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(Stop 02 of 21)
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SHIPSTERN NATURE RESERVE (Stop 02 of 21) |
| The Shipstern Nature Reserve is located on 22,000 acres in the Corozal District. The reserve derives its name from the abandoned village of Shipstern found in the southern part of the reserve. The Shipstern Nature Reserve is the only protected area in Belize which encompasses seasonal northern hardwood forest, saline lagoon systems and mangrove shoreline. | |||
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The forests around the reserve are extremely varied and are in a state of recovery following the destruction caused by Hurricane Janet in 1955. Many animals inhabit this environment. It is not unusual to encounter tracks on the trails of the reserve, including those of the Jaguar. Shipstern Lagoon itself is very shallow, navigable by canoe or other shallow draft crafts only. The lagoon forms an important habitat for many wading and fish eating birds. During the winter months, large numbers of North American migrants find refuge there, or find a large food source as they pass through. |
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| Between the mainland forests and the lagoon lie wide belts of savanna. The saline mudflats are dotted with isolated mounds of limestone which are covered by palms and hardwoods. The surface of the savanna records a tremendous amount of wildlife traffic between mounds. Animals such as white tailed and brocket deer, tapir and cat are common. | |||
| Shipstern abounds with wildlife. Most of the Belizean mammals with the exception of monkeys are found in the reserve. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded to date. Birds of special interest include colonies of wood storks, reddish egrets, and yellow lored parrot. Sixty species of reptiles and amphibians occur within the reserve's habitats. This includes the endangered Morelets crocodile. |
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| Close to 200 species of butterflies can be seen in the reserve's forest. A living butterfly display has been established at the reserve's headquarters. This center was developed mainly to give visitors an idea of the color and variety of butterflies in the region. The center used to export butterfly pupae to Europe for "butterfly houses". | |||
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The reserve has established a botanical trail which allows visitors to experience the three different types of northern hardwood forests, as well as savanna and mangrove type habitats. Dozens of tree species are labeled with scientific and local names. Recently, lodging facilities have been constructed at the reserve to accommodate 10 visitors. Other facilities include two elevated observation platforms. The reserve is managed by the Belize Audubon Society. |
 
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