Belizean reef mangroves
| Belizean reef mangroves | |
|---|---|
.jpg) On Glover's Reef, Belize | |
 Ecoregion territory (red areas in blue-dashed box) | |
| Ecology | |
| Realm | Neotropic realm |
| Biome | Mangroves |
| Geography | |
| Area | 259 km2 (100 sq mi) |
| Country | Belize |
| Coordinates | 17°36′N 88°00′W / 17.6°N 88°W |
The Belizean reef mangroves
Location and description
The mangrove habitats of this ecoregion are associated with the islands along the 220 km Belize barrier reef, stretching from the Mexico border south; the ecoregion also extends across three coral atolls (Turneffe Atoll, Lighthouse Reef and Glover's Reef), sea grass beds and some coastal lagoons.[1]
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.[2][3]
Flora and fauna
The most common mangrove tree species in this ecoregion is the red mangrove (
Mammals of conservation interest include the vulnerable West Indian manatee (
Protected areas
About 12% of the land area of the Belizean Barrier Reefs are officially protect, a portion of which is mangrove habitat. Protected areas in this ecoregion include:
- Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve
- Great Blue Hole National Monument
- Half Moon Caye National Monument
References
- ^ a b c "Belizean reef mangroves". World Wildlife Federation. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Belizean Barrier Reef". Retrieved September 3, 2021.