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(Stop 01 of 21)
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BELIZE'S TERRESTRIAL PARKS (Stop 01 of 21) |
| Belize is one of the smallest Central American countries, but is one of the most diverse geologically, topographically and climatically. This is reflected in the diversity of vegetation types with extensive tropical forests, wetlands, savannas and coastal systems. | |||
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Historical circumstances and low population pressure has allowed the greater part of the country to remain in natural vegetation. Many endangered animals under pressure in other countries of Central America occur in Belize in healthy populations. The landscapes of Belize have been divided up into three broad areas so as to better understand the physical characteristics of the country. These areas include the Maya Mountains, hilly upland terrain, and the coastal plains. |
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| The Maya Mountains are the dominant topographical feature of the country, with the highest peak at just over 3000 feet. The geologic history of this region is one of mountain uplifting, followed by rising sea level and the deposition of limestone by ancient coral reefs. Granite intrusions formed the Cockscomb Basin. Volcanic activity left behind a huge lava dike in the Bladen Valley.The oldest rocks in the country sit atop the Mountain Pine Ridge area. | |||
The hilly upland terrain is what surrounds the Maya Mountains. These are thick beds of limestone deposited by ancient corals. These limestone hills have been eroded into extremely rugged scenery known as "karst". This region includes the areas around Five Blues Lake and the Blue Hole on the Hummingbird Highway, and the Rio Bravo hills of the northwest portion of the country. A result of this eroding limestone is rich soils and also intricate cave systems. Belize is dotted by caves whereever limestone is found. The ancient Maya utilized these caves as storage chambers, living quarters, and for religious ceremonies. It is still possible to find pottery and other artifacts within many of the caves of Belize. |
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| The remaining land area of Belize includes the coastal plains, divided up into northern, central and southern plains. These are extensive areas of alluvial deposits, laid down through hundreds of thousands of years of erosion of the Maya Mountains and hilly upland . This area has the richest soils in the entire country and is where most of the agriculture is concentrated in Belize. | |||
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The coastal plains support a wide variety of habitats. Many protected areas lie within the coastal plains region, including Shipstern Nature Reserve, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Community Baboon Sanctuary. All told, Belize displays as much low altitude habitat diversity as any Central American country. Along with this habitat diversity comes a great diversity of plants and animals. It is estimated that the flora of Belize is comprised of over 4000 species. Over 150 species of mammals have been recorded for Belize. |
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| Belize is a bird watchers paradise. Over 540 bird species have been found. While about 20% are migrants from North America, there are over 80 species which have special conservation value. These include colony-nesting sea and shore birds which use the rich wetland habitats for feeding and nesting. One of these rich waterbird areas is Shipstern Nature Reserve. | |||
 
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