Belizean reef mangroves
On Glover's Reef, Belize
Ecoregion territory (red areas in blue-dashed box)
Ecology
RealmNeotropic realm
BiomeMangroves
Geography
Area259 km2 (100 sq mi)
CountryBelize
Coordinates17°36′N 88°00′W / 17.6°N 88°W / 17.6; -88

The Belizean reef mangroves ecoregion (WWF ID: NT1406) covers the mangrove habitats along the islands and cayes of the Belize Barrier Reef. This ecoregion is distinct from the mainland Belizean Coast mangroves ecoregion, and may be considered a sub-unit of the overall Mesoamerican Gulf-Caribbean mangroves ecoregion. [1]

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 (Rhizophora mangle), with some white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa, black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), and coconut palms (Cocos nucifera).[1]

Mammals of conservation interest include the vulnerable West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), the endangered green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), the vulnerable loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), and the vulnerable American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). The ecoregion supports significant bird colonies, including the red-footed booby (Sula sula), brown booby (Sula leucogaster), and the brown ('common') noddy (Anous stolidus).[4]

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:

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Belizean reef mangroves". World Wildlife Federation. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  2. ↑ Kottek, M., J. Grieser, C. Beck, B. Rudolf, and F. Rubel, 2006. "World Map of Koppen-Geiger Climate Classification Updated" (PDF). Gebrüder Borntraeger 2006. Retrieved September 14, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  3. ↑ "Dataset - Koppen climate classifications". World Bank. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  4. ↑ "Belizean Barrier Reef". Retrieved September 3, 2021.
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