Belize

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     Belize is a fascinating country for a multitude of reasons, with  its distinct combination of cultural diversity and ecological richness.  Nestled on the eastern coast of Central America, Belize boasts a  remarkable blend of Caribbean and Latin American influences, reflected  in its languages, cuisine, and traditions. What truly sets  Belize apart, however, is its unparalleled natural environment. The  country is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral  reef system globally, offering breathtaking underwater ecosystems and  diverse marine life. Beyond the coastal wonders, Belize is adorned with  lush rainforests, ancient Mayan ruins like those at Caracol and  Xunantunich, and the sprawling Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the  world's first jaguar preserve. This small nation also takes pride in  preserving its natural treasures, with a significant portion of its land  dedicated to national parks and reserves. Belize's commitment to  environmental conservation and its harmonious coexistence of diverse  ecosystems make it a standout destination for those seeking both  cultural richness and unparalleled biodiversity. 

     From 2017 to 2019, Norman Greenhawk joined Dr. Nick Brokaw and Dr. Sheila Ward in their yearly trip to the Rio Bravo Conservation Management Area. Drs. Brokaw and Ward are forest ecologists, and are studying forest succession, plant community composition, and mahogany recruitment. They take students from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus (UPRRP) with them every summer to conduct field work. During summer field work sessions, Norman began taking the UPRRP students on herpetological surveys. The RBCMA is the largest terrestrial reserve in Belize (934.32 km2), comprising 4% of the country’s land surface; it contains 11 different forest types, 70 mammal species, and nearly 400 bird species. However, aside from a single turtle survey conducted in the 1980s, there have been no herpetological surveys undertaken at the preserve. As the RBCMA is also an active archeological site, we also allowed and encouraged US undergraduate students- at the preserve to study ancient Mayan civilization- to join us in the field as well.