need, the Belize Zoo initiated regular teachers' summer workshops to assist teachers in the interpretation of contents of the manuals and to demonstrate how they could be integrated into their existing curriculum.

The department has held very successful Teachers' Enrichment Worshops, for which there has been the participation of teachers country wide. What started as a "Teachers Workshop" in 1992 has now been modified and changed to "Teachers Study Tour" in 1998 where by teachers are taken out of the lecture room setting and into a more hands-on learning experience complimented with several field trips.

These study tours were design to assist teachers in integrating conservation sciences into their classroom area. Group project discussions, field trips and slide presentations were all in the package for these programs with the objective that teachers return to the class room with more strategies and ideas for teaching. Each year our department recognizes the growing importance/impacts these study tour have from feed-back and evaluations made after the event.

Booking a school trip to the Zoo:  The Belize Zoo can accommodate a maximum of 4 schools daily. Teachers and Principals are asked to contact the Zoo beforehand to book their trip date, in order to avoid overcrowding and to ensure a more relaxed and enjoyable tour for all involved.  

The Zoo's Education Department offers a warm welcome and introductory discussion to visiting schools groups before they venture into the Zoo. 

Our discussions vary depending on the age/class levels:

• Animal identification and feeding habits for pre-school and lower division (Primary school)
• Adaptations for middle & upper division (Primary school)
• Ecosystems and Conservation for high school and above

When possible, the introductions are followed by an interactive session with "Balboa," our resident Boa Constrictor. 

School Zoo Tours - Self GuidedSchool groups are provided with brochures containing a comprehensive map of the Zoo to explore at their leisure. All exhibits have interpretive signage to help enhance learning while conducting your Zoo tour.

Parents and teachers are expected to supervise their students at all times to ensure safety of both visitors and wildlife in the Zoo. For guided tours, kindly inquire at the Front Desk

The Belize Zoo (TBZ) and Tropical Education Center (TEC) is a private, non-profit organization whose main mission is the conservation of the native fauna and ecosystems of Belize.  Both the TEC and The Belize Zoo function as one unit promoting active stewardship of natural resources through environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation.

As a growing organization we welcome the help and knowledge of interns who are willing to whole heartedly devote their time and knowledge towards safeguarding, promoting and enforcing our main mission. The Animal Management and Education Departments of The Belize Zoo extend a call to interested persons to volunteer as interns through The Belize Zoo Internship Program.

Main Goal Of The Internship Program:To offer interns first hand experience working with ongoing programs at TBZ in the Animal Management and Education Departments.
Specific Objectives:

Interns will be expected to:

• Assist in the care and maintenance of all enclosed wildlife within their captive environment.
• Contribute to exhibit enrichment. This includes the improvement of enclosures, enhancement of viewer experiences for visitor, and enhancement of activities and positive stimulation for the wildlife.
• Be involved in landscaping, and pathway and signage maintenance within the Zoo.
• Assist with daily food preparation, wildlife feeding, exhibit maintenance, and enrichment. This may include:
  1.    chopping up fruits, vegetables, and raw meat
  2.    loading of feeding trays and buckets into wheelbarrows to be transported to exhibits
  3.    collecting of plants and leaf litter for delivery into exhibits
  4.    washing and scrubbing of concrete ponds, feeding bowls, management pens
  
  
• Observe medical and surgical procedures, or animal inspections performed by Animal management staff and veterinarians.
  
  

• Carry out Zoo interpretive education program. Involves being trained on natural history of wildlife housed at the Zoo, and using artefacts, and treats to engage visitors on the Zoo grounds with the wildlife on display. This is an important method of facilitating conservation education at a personal level with visitors.

• Participate in organizing special zoo events, such as animal birthday parties

• Accompany education department on outreach education visits to local communities

• Assist in weekly reading program at a primary school split between two communities very near the Zoo. This is an important new initiative we have started as part of a larger program to address “children at risk” social factors in these communities.

• Conduct observational studies of animal behaviour on-site at the Zoo. This practice gathers important information that is used by both Animal Management and Education.

How To Apply:
Interested person should submit a letter of inquiry stating:

1. Reason for applying to the internship program
2. Specific area of interest
3. Brief summary of educational background, any previous volunteer work and what he/she expects to gain through the internship.
4. Submit Resume, along with any other merits of qualification or experience. Including references is encouraged
5. Submit a medical certificate signed by a practising physician stating health status including any allergies, or medication requirements, and prove of standard vaccines against tropical pathogens if needed.
6. The Application package should be e-mailed to: education@belizezoo.org

Selection Process:

1. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
2. The application package should be sent at least 8 weeks before expected time of internship.
3. Applications will take one week to process after which TBZ will inform the applicant whether his/her application has been successful via email.
4. All applications will be considered on individual basis. TBZ can accommodate a maximum of 2 interns at any given time.
5. There are no limiting dates for applications.
6. If his/her application is considered he/she will be expected to provide his/her travelling information and expected date of arrival.

Responsibilities
Interns will be responsible for:

• All travel arrangement to and from the country of origin including visas and other travel documents and transportation cost from their point of entry to the TEC.
• A fee of $300.00 USD per week towards TBZ program.
• Receiving vaccination for Tetanus and a Tuberculosis skin test, and providing confirmation to TBZ of acquisition of these.
• Respecting the rules and regulation for Zoo staff, proper work ethics and proper dress codes for the task assigned.
• Signing a disclaimer that relieves the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center of any responsibilities to interns travelling on their own or interns who decide to part take in activities outside of those specified by their supervisor

TBZ will be responsible to:

• Provide meals and accommodations for the length of the internship, and a bicycle means of transport to the assigned daily work area.
• Provide trained personnel to work and guide the intern during their stay
• Offer a secure working environment to the interns
• Answer any queries or concerns about their assigned task or responsibilities
• Provide a certificate of achievement upon successful completion of the program.

Duration of Internship:  TBZ Internship Program is designed for a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of four weeks.

No other animal was so celebrated as April the Tapir. Each year, sometime during the month of April, one day is set aside to celebrate the tapir. Visitors and school children got to witness a rare spectacle as April feasted on her special meal, made of horse chow, honey, watermelon and carrots, garnished with brilliant hibiscus flowers, while the children sing the Mountain Cow Song. The first poster ever developed by Zoo staff in the 1980's depicted a tapir looking lovingly at her calf. This animal that now enjoys a healthy population in our country, once also existed in other parts of Central America, unfortunately not anymore.

Is it any wonder then, why April was the Zoo's celebrity. She has been the most singular factor in driving the message of "Conservation" home. April the tapir, who was the oldest living female tapir in captivity, died peacefully in her sleep on November 1st 2013.  And while all at the zoo mourn her loss, we are focusing our attention on celebrating her life and what she meant to Belize, and to many people living outside our borders.

April arrived to the original zoo, one mile from the present location, in April 1983.  A hunter found her lying in the Sibun river, unable to move.  He brought her to the little beginning zoo.   The small backyard menagerie was just three months old, and so was the young mountain cow.  Christened “April” by the self-appointed zoo director, Sharon Matola, a hard task was at hand.  “April” was in critical condition due to being heavily infested by the notorious screw worm parasite.  Now eradicated from Belize, screw worm was known to kill species of wildlife as well as livestock.  “April” was yet another victim. 

Intensive tender-loving care was provided.  Sharon and “April” became roommates.  Receiving medication and nourishing banana milkshakes infused with vitamins, the baby tapir slowly progressed and improved.  She would live!  Word got out that a young tapir was at the little zoo.  People would wander in to see her.  Back then, what made an impression on “April’s” adopted mom, Sharon, was the lack of understanding which prevailed about the National Animal of Belize.  Constantly, she would hear people say that tapirs were dangerous animals. “They can skin you alive with their flexible nose”.  Sharon and “April” began working together to change the misunderstandings about these special, gentle, plant-eating mammals.  Our National Animal!

Sharon was committed to turning “April” into a star ambassador for her species, which is an Endangered species, too.  Her first birthday party happened when she was two years old.  Six children attended.  Every year, this effort continued, and every year the party got bigger, and bigger….posters were created applauding our National Animal.  School children began visiting more regularly, “April” became a major attraction at the zoo.  A mountain cow you can pet!  And feeding “April” bananas was so very exciting to countless kids. 

Years passed, her popularity grew.  And when “April” turned sweet sixteen, her birthday party was covered on CNN news!   She met royalty and movie stars, and she herself starred in documentary wildlife films produced by Richard and Carol Foster.  She was famous both in Belize and beyond our borders. 

Today in Belize, people no longer attach false myths to our country’s tapirs.  These rare animals are viewed as beloved Belizeans.  The important role they play in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems, is understood throughout the nation.  One animal, “April” the tapir, provided the springboard for a vital environmental awareness. 

In 2012, The Belize Zoo received approval from the office of the Prime Minister to have National Tapir Day recognized and celebrated every April 27th. The seven tapirs still living at the Zoo will continue to see that the messages April brought into light thirty years ago, will continue on with zest. 

We will miss you, April.  Thank you for all you did on behalf of one of the most special animals on earth:  the Central American Tapir, our "Mountain Cow."

CHARACTERISTICS
What does the harpy eagle look like?  As one of the largest and most powerful raptors in the world, the harpy eagle looks pretty intimidating. In addition to its large body and broad wingspan, it has massive talons, and legs that are each as thick as a human wrist.

• It has a gray head that is crowned with a double crest of feathers that fan out when the harpy feels threatened, or if he just wants to strut his stuff.
• It also has a sharp beak that is long and curved.
• Like an owl, the harpy has facial disk feathers that can be lowered or lifted at will. This helps direct sound waves to the harpy’s ears much the same way as when you cup your hand around your ear.
• The harpy’s chest, back and upper wings are a charcoal color while the belly is white. Adding a unique flare to the harpy’s appearance are black and white striped legs and a black/white barred tail.

How tall is a harpy eagle?  An adult harpy eagle grows between 35 and 41 inches.

How much does a harpy eagle weigh?  An adult female can weigh up to 20 pounds. This is about two times heavier than the male which weighs up to around 12 pounds.

What is the harpy eagle’s wingspan?  A harpy eagle’s wingspan ranges from 5.9 to 7.4 feet.  Did you get that? This means that from wing tip to wing tip, the harpy’s wingspan is longer than most adult humans are tall.

How long do harpy eagles live? Harpy eagles can live anywhere from 25 to 35 years in the wild.

Are harpy eagles friendly? Aggressive?  Well, the harpy eagle is not exactly friendly, but it’s not exactly aggressive either. Conservationists say that a harpy eagle will sit on a perch and allow a human to approach it, but it’s doubtful it would allow you to reach out and pet it.  Ranking at the top of the food chain, side-by-side with anacondas and jaguars, the harpy eagle has no reason to act afraid. However, it will behave aggressive if anything comes near its nest. But, all parents are like that, aren’t they?

Are harpy eagles loud?  Harpy eagles aren’t loud as in “You're Driving Me Crazy", but their occasional calls do sound like a loud shrill in the rainforest.

DIET & HUNTING SKILLS
What do harpy eagles eat?  The diet of harpy eagles consists mainly of tree-dwelling animals such a monkeys (including squirrel monkeys, and pygmy marmosets), sloths, opossums, iguanas, and snakes. They will also eat large birds like curassows and macaws.  Females often take larger prey while the males may take smaller animals more frequently. This team strategy ensures adequate food on a regular basis. When hunting, they will take heavier prey to a nearby tree stump and eat some of it before carrying the rest to their nest.  Harpy eagles don’t need to eat every day. In fact, they can go a week without food. They will often feed on the same prey for a few days at a time even if has already begun to rot.

Do harpy eagles eat snakes?  Yes, harpy eagles eat snakes, along with a selection of mammals and other birds. While they wouldn’t likely hunt an adult emerald tree boa, their young make a nice meal.

How do harpy eagles hunt?  Harpy eagles hunt during the day. They don’t hunt above the rainforest like other eagles. Instead, they sit on a perch for hours at a time, waiting for prey to happen along.  Harpy eagles have excellent vision, so they can spot a bird or monkey nearly 220 yards away.  When they do set their sights on a potential meal, they fly below the forest canopy, taking chase up to a speed of 50/mph. Once they quickly catch up to the animal, they swoop down and snatch it up with their powerful talons.

MATING & OFFSPRING
Do harpy eagles mate for life?  Harpy eagles are monogamous and pairs may mate for life.  Since they have a lifespan of 35 to 45 years, this means a bonded pair may stay together for 25 to 30 years (longer than many human relationships).

Where do harpy eagles nest?  Harpies build their nests high in the tallest trees of the jungle. They construct their nests with hundreds of sticks and branches as well as plants and animal fur. By the time they are finished, a nest can be large enough for a grown human to sleep comfortably.  Harpy eagles often use the same nest over and over, adding more materials to it each time so that it becomes enormous.

At what age do harpy eagle lay eggs?  A female harpy eagle begins to lay eggs when she is sexually mature which is usually between 4 and 5 years old.

How often do harpy eagles lay eggs?  Harpy eagles lay eggs every two or three years. The reason for this is because they are devoted parents who love to spoil their kids. They won’t mate or lay any eggs until their current youngsters are independent.  Even though chicks are ready to fledge at five or six months of age, the parents will continue to feed them up to 10 months. The young eagles will remain with their parents one or two years so that they can learn how to hunt and be a top predator of the rainforest.

How many eggs does the harpy eagle lay? What do they look like?  Harpy eagles usually lay one to two large, white eggs. The female will do most of the incubating, but the male will occasionally take over to give her a chance to stretch her wings.  Scientists have observed that while harpy eagles often lay two eggs, they usually only raise one chick. They believe the eagles purposely stop incubating the second egg once they see that the first has hatched successfully. If something happens to the first egg, they then use the second one as a backup plan.

What is the harpy eagles call?  These eagles seldom vocalize away from their nest.  When the female is incubating eggs, the nearby male wails with a “wheeeeee…wheeeee…wheeeee” sound. The female responds in a similar fashion but with a different pitch.  When approaching his nest of hatchlings, the male will let out chirps, sharp screams and goose-like calls. Perhaps this is to let his family know, “Don’t be scared. It’s just Dad coming home.” As the hatchlings grow older, the male will vocalize less frequently.  When alarmed or distressed by exposure to rain or too much sun, nestlings will sound out a “chi-chi-chi-chi” call. Juveniles are known to make croaking, whistling and quacking sounds.

CONSERVATION & ENDANGERMENT
What eats a harpy eagle? Predators and Threats   mentioned above, these eagles share the head of the food chain with jaguars and anacondas, so nothing really eats them.  Unfortunately, they are threatened by human hunters who shoot them for sport. Plus, years of logging and deforestation have destroyed their nests and habitats so that their range is not as wide as it was in the past. Their population numbers are difficult to replace since they only breed every two years.

Are harpy eagles extinct?  No, harpy eagles are not extinct. But due to habitat loss and hunters, many of their numbers have been eliminated from areas they once occurred in such as El Salvador. In Belize, only a single nesting pair of harpy eagles has been observed.

Is the harpy eagle endangered?  No, the harpy eagle is not endangered, but it is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. 

Do harpy eagles carry disease?
Harpy eagles can carry viral diseases such as West Nile Virus (transmitted from mosquitoes); Newcastle Disease (contracted from infected birds and contaminated water); and avian pox (spread by other birds).  They can also develop other diseases such as bumblefoot (bacterial disease); Aspergillus (fungal infection); and frounce (yeast infection).   However, it is highly unlikely that a human would get a disease from a harpy eagle.

What does the harpy eagle tell scientists about its ecosystem?  Because the harpy eagle is considered an apex predator (at the top of the food chain), its population numbers indicate to scientists the condition of the whole forest ecosystem in which it lives.  If the harpy eagle population is healthy and has plenty to eat, then this means that all of the eagle’s prey are likely to be healthy and abundant as well.

Caye Caulker could possibly be sitting ontop the largest marine cave in the world.  Underneath the island of Caye Caulker, is a very extensive cave system.  The largest marine cave in Belize, perhaps even the entire world. 

According to the Belize Cave Diving Society (BCDS), many neighborhoods on the north tip of the island lie directly atop the Caye Caulker Cave complex, although there is currently no signs that anyone on the surface is in danger.

Recent developments for the cave may prove monumental for the Caye – as it increases the island's visibility on the dive map, as experts and tourists alike will flock to see this unique natural beauty.  Not forgetting the impact this will have on the earth science world (biologists, hydrologists, archaeologists etc) as this cave acts as a time capsule preserving life forms and conditions of a more ancient earth.  And finally giving Caye Caulker global recognition for a truly magnificent natural marine creation as unparalleled as the Niagra Falls & Grand Canyon.

The entrance is just 50 yards from shore.  Even teams of experienced divers have not yet finished exploring the entire Caye Caulker Cave complex, but it is estimated to be quite extensive.  National Geographic is taking their time to explore the cave, along with some of the elite in the dive world, headed up by James Petersen (aka ‘Chip’), from Belize Dive Service and his team of researchers.

CAYE CHAPEL MARINE CAVE (aka Winter Wonderland)
The second cave connected to the Caye Caulker complex is known officially as the Caye Chapel but has been nicknamed by divers as "Winter Wonderland".  Because so much white sand has accumulated inside the cave over the years, the inside looks a bit like a snow globe, giving the cave a wintry feel.  The waters are absolutely transparent and clear, revealing the silent beauty of the gorgeous "snow" encrusted stalactites and stalagmites inside the large cave.  The BCDS has released a video of the "Winter Wonderland" cave, allowing even landlubbers to enjoy the unparalleled natural beauty lying beneath their feet. 

Anyone curious about exploring the Caye Caulker Cave System should resist the temptation and leave the mapping of the system to professional divers.  Conditions inside the Caye Caulker Cave complex are not fully known, and amateur divers or unaccompanied divers should never attempt to enter the cave system and explore.  A number of dangerous elements exist inside the Caye Caulker Cave complex and only professional cave divers with years of certification and training should attempt entering the complex.  Currently, there are no plans yet for guided tours or other public access to the enormous cave complex.

What starts out as an almost unnoticeable opening near the shore on the lagoon side of the island quickly reveals itself to be the opening of the giant cave complex, equivalent to a building several stories tall.

This was truly a wonderful subject to research, and I have an immense admiration for the divers, photographers, and various organizations that are making this discovery possible.

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature reserve in the Stann Creek District of south-central Belize.  It was established to protect the forest, fauna and watersheds of an approximate 150 square miles (or 250,000 acres), of the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains.  Declared a forest preserve in 1984, and finally a jaguar preserve in 1986, the park is the culmination of many years of work and perseverance by individuals and national and international organizations. 

The reserve was established in 1986 as the first  protected area for protection of the jaguar, and is the world's only jaguar preserve.  As the only jaguar reserve on the planet, thse cats keep company with hundreds of neo-tropical birds, other wildcats, deeer, tapir, reptiles, insects, amphibians and all manner of other sanctuary inhabitants.  You might not see all of them, but you could spot their tracks on trails and river banks.

The name 'Cockscomb' derives from the appearance of the Cockscomb Mountain ridge, that resembles a rooster's comb, which is situated at the northern fringe of the reserve and which is easily visible from the coastal plain of the Caribbean Sea.  This 250,000 acre wonderland is also richly endowed with breathtaking waterfalls, mountains, nature trails and rivers, creating the perfect environment for species to thrive in harmony.

People who understand the value of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary know that it is much more than a natural area set aside for jaguars. The area was also designated to protect the upper watersheds of important river systems that deliver ecosystem services to people. Cockscomb has two distinctive basins, which are separated by a ridge of land. The East Basin drains into South Stann Creek and the West Basin drains into Swasey River, a tributary of Monkey River. In the Maya Mountain extension of the Sanctuary is Trio Branch, this ultimately drains into Monkey River Watershed.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a reservoir for biodiversity. Hundreds of species of plants with exotic leaves and flowers, colorful insects, singing birds, furry mammals, scaly reptiles, and wide-eyed amphibians live in this complex tropical forest community. Each one has a function that serves the community as a whole. Each one is adapted to the conditions that make the community unique. The mosaic of ecosystems in this rugged landscape suggests the limited extent of our knowledge of the Sanctuary’s biodiversity.

The forest at Cockscomb is a tropical moist forest. Warm temperatures and high rainfall with very little wind make the forest humid all the time. Tropical moist forests are found at a greater distance from the equator where rainfall and day length vary seasonally. They are distinguished from equatorial rainforests by a cooler dry season (February to May – although this may differ from year to year with the rains). It is still very wet- with about 100 inches of rainfall every year; rainfall in the Basin is higher, making it one of Belize’s wetter areas.

Tropical forests are disappearing at an alarming rate. Not only does this negatively impact the plants and wildlife, but the water cycle itself is disrupted, and the consequence is increased erosion because there is no vegetation to act as a “buffer” to hold the water in the plants and soils. We must carefully protect what is left because humans are members of the forest community with the power to conserve or destroy it.

What is there to see & do at the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary?  The main attractions are:  Wildlife viewing, hiking, waterfalls, swimming, mountain views, nature trails, river trubing, and bird watching.  The tracks of wildcats, tapir, deer, and other wildlife are often seen on hiking trails or along the bank of South Stann Creek. Plan an extended visit so that you can appreciate all that Cockscomb has to offer. The site has a campground, along with cabins (though primiative), 24 beds and a toilet area for overnight visitors.