A weekly column that brings you information about the critters of Belize and the Caribbean
There is nothing more relaxing then
a stroll on the beach. There is something
about the vast expanse of the horizon
that allows your worries to drift
over that unseen ledge, temporally disappearing
from heart and mind. Accompanying
you along the way are the
creatures who call this scene of serenity
home. Above you soaring birds call
out in screeching song, while longlegged
shorebirds scamper on the beach, escorting you along the way.
Crabs and critters scurry as you approach,
and often when you look
closely into the clear shallow waters
you spot bright little tropical fish,
quickly darting to their favorite hiding
place. They are the ambassadors of the
beach, there to join you during your
quest of sand and sun. As constant companions,
these beach buddies welcome
you to their home in their own unique
way.
Perhaps you have wondered just who
these creatures are? In the following
series, we take the
opportunity to acquaint you with these
common critters who lead uncommon
lives. Like a new friend, this information
will give you the chance to get to
know your “beach buddies” a little better
while exploring the beaches of
Ambergris Caye.
Snakes of Belize: A short educational video on the snakes of Belize, debunking the mythologies of their danger and outlining basic behaviors and habits
List of Endangered Plant and Animal Species in Belize:
People have asked about a list of endangered species for Belize. Stuart Longhorn has made a spreadsheet for Belizean wildlife that are listed in either the endangered or critically endangered categories of the IUCN Redlis. Those are international assessments - any national lists might be quite different. Within my list from IUCN, are 43 plants, and 49 animals. Note, the lists are very biased towards certain creatures, particularly large conpicuous plants, mammals and fish - often because those select few are well studied. Many others are either neglected or overlooked so please be aware of that bias.
RIGHT CLICK HERE and select "download linked file" to download the file
Conservation genetics in jaguars, pumas, and ocelot: A Comparative Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Structure in Jaguars (Panthera onca), Pumas (Puma concolor), and Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in Fragmented Landscapes of a Critical Mesoamerican Linkage Zone.
With increasing anthropogenic impact and landscape change, terrestrial carnivore populations are becoming more fragmented. Thus, it is crucial to genetically monitor wild carnivores and quantify changes in genetic diversity and gene flow in response to these threats. This study combined the use of scat detector dogs and molecular scatology to conduct the first genetic study on wild populations of multiple Neotropical felids coexisting across a fragmented landscape in Belize, Central America. We analyzed data from 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci in 1053 scat samples collected from wild jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor), and ocelots (Leopardus pardalis). We assessed levels of genetic diversity, defined potential genetic clusters, and examined gene flow for the three target species on a countrywide scale using a combination of individual- and population-based analyses
Cards of the sharks and coral reef creatures of Belize. Click images for larger versions
Wildlife species and common cases seen in Belize and at the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic
Belize has a wide diversity of wildlife including an array of mammal, bird and reptile species who exist as healthy populations. However, they all suffer due to some human interaction. Common threats are habitat loss, Human wildlife conflict and illegal wildlife trade. This is a lecture on the common species in Belize and how to protect them, as well as common cases and situations at the clinic. By Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand. The Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic (BWRC) is a small, non-profit organization Based in Belize, Central America.