Belizean Coast mangroves
Belizean Coast mangroves | |
---|---|
Petén-Veracruz moist forests | |
Geography | |
Area | 2,850 km2 (1,100 sq mi) |
Countries | |
Conservation | |
Conservation status | Vulnerable[1] |
The Belizean Coast mangroves ecoregion covers the brackish and salt-water habitats along the
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[5] 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 (2.4 in) of precipitation, and is drier than the average month.[6][7]
Flora and fauna
The common mangrove tree species of the ecoregion are red mangrove (
Mammals of conservation interest include the near-threatened black howler monkey (
Protected areas
Protected areas of the ecoregion include:
- Shipstern Conservation & Management Area, in Corozal District of Belize
- Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, on the northern part of Ambergris Island, in Belize District of Belize
- Payne's Creek National Park, in the Toledo District of southern Belize
- Sarstoon-Temash National Park,[8] in the Toledo District of southern Belize
References
- ^ "Belizean Coast mangroves". Terrestrial Ecoregions. World Wildlife Fund. Retrieved 2013-08-24.
- ^ a b "Belizean reef mangroves". World Wildlife Federation. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
- ^ "Map of Ecoregions 2017". Resolve, using WWF data. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
- ^ "Belizean Coast mangroves". Fondo Mundial para la Naturaleza. Retrieved 2013-08-21.
- ^ "Reserva de la Biosfera Banco Chinchorro". RAMSAR Sites Information Service. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
- ^ Kottek, M.; Grieser, J.; Beck, C.; Rudolf, B.; Rubel, F. (2006). "World Map of Koppen-Geiger Climate Classification Updated" (PDF). Gebrüder Borntraeger 2006. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
- ^ "Dataset - Koppen climate classifications". World Bank. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
- ^ a b "Sarstoon Temash National Park". RAMSAR Sites Information Service. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
- World Wildlife Fund, ed. (2001). "Belizean Coast mangroves". WildWorld Ecoregion Profile. National Geographic Society. Archived from the original on 2010-03-08.
External links
- Media related to Belizean Coast mangroves at Wikimedia Commons