Belizean reef mangroves

The Belizean reef mangroves ecoregion (WWF ID:NT1406) covers the brackish and salt-water habitats along the coast of Belize with the Caribbean Sea; small portions of Mexico and Guatemala are also in this region. The mangroves are partially protected from the open sea by the Belize Barrier Reef.[1][2] There is a large population of the vulnerable West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) in the area. This ecoregion may be considered a sub-unit of the overall Mesoamerican Gulf-Caribbean mangroves ecoregion.

Belizean reef mangroves
Ecoregion territory (in red)
Ecology
RealmNeotropic realm
BiomeMangroves
Geography
Area2,849 km2 (1,100 sq mi)
CountryBelize, Mexico, Guatemala
Coordinates18°N 88°W

Location and description

The disconnected units of the ecoregion extend from the Mexico-Belize border in the north, to Amatique Bay on the southern coast of Guatemala. There are different types of mangrove swamps, depending on the site characteristics: river estuary (such as the Monkey River), lagoons, island atolls, and coastal forest. Technically, Belize City itself is in a mangrove area.

Offshore islands supporting mangroves include Ambergris Caye, the largest island of Belize, and the atoll reefs of Banco Chinchorro[3] and Turneffe Atoll.

Climate

The climate of the ecoregion is Tropical savanna climate - dry winter (Köppen climate classification (Aw)). This climate is characterized by relatively even temperatures throughout the year, and a pronounced dry season. The driest month has less than 60 mm of precipitation, and is drier than the average month.[4][5] Precipitation ranges from 1,400 mm/year in the north to over 4,000 mm/year in the south.[1]

Flora and fauna

The common mangrove tree species of the ecoregion are white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa (generally closest to the ocean), red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), and black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) (farther inland or upland). Also characteristic of the area, but not specifically to mangroves, is the buttonwood tree (Conocarpus erectus).[1]

Mammals of conservation interest include the near-threatened black howler monkey (Alouatta caraya), the critically endangered Hickatee turtle (Dermatemys mawii ), the tapir (Tapirus bairdii), the vulnerable West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), and Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii).[6]

Protected areas

Protected areas of the ecoregion include:

References
  1. "Belizean reef mangroves". World Wildlife Federation. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  2. "Map of Ecoregions 2017". Resolve, using WWF data. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  3. "Reserva de la Biosfera Banco Chinchorro". RAMSAR Sites Information Service. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  4. Kottek, M., J. Grieser, C. Beck, B. Rudolf, and F. Rubel, 2006. "World Map of Koppen-Geiger Climate Classification Updated" (PDF). Gebrüder Borntraeger 2006. Retrieved September 14, 2019.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. "Dataset - Koppen climate classifications". World Bank. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  6. "Sarstoon Temash National Park". RAMSAR Sites Information Service. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
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