Chapter 14: Belizean Wildlife

with assistance from E. Z. Weaver

For such a tiny country, Belize is incredibly rich in biodiversity. Whether you come to Belize to check a hundred or so species off your lifetime list, or just to check out of the rat race for a week or so, you’ll be surrounded by a rich and varied collection of flora and fauna. The information below is meant to be a selective introduction.

In many instances, the prime viewing recommendations should be taken with a firm dose of reality. Most casual visitors and even many dedicated naturalists will never see a jaguar or kinkajou in the wild. However, anyone working with a good guide should be able to see a broad selection of Belize’s impressive flora and fauna.

See “The Lay of the Land” in chapter 2 for more information, as well as “Tips on Health, Safety & Etiquette in the Wilderness” in chapter 5 for additional tips on enjoying Belize’s flora and fauna.

Fauna

Mammals

Belize has some 150 identified species of mammals, ranging from the majestic jaguar to the rowdy howler monkey. Note that the dolphin and manatee have been included in the “Sea Life” section, later in this chapter.

Jaguar (Panthera onca) This cat measures from 1.1 to 1.8m (3 1/2–6 ft.) plus tail, and is distinguished by its tan/yellowish fur with black spots. As jaguars are protected by Belize’s hunting ordinances, the country maintains one of the healthiest populations in Central America. Prime Viewing: Although they exist throughout mainland Belize, jaguars are extremely hard to see in the wild. The best places to spot them are in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Río Bravo Conservation Area.

Jaguar

Puma (Puma concolor) Nearly 1.5m (5 ft.) long when fully grown, these feline predators are the largest unspotted cats in the region. Also known as a mountain lion, the puma is brownish, reddish-brown, or tawny in color with a white throat. Prime Viewing: Southeastern, western, and southern Belize in the lowland forests and semiopen areas.

Puma

Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yaguarondi) This smallish to midsize cat, with a solid black, brown, or reddish coat, can occasionally be spotted in a clearing or climbing trees. Prime Viewing: Wet and dry forests throughout Belize.

Jaguarundi

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) The tail of the tiger cat (as it’s called in Belize) is longer than its rear leg, which makes for easy identification. Ocelots are mostly nocturnal, and during the daytime they sleep in trees. Prime Viewing: Dense forests in all regions of Belize.

Ocelot

Margay (Leopardus wiedii) An endangered species, it’s one of the smaller wildcats of the region and (like its cousin, the ocelot) is often found in trees. Prime Viewing: Forests in all regions of Belize.

Margay

Gibnut (Agouti paca) This nocturnal rodent (also called a paca) inhabits the forest floor, feeding on fallen fruit, leaves, and some tubers dug from the ground. Prime Viewing: Most often found near water throughout many habitats of Belize, from river valleys to swamps to dense tropical forest. However, you’re almost as likely to see gibnut on a restaurant menu as in the wild.

Gibnut

Neotropical Otter (Lutra longicaudis) The neotropical otter goes by many nicknames in Belize, including perro de agua (water dog) and lobito de río (little river wolf). Prime Viewing: In rivers and streams throughout the country.

Neotropical Otter

Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) Known as the “mountain cow” in Belize, the tapir is active mostly at night, foraging along riverbanks, streams, and forest clearings. Prime Viewing: The Stann Creek and Toledo districts of southern Belize and the Cayo District of western Belize.

Baird’s Tapir

Coati-mundi (Nasua narica) This raccoon-like mammal is one of few with the ability to adapt to habitat disturbances. During the night, they tend to hunt along open trails; during the day, they stay hidden within the deeper bush. Prime Viewing: Found in a variety of habitats in Belize, from dry scrub to dense forests, on the mainland as well as some coastal islands.

Coati-mundi

Collared Peccary (Tayassu tajacu) These black or brown piglike animals travel in small groups (larger where populations are still numerous) and have a strong musk odor. Prime Viewing: Throughout dry and moist forests in most of Belize.

Collared Peccary

Anteater (Cyclopes didactylus) Also known as the pygmy anteater, this nocturnal creature grows up to 18cm (7 in.), not counting its thick tail (which is as long as or longer than its body). Prime Viewing: Wet forests in all regions of Belize.

Anteater

Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) Also known as the dilly in Belize, these prehistoric-looking animals are nocturnal and terrestrial. Prime Viewing: All regions.

Armadillo

Northern Tamandua (Tamandua Mexicana) Also known as the collared anteater, the northern Tamandua grows up to 77cm (30 in.) long, not counting its thick tail, which can be as long its body. It is active diurnally and nocturnally. Prime Viewing: Low- and middle-elevation forests in most of Belize

Northern Tamandua

Three-Toed Sloth (Bradypus variegates) The three-toed sloth has long, coarse, brown-to-gray fur and a distinctive eye-band. There are three long, sharp claws on each foreleg. Except for brief periods to defecate, these slow-moving creatures are entirely arboreal. Prime Viewing: Low- and middle-elevation forests in most of Belize. While sloths can be found in a wide variety of trees, they are most commonly spotted in the relatively sparsely leaved Cecropia (see later in this appendix).

Three-Toed Sloth

Kinkajou (Potos flavus) The nocturnal, tree-dwelling kinkajou is appropriately nicknamed “nightwalker” in Belize. Prime Viewing: Strictly nocturnal and extremely hard to see, the kinkajou nevertheless is found in forests throughout Belize.

Kinkajou

Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) A large monkey (64cm/25 in.) with brown or silvery fur, this creature is often hunted for its meat and is listed as endangered in some countries. Prime Viewing: The Orange Walk (northwestern), Cayo (western), and Toledo (southern) districts of Belize.

Spider Monkey

Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra) Known locally as a baboon, this highly social creature grows to 56cm (22 in.) in size. Because the species travels only from tree to tree (limiting their presence to dense jungle canopy), a community-based conservation organization protects the land along the Belize River for the howler monkey, ensuring that their food trees are not destroyed to make way for pasture. Prime Viewing: In the lowland forests that encompass Belize’s mainland. Sightings are pretty much guaranteed at the Community Baboon Sanctuary (see “What to See & Do” in chapter 6).

Howler Monkey

Red Brocket Deer (Mazama americana) Also known as the antelope in Belize, these small animals measure 1 to 1.4m (3 1/4–4 1/2 ft.). Small, straight antlers distinguish the male. Prime Viewing: Southern and southeastern Belize and some coastal islands.

Red Brocket Deer

Hairy-Legged Bat (Myotis keaysi) The hairy-legged bat grows to a whopping 5.1cm (2 in.) in length, not including the length of its tail. Prime Viewing: All regions of Belize, in forests, rock crevices, gardens, and buildings.

Hairy-Legged Bat

Birds

Belize has at least 618 identified species of resident and migrant birds. The variety of habitats and compact nature of the country make this a major bird-watching destination.

Jabiru Stork (Jabiru mycteria) One of the largest birds in the world and an endangered species, the jabiru stands 1.5m (5 ft.) tall, with a wingspan of 2.4m (8 ft.) and a .3m-long (1-ft.) bill. The birds arrive in Belize from Mexico in November and fly north with the first rains in June or July. Prime Viewing: The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, located 53km (33 miles) north of Belize City, has the largest population in the country. (See “En Route North: Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary” in chapter 9.)

Jabiru Stork

Keel-Billed Toucan (Ramphastos solfurantus) The canoe-shape bill and brightly colored feathers make the national bird of Belize almost instantly recognizable. The toucan is about 51cm (20 in.) in length. Prime Viewing: Throughout the country’s lowland forests, nesting in the holes of tree trunks.

Keel-Billed Toucan

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) Over most of its range, the scarlet macaw is endangered. However, in 1996, a new population of more than 100 birds was “discovered” south of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Prime Viewing: The wet lowland forests of the Toledo District in southern Belize.

Scarlet Macaw

Ocellated Turkey (Agriocharis ocellata) This colorful bird has a thin, light-blue head and neck with orange-yellow knoblike wattles on the top that it will proudly display. The wings and tail are rounded with shimmering metallic bronze primaries and metallic emerald-green shoulders; the feathers are a dark, shiny brown, barred with a metallic shimmering green that looks black in poor light. Prime Viewing: Northern and western Belize.

Ocellated Turkey

Frigate Bird (Fregata magnificens) The frigate bird is a naturally agile flier and swoops (unlike other birds, it doesn’t dive or swim) to pluck food from the water’s surface—or more commonly, it steals catch from the mouths of other birds. Prime Viewing: All coastal regions of Belize. Man-O-War Caye is a protected nesting site for this bird (see “Dangriga” in chapter 8).

Frigate Bird

Red-Footed Booby (Sula sula rubripes) This unique bird experiences many color changes during its life. Adult boobies have a blue-gray bill and eye ring, and pink skin about the bill base. The head and neck are washed with yellow, and the white body holds black primary and secondary feathers. The feet and legs of the aptly named species are all red. Prime Viewing: Half Moon Caye National Monument, Belize’s first national park, is now the protected home for more than 4,000 red-footed boobies (see “The Outer Atolls” in chapter 7), but these birds can be found in all coastal regions of Belize.

Red-Footed Booby

Montezuma’s Oropendola (Pasrocolius montezuma) Also called “yellowtails” in Belize, these birds have a black head and chest, a yellow-edged tail, a large black bill with an orange tip, and a blue patch under the eye. Prime Viewing: Throughout Belize.

Montezuma’s Oropendola

Osprey (Pandion haliatus) These large (.6m/2 ft., with a 1.8m/6-ft. wingspan) brownish birds with white heads are also known as “fishing eagles.” In flight, the osprey’s wings “bend” backward. Prime Viewing: Throughout Belize, although predominantly near the coasts, or out on the cayes, flying or perched in trees near water.

Osprey

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Roseate Spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja) This large water bird is pink or light red in color, with a large spoon-shape bill. They were almost made extinct in the United States because their pink wings were sought for feather fans. Prime Viewing: Along the coast and in the wetlands of northern Belize.

Roseate Spoonbill

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) The cattle egret changes color during breeding: A yellowish buff color appears on the head, chest, and back, and a reddish hue emerges on the bill and legs. They are often seen following behind tractors, because these stir up insects. Prime Viewing: Throughout the country. As the name implies, almost always found accompanying livestock.

Cattle Egret

Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) This small (about 38cm/15-in.) grayish brown or reddish brown owl is also known as the lechucita listada (“little striped screech owl”). Unlike most owls, they are most active during the day. Prime Viewing: Throughout Belize.

Pygmy Owl

Boat-Billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) This midsize heron (about 51cm/20 in.) has a large black head, a large broad bill, and a rusty brown color. Prime Viewing: Throughout the country, near marshes, swamps, rivers, and mangroves.

Boat-Billed Heron

Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans) This largish (56cm/22-in.) bird of prey is also known as the vaquero (cowboy) in Belize. The laughing falcon’s wingspan reaches an impressive 94cm (37 in.). Prime Viewing: Throughout the country.

Laughing Falcon

Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinose) This large, vocal parrot is common in lowland tropical rainforests throughout Central and South America. Almost entirely green, it has a touch of blue on the top of its head and small red and blue accents on its wings. It has a short, squared-off tail. Prime Viewing: Lowland humid and rain forests nationwide.

Mealy Parrot

Scarlet Rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus costaricensis) With a striking scarlet red patch on its backside, this is one of the most commonly sighted tanagers in Belize. Prime Viewing: Throughout the country, in lowland and mid-elevation areas.

Scarlet Rumped Tanager

Invertebrates

Creepy-crawlies, biting bugs, spiders, and the like give most folks chills. But this group, which includes moths, butterflies, ants, beetles, bees, and even crabs, sponges, mollusks, and lobster, includes some of the most abundant, fascinating, and easily viewed fauna in Belize. See “Sea Life” for marine invertebrates.

Blue Morpho (Morpho peleides) The large blue morpho butterfly, with a wingspan of up to 15cm (6 in.), has brilliantly iridescent blue wings when opened. Fast and erratic fliers, they are often glimpsed flitting across your peripheral vision in dense forest. Prime Viewing: Countrywide, particularly in moist environments.

Blue Morpho

Leafcutter Ants (Atta cephalotes) You can’t miss the miniature rainforest highways formed by these industrious red ants carrying their freshly cut payload. The ants do not actually eat the leaves, but instead feed off a fungus that grows on the decomposing leaves in their massive underground nests. Prime Viewing: Can be found in most forests countrywide.

Leafcutter Ants

Golden Silk Spider (Nephila clavipes) The common Neotropical golden silk spider weaves meticulous webs that can be as much as .5m (2 ft.) across. The adult female of this species can reach 7.6cm (3 in.) in length, including the legs, although the males are tiny. The silk of this spider is extremely strong and is being studied for industrial purposes. Prime Viewing: Lowland forests countrywide.

Golden Silk Spider

Mexican Red Rump Tarantula (Brachypelma vagans) This misnamed spider actually features a distinctively red abdomen, not rump. Also known as the Mexican Black Velvet spider, it is the most common tarantula in Belize. This is a terrestrial spider that digs a large burrow. Prime Viewing: Forests and lowlands nationwide.

Mexican Red Rump Tarantula

Brown Bark Scorpion (Centruroides gracilis) The most common scorpion found in Belize, this fearsome critter packs a mean sting, but is not considered life threatening or very dangerous. Averages around 7.5 to 10cm (3–4 in.) in length. Prime Viewing: Under rocks and litter in forests from sea level to middle elevations nationwide.

Brown Bark Scorpion

Leaf Mantis (Choeradodis strumaria) A member of the praying mantis family, this leaf-mimic insect has a distinct camouflage, thanks to a very enlarged thorax. Prime Viewing: Moist forests countrywide.

Leaf Mantis

Sea Life

Boasting the longest continuous barrier reef in the Americas, Belize has a rich diversity of underwater flora and fauna. Any visitor to Belize’s beach or island resorts should take some time to peek at the various undersea wonders of the ocean and barrier reef, whether it be by snorkeling, scuba diving, or riding in a glass-bottom boat.

West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) Manatees in Belize are Antillean manatees, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee. Belize is home to the largest known concentration of Antillean manatees in the wider Caribbean. These “sea cows” can reach lengths of 3 to 4m (10–13 ft.) and weigh 499 to 1,588kg (1,100–3,500 lb.). Prime Viewing: Coastal mangroves, particularly in the Southern Lagoon off of Gales Point and Swallow Caye Manatee Reserve.

West Indian Manatee

Manta Ray (Manta birostris) Manta rays are the largest type of rays, with a wingspan that can reach 6m (20 ft.) and a body weight known to exceed 1,361kg (3,000 lb.). Despite their daunting appearance, manta rays are quite gentle. If you are snorkeling or diving, watch for one of these extraordinary and graceful creatures. Prime Viewing: All along the barrier reef, particularly in deeper water, or alongside steep walls and drop-offs.

Manta Ray

Stingray (Dasyatis americana) True to their name, these rays can give you a painful shock if you touch the venomous spine at the base of their tails. Be careful when wading in sandy areas, where they prefer to bury themselves. Prime Viewing: All along the coast and barrier reef, especially in shallow sand or grassy areas. Pretty much guaranteed on the Shark-Ray Alley excursion.

Stingray

Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) Although the whale shark grows to lengths of 14m (46 ft.) or more, its gentle nature makes swimming with them a special treat for divers and snorkelers. Although 3 or 4 days before and after the full and new moons in April and May are the best times to interact with the sharks, they are often sighted in the summer months as well. Prime Viewing: Gladden Spit, off Placencia (see “Placencia” in chapter 8).

Whale Shark

Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) The most frequently spotted shark in Belizean waters, this species spends most of its time resting on the ocean floor. Nurse sharks reach lengths of 4.3m (14 ft.), their heads are larger than those of most sharks, and they appear to be missing the bottom half of their tail. Prime Viewing: All along the coast and barrier reef. Pretty much guaranteed on the Shark-Ray Alley excursion.

Nurse Shark

Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) The world’s largest sea turtle (reaching nearly 2.4m/8 ft. in length and weighing more than 544kg/1,200 lb.) is now an endangered species. Prime Viewing: Sightings are exceedingly rare, so it’s highly unlikely that you’ll spot them nesting on the coast of Belize, but you might get lucky and spot them in the sea.

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) The hawksbill turtle is a shy, tropical, reef-dwelling species that feeds primarily on sponges. Although they’re registered on the endangered species list, commercial exploitation exacerbates the species’ continued decline. Prime Viewing: All along the coast and barrier reef.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Moray Eel (Gymnothorax moringa) Distinguished by a swaying serpent-head and teeth-filled jaw that continually opens and closes, the moray eel is most commonly seen with only its head appearing from behind rocks. At night, however, it leaves its home along the reef to hunt for small fish, crustaceans, shrimp, and octopus. Prime Viewing: All along the coast and barrier reef.

Moray Eel

Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) The barracuda is a slender fish with two dorsal fins and a large mouth. Juvenile barracudas often swim near the shore, so exercise caution, as attacks on humans occasionally occur. Prime Viewing: All along the coast and barrier reef.

Barracuda

Bottle-Nosed Dolphin (Tursiops truncates) Their wide back fin, dark-gray back, and light-gray sides identify bottle-nosed dolphins. Dolphins grow to lengths of 3.6m (12 ft.) and weigh up to 635kg (1,400 lb.). Prime Viewing: Along the coast and barrier reef.

Bottle-Nosed Dolphin

Loggerhead Sponge (Spheciospongia vesparia) This barrel sponge is a large, stubby, purplish creature. Its large, central depression often plays host to small fish; shrimp and other sea life dwell in its canals. Prime Viewing: All along the barrier reef.

Loggerhead Sponge

Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata) Elkhorn coral was formerly the dominant species in shallow water throughout the Caribbean, forming extensive thickets in areas of heavy surf. Since 1980, populations have collapsed from disease outbreaks, with losses compounded locally by hurricanes, increased predation, and bleaching. Prime Viewing: Along the barrier reef.

Elkhorn Coral

Brain Coral (Diploria strigosa) Named for its striking physical similarity to a human brain, brain coral has been growing continuously in the waters off Belize for at least a century, though it’s vulnerable to hurricanes. Prime Viewing: All along the barrier reef.

Brain Coral

Porous Coral (Porites) The branches of this pink coral have a fuzzy appearance during the day, when its polyps are extended. Prime Viewing: All along the barrier reef.

Porous Coral

Moon Jelly (Aurelia aurita) Like most jellies, the moon jelly is almost transparent. That four-leaf-clover–like area on its top is its reproductive organs. Prime Viewing: All along the coast and barrier reef.

Moon Jelly

Sally Lightfoot Crab (Grapsus grapsus) This is a midsize crab with a colorful carapace that can range from dark brown to deep red to bright yellow, with a wide variation in striations and spotting. Prime Viewing: On rocky outcroppings near the water’s edge on the cayes and coasts nationwide.

Sally Lightfoot Crab

Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) Lacking the large claws found on the Maine lobster, this is, nonetheless, the main commercial lobster harvested throughout the Caribbean and an important piece of the Belizean economy. Primarily nocturnal, the spiny lobster can reach some 60cm (24 in.) in length, but is more typically around 20cm (8 in.). Prime Viewing: Tucked into crevasses in coral and under rocks all along the barrier reef.

Spiny Lobster

Amphibians

Frogs, toads, and salamanders are actually some of the most beguiling, beautiful, and easy-to-spot residents of tropical forests.

Rufescent Salamander (Bolitoglossa rufescens) This very small (3.8cm/1 1/2-in.) brown amphibian is also known as the “northern banana salamander,” which is fitting since it can often be found in banana leaves. Prime Viewing: Forest floors and creek beds, particularly in the Stann Creek, Toledo, and Cayo districts.

Rufescent Salamander

Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) This colorful 7.6cm (3-in.) frog usually has a pale or dark green back, sometimes with white or yellow spots; blue-purple patches and vertical bars on the body; orange hands and feet; and deep red eyes. Prime Viewing: This nocturnal frog can be found in forests throughout Belize. It is often best to look on the undersides of broad-leafed plants.

Red-Eyed Tree Frog

Maya Rain Frog (Eleutherodactyulus chac) This small, skinny frog is usually brown or yellowish, with webbed toes and red eyes. Prime Viewing: Forests in southeastern, southern, and western Belize.

Maya Rain Frog

Marine Toad (Bufo marinus) This 20cm (8-in.), wart-covered toad is also known as sapo grande, or “giant toad.” The females are mottled in color, while the males are uniformly brown. Prime Viewing: This terrestrial frog can be found in forests throughout Belize.

Marine Toad

Mexican Burrowing Toad (Rhinophrynus dorsalis) This bloblike, 7.6cm (3-in.) toad will inflate like a blowfish when frightened. It often has a single red, orange, or yellow line down the center of its brown or black back. Prime Viewing: This terrestrial frog can be found throughout Belize.

Mexican Burrowing Toad

Reptiles

Belize’s reptile species range from the frightening and justly feared fer-de-lance pit viper and American crocodile to a wide variety of turtles and lizards. (Note that the sea turtle is included in the “Sea Life” section, earlier.)

Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) This turtle’s back is brown, olive, or black and marked with three ridges of sharp bumps—which might explain why it’s also known as tortuga lagarto (“alligator turtle”) in Belize. Prime Viewing: In ponds and streams throughout Belize.

Snapping Turtle

Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor) Adult boa constrictors average about 1.8 to 3m (6–10 ft.) in length and weigh more than 27kg (60 lb.). Their coloration camouflages them, but look for varying patterns of cream, brown, tan, gray, and black with ovals and diamonds. Prime Viewing: In forests and mangroves countrywide, including on some of the offshore cayes.

Boa Constrictor

Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops asper) Also known as a tommygoff in Belize, this venomous and aggressive snake can grow to 2.4m (8 ft.) in length. Beige, brown, or black triangles flank either side of the snake’s head, while the area under the head is a vivid yellow. Prime Viewing: All regions. This snake is arboreal as a youngster and becomes terrestrial as it grows larger and older.

Fer-de-Lance

Mussurana (Clelia clelia) This bluish-black, brown, or grayish snake grows to 2.4m (8 ft.) in length. While slightly venomous, this snake is a rear-fanged snake and of little danger to humans. In fact, it is prized and protected by locals, since its primary prey happens to be much more venomous pit vipers, such as the fer-de-lance. Prime Viewing: Forests in central, southeastern, and western Belize.

Mussurana

Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus) Look out for its triangular head, 1.8m (6-ft.) length, the ridge running along the middle of its back, and (of course) its rattling tail. Prime Viewing: Throughout the country.

Rattlesnake

Shiny Skink (Mabuya brachypoda) This midsize (7.6cm/3-in.) brown lizard with a narrow head and short legs is also known as “snake waiting boy.” Prime Viewing: Throughout the country.

Shiny Skink

Silky Anole (Anolis sericeus) This small (5.1cm/2-in.) gray lizard can be hard to spot, as it often aligns itself on a blade of grass when startled. Prime Viewing: On the ground and forest floors throughout the country.

Silky Anole

Leaf-Toed Gecko (Phyllodactylus tuberculosus) You’ll have no problem spotting this 6.4cm (2 1/2-in.) gecko on rocks and on the ground—it loves to be around buildings and other areas of human activity. Prime Viewing: Central, southeastern, and western Belize.

Leaf-Toed Gecko

Smooth Gecko (Thecadactylus rapicaudus) This gecko’s autonomous tail detaches from its body and acts as a diversion to a potential predator; it grows back later in a lighter shade. Prime Viewing: In northwestern, western, and southern Belize, especially where humans can be found.

Smooth Gecko

Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) Green iguanas, not surprisingly, are green in color, but vary in shades ranging from bright green to a dull grayish-green. The iguana will often perch on a branch overhanging a river and plunge into the water when threatened. Prime Viewing: All regions of the country, living along the rivers and streams. Often seen sunning on exposed rocks or tree limbs.

Green Iguana

Basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus) The basilisk can run across the surface of water for short distances by using its hind legs and holding its body almost upright; thus, the reptile is also known as “the Jesus Christ lizard.” Prime Viewing: In trees, rocks, and forest floors, especially near water in tropical rainforests.

Basilisk

Morelet’s Crocodile (Crocodylus moreleti) This reptile can grow to a length of 4m (13 ft.), although the average specimen measures less than 2.4m (8 ft.). Adults are brown or blackish in color, while young Morelet’s crocodiles are olive or yellowish, with dark bands on their bodies and tails. Prime Viewing: Northern and central coastal Belize, in most of the freshwater lowland interior rivers, lagoons, and ponds.

Morelet’s Crocodile

American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) This endangered species is distinguished from the Morelet’s crocodile by their generally larger size and narrower snout. While they can reach lengths of 6.4m (21 ft.), the majority are much smaller, usually less than 4m (13 ft.). Prime Viewing: Near swamps, mangrove swamps, estuaries, large rivers, coastal lowlands, and islands.

American Crocodile

Flora

Trees

Despite the cliché to the contrary, it’s often a good thing to be able to identify specific trees within a forest. We’ve included illustrations of the leaves, flowers, seeds, or fruits to get you started.

Ceiba (Ceiba pentandra) Also known as the kapok tree, ceiba trees are typically emergent (their large umbrella-shaped canopies emerge above the forest canopy), making the species among the tallest trees in the tropical forest. Reaching as high as 61m (200 ft.), their thick columnar trunks often have large buttresses. Ceiba trees may flower as little as once every 5 years, especially in wetter forests. Prime Viewing: Countrywide.

Ceiba

Guanacaste (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) The guanacaste, or tubroos, tree is one of the largest trees found in Central America. It can reach a total elevation of more than 40m (130 ft.), its straight trunk comprising 9.1 to 12m (30–40 ft.) of the height (the trunk’s diameter measures more than 1.8m/6 ft.). Prime Viewing: Countrywide. A particularly impressive specimen gives its name to Guanacaste National Park (see “Belmopan” in chapter 10).

Guanacaste

Gumbo-Limbo (Bursera simaruba) The bark of the gumbo limbo is perhaps its most distinguishing feature: A paper-thin outer layer is red when peeled off the tree, revealing a bright green bark underneath. The bark is reportedly used as a remedy for gum disease, and gumbo-limbo bark tea allegedly alleviates high blood pressure. Another remarkable property of this tree is its ability to root from its cut branches. When a branch is cut and planted right end up, roots will develop and leaves will sprout, forming a new tree within a few years’ time. Prime Viewing: Primary and secondary forests, countrywide.

Gumbo-Limbo

Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea) This parasitic tree gets its name from the fact that it envelops and eventually strangles its host tree. The strangler fig actually begins as an epiphyte, whose seeds are deposited high in a tree’s canopy by bats, birds, or monkeys. The young strangler then sends long roots down to the earth. The sap of the strangler fig is used to relieve burns. Prime Viewing: Primary and secondary forests, countrywide.

Strangler Fig

Caribbean Pine (Pinus caribaea) This fast-growing pine species is the defining tree of the Mountain Pine Ridge area of western Belize. The tree is actually fire resistant, and benefits from controlled burns. The resin is used as an adhesive and insect repellent. Prime Viewing: Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve (see chapter 10).

Caribbean Pine

Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) The national tree of Belize, the mahogany tree can grow to heights of more than 30m (100 ft.). Mahogany wood is heavy and strong, and resists rot and termites. From its wood, artisans and carpenters craft the world’s finest furniture. Prime Viewing: Primary and secondary rainforests, countrywide.

Mahogany

Craboo (Byrsonima crassifolia) The craboo’s flowers are beautiful orange and yellow racemes about 15cm (6 in.) long. The tree also bears a small orange-yellow berry, whose flavor varies from bland to sweet, acidic, or even cheeselike. The flowers usually bloom around April, with fruits gathered around June. Hurricane Iris destroyed many Belizean craboo trees in 2001. Prime Viewing: Countrywide.

Craboo

Red Torch Ginger (Nicolaia elatior) The tall red torch ginger plant has an impressive bulbous red bract, often mistaken for the flower. The numerous, small white flowers actually emerge out of this bract. Originally a native to Indonesia, it is now quite common in Belize. Prime Viewing: Countrywide, particularly in moist environments and gardens.

Red Torch Ginger

Flowers

Belize has more than 4,000 species of flowering plants, including some 250 orchid species.

Black Orchid (Encyclia cochleatum) The black orchid is the national flower of Belize. The plant’s most distinguishing feature is its lip, which resembles the shape of a clamshell valve. The flower is a deep blackish color with purple veins, and its leaves are a greenish-yellow with purple spots. The black orchid is sometimes likened to an octopus because of its straggling “tentacles” and its ability to thrive in a damp environment. Prime Viewing: Countrywide, particularly in moist environments.

Black Orchid

Heliconia (Heliconia collinsiana) There are more than 250 species of tropical heliconia. The flowers of this species are darkish pink in color, and the underside of the plants’ large leaves are coated in white wax. Prime Viewing: In the Toledo and Stann Creek districts.

Heliconia

Hot Lips (Psychotria poeppigiana) Also called “devil’s ear” in Belize, its small white flowers (inside the red “lips”) attract a variety of butterflies and hummingbirds. Prime Viewing: In the undergrowth of dense forests, countrywide.

Hot Lips