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.


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AnimalZ of the Reef

A-Z, animals of the Belize reef

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Belize Dive/Fish ID Cards

Wonderful detailed imagery of Belize Reef and Sea Life

Related Links:

  • Birding in Belize
  • The Belize Zoo
  • Botfly Link 1 | Botfly Link 2
  • Dolphins
  • Howler Monkeys
  • Lionfish
  • Lobster
  • The Scarlet Macaw
  • Monitoring the Scarlet Macaw in the Chiquibul Forest: Scarlet Six
  • 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
  • Whale sharks
  • Wildlife Sights And Sounds: Jungle of Belize
  • 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




The Creatures of Belize

Ants, Tarantulas, Scorpions, Sharks, Birds, Frogs, Lizards,etc...

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.



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