Caribbean Ecology 2016

One of the most meaningful and impactful learning experiences an individual can have is an opportunity to study abroad. Experiencing a new country, culture, and environment changes a person in a way that only someone who has traveled can truly understand. I recently got the opportunity to study abroad in Belize. This was a 7 day field excursion to study the culture and ecology of the small Central American country. Belize is a beautiful country with a rich and diverse culture and history. This blog contains some of my notes and pictures from my experience in Belize.

 Belize is a small country comprising only 8,867 square miles. It sits on the eastern side of Central America with Mexico to its north, Guatemala to its west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to its east. The official language of Belize is English although Belizean Creole and Spanish are also commonly spoken. Belize has a variety of habitats ranging from forests to marshes to coral reefs. Over 60 percent of Belize in covered by forests much of which was burning during our visit (Figure 1). These forests include a large variety of fruit trees such as papaya and cashew (Figure 2).

Figure 1. A large area a Belize forest burning (photo by Brian Becker)

Figure 2. Cashew tree with ripe cashew fruit and seed (photo by Brian Becker)

With fruit trees being in such high abundance and variety it is needless to say that fruit plays a huge role in the local economy. Fruit trees provide enormous amounts of fresh fruit that is consumed not only by wildlife but it is also harvested and sold in large open markets (Figure 3) or even by individuals’ street side (Figure 4). Some fruiting plants, such as the Strangler Fig (Figure 5), produce fruit year round making them particularly ecologically and economically important. 

Figure 3. Open market near the Mopan River ferry crossing (photo by Brian Becker)

Figure 4. Man struggling against the strong wind to set up his fruit table to sell his daily harvest (photo by Brian Becker)

Figure 5. Strangler Fig (Ficus sp) wrapped around a tree (photo by Brian Becker)

Plants and Animals-Interior

Belize is also known for its rich diversity of plant and animal life, and because plants and animals have such strong interconnected relationships they are discussed together. One of the common and most recognized mutualistic relationships in the tropics is that of the Bullhorn acacia tree and ants. Bullhorn acacia trees (Figure 6) grow horns as a defense mechanism against herbivores. However, these plants have evolved an additional protection by means of ants. The ants, often from the Genus Azteca, live inside the acacia horns and feed on nectar. In return for this room and board the ants will defend the tree from small herbivores, insects for example.

Figure 6. Bullhorn Acacia tree (photo by Brian Becker)

Ants themselves have a very strong presence in tropical systems. Few species make this more apparent than the leaf-cutter ants that leave large trails throughout the forests (Figure 7) and even strip large areas of vegetation to take back to their fungal gardens. Another insect group that is ever present in the tropics are the termites. These insects occur in astonishing numbers making them an important food source in the tropics for both wildlife and people. The termites in Belize tend to build very large singular nests high in the canopy making them difficult to reach by both animals and people (Figure 8).

Figure 7. Trails left by leaf-cutter ants (photo by Brian Becker)

Figure 8. Termite nest within a tree canopy (photo by Brian Becker)

Of course one of the most prominent features of the rainforest are the birds. Belize hosts nearly 600 species of birds including many charismatic species such as the White-fronted parrot (Figure 9). Belize is also home to a variety of reptiles including snakes, turtles, crocodilians, and many lizard species like iguanas (Figure 10) and geckos (Figure 11). Although Belize has many frog species it is only know to have two species of salamander, the Central American Worm Salamander (Oedipina elongate), and the Mexican Climbing Salamander (Bolitoglossa mexicana) (Figure 12). 

  

Figure 9. White-fronted Parrot (photo by Brian Becker)

Figure 10. Spiny-tailed Iguana perched on a small Mayan ruin (Ctenosaura similis) (photo by Brian Becker)

Figure 11. Turnip-tailed Gecko (Thecadactylus rapicauda) (photo by Brian Becker)

Figure 12. Mexican Climbing Salamander (Bolitoglossa mexicana) (photo by Brian Becker)

Another spectacular display of both conservation efforts and wildlife are the rare Yucatan Howlers monkeys (Figure 13) that can be seen at the Community Baboon Sanctuary in the village of Bermuda Landing. The original and first of its kind conservation park is supported by local land owners who together help to sustain the Howler monkey population.

Figure 13. Yucatan Howler Monkeys. Two members of a small troop resting during the midday heat (photo by Brian Becker)

Plants and Animals-Coastal

As you move towards the coast the plant and animal communities begin to change dramatically. The coast line is dominated by three primary species of mangrove; the White, Black, and Red Mangroves. The White Mangrove having no unique root system sits furthest away from the shore. Next, the Black Mangrove is found near the water’s edge, and the Red Mangrove (Figure 14) sits in the shallow waters and has very conspicuous stilt-like root systems that mangrove forest are so well known for.

Figure 14. Red Mangrove in shallow coastal waters of Caye Caulker, Belize (photo by Brian Becker)

Coastal Mangrove Forests are unique ecosystems that support very unique communities of plants and animals. They also play important roles in both preventing erosion and acting as a barrier to powerful storm systems that make land.  Currently these fragile ecosystems are under threat from climate change, pollution, and development. Many of the bird species seen here include Pelicans, Cormorants, Frigate birds, and Osprey (Figures 15 and 16).

Figure 15. Osprey sitting on a play ground swing set (photo by Brian Becker)

Figure 16. Osprey nest on utility pole near coastline (photo by Brian Becker)

Plants and Animals-Marine

Within the stretch of the Belize Barrier Reef just a few hundred meters off the shore of Caye Caulker is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. This marine preserve showcases a spectacular array of marine life (Figures 17, 18, and 19). There are dozens of species of soft and hard corals with hundreds of species of fish and invertebrates to match. The reef system is the second largest in the world, second only to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Coral reef systems are rich in diversity and are critical ecosystems in the ocean. Currently these fragile marine systems are under threat from climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, and over harvesting. 

Figure 17. A sting ray swims over a bed of sea grass in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (photo by Brian Becker)

Figure 18. A school of fish hide under corals as we snorkel in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (photo by Brian Becker)

Figure 19. A variety or coral species such as the Brain Coral and the Purple Sea Fan at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (photo by Brian Becker)

Culture and History

One could not visit Belize and not remark on the profoundly rich culture and history of the Belize region. Some of the more noteworthy and historically significant sites in Belize can be found at the Xunantunich Archaeological Preserve where 2000 year old Mayan ruins have been excavated. The most impressive of these is the El Castillo (Figures 20 and 21). This 130 foot tall structure, gives impressive views of the forests and surrounding area including the road the separates Belize from Guatemala. Although there are several structures that are off limits at this site, this one is open to be climbed!

Figure 20. The front view of El Castillo (photo by Brian Becker)

Figure 21. The back side of El Castillo showing some of the stone carvings of the Mayan people (photo by Brian Becker)