Belizean Coast mangroves

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Belizean Coast mangroves
Petén-Veracruz moist forests
  • Yucatán moist forests
  • Geography
    Area2,850 km2 (1,100 sq mi)
    Countries
    Conservation
    Conservation statusVulnerable[1]

    The Belizean Coast mangroves ecoregion covers the brackish and salt-water habitats along the

    Trichechus manatus) in the area. It covers an area of around 2850 km2.[4]

    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 (

    Laguncularia racemosa) (farther inland or upland). Also characteristic of the area is the false mangrove or the mangrove associate, the buttonwood tree (Conocarpus erectus).[2]

    Mammals of conservation interest include the near-threatened black howler monkey (

    Protected areas

    Protected areas of the ecoregion include:

    References

    1. ^ "Belizean Coast mangroves". Terrestrial Ecoregions. World Wildlife Fund. Retrieved 2013-08-24.
    2. ^ a b "Belizean reef mangroves". World Wildlife Federation. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
    3. ^ "Map of Ecoregions 2017". Resolve, using WWF data. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
    4. ^ "Belizean Coast mangroves". Fondo Mundial para la Naturaleza. Retrieved 2013-08-21.
    5. ^ "Reserva de la Biosfera Banco Chinchorro". RAMSAR Sites Information Service. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
    6. ^ 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.
    7. ^ "Dataset - Koppen climate classifications". World Bank. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
    8. ^ a b "Sarstoon Temash National Park". RAMSAR Sites Information Service. Retrieved November 20, 2020.

    External links