Bladen Nature Reserve - Knowledge (XXG)

918:(Tayassu tajacu) and the white-lipped peccary (Dicotyles pecari). Whilst there is some illegal hunting pressure, populations are considered good. The larger D. pecari, travels in large herds, and requires extensive contiguous areas of unfragmented broadleaf forest (20,000 hectares being estimated as the minimum dynamic area to support a viable population) – the Maya Mountain block of contiguous protected areas contributes significantly to the conservation of these species, ensuring that there is sufficient broadleaf forest in the overall area to maintain this key species. Records of white-lipped peccary in the higher altitude areas of the Maya Divide in Columbia River Forest Reserve. suggest that they may also move from one drainage system to another over the mountain passes of the Maya Divide, maintaining a genetically diverse population throughout the Maya Mountain block of protected areas. 59: 595:) - only two (upper and middle reaches) are represented within Bladen, as the protected area has no direct contact with the coastal areas. The majority of the streams and creeks draining the hill slopes within Bladen fall within the upper, or ‘headwaters’ category, characterized by fast running streams, waterfalls, pools and riffles, often carved deep into the bedrock, with tropical broadleaf forest on either bank, branches meeting overhead and shading the water. 1300:," located on the primary access route, straddling the mountain pass, and thought to have regulated the movement of people and goods into the Esperanza area during the Late Terminal Classic era. Unlike the majority of other sites, this fortress-like settlement, consisting of a long chain of structures (including a main, central plaza flanked by large structures), lies in an area of poor soils, distant from the nearest water supplies. 43: 573:. To the south, this drainage basin is bordered by karstic ridge crests. Within Bladen, this trellis of fast flowing streams meet to form Bladen Branch, draining the extruded Bladen volcanic rock and limestone to the one side, and the granite and sedimentary rock to the other, flowing through an alluvial plain and meandering eastwards, exiting the protected area, and flowing on to join the Swasey on entering the coastal plain. 947:. 337 species have been recorded to date within the boundaries (based on surveys conducted within the protected area), this is anticipated to climb to as many as 357 species, from knowledge of species recorded in adjacent protected areas of similar ecosystem types (Columbia River Forest Reserve Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Doyle's Delight) – representing 62% of the total bird species currently recorded for Belize. 800:. Bladen is therefore highlighted as a vital conservation area within the protected areas system, making a major contribution towards the maintenance of biodiversity in Belize. Its isolated nature and the lack of access have led to buffering it has with the presence of the other protected areas and the BFREE lands should enable it to continue its role in protecting both threatened and non-threatened species. 66: 1084:, with relatively easy access from Guatemala. Whether this is impacting Bladen itself is currently unknown, but the implications are that these areas, once considered pristine, should now be considered under threat. This pronounced negative response to hunting pressure makes these two species especially valuable as indicator species in areas where hunting still occurs. 875:). Whilst listed as an endangered species internationally, it is widespread in Belize, where it is seldom hunted, however, there have been recent reports of a tapir carcass killed adjacent to the protected area, with indications that it had been killed for the meat (Muschamp, pers. com, 2005), and there are reports that tapir is considered a traditional delicacy by the 641:– which can be expected to result in an increased abundances and biomass of fish. M. oxycarpum is present at elevated levels in South Stann Creek, Swasey Branch and Trio Branch, all of which drain areas of granite and metasediments, and can be expected to show far greater abundance of plant life than the phosphorus-poor Bladen Branch and Richardson Creek. 1071:– the most threatened of the Neotropical bird families and common hunting targets. Cracids are important seed dispersers and are a major protein source for local communities. Within Belize, both the curassow and the guan are locally common, and outside of protected areas such as Bladen, they are legal 934:

and the associated hunting pressure, is making this migration less viable, isolating the eastern hill slopes from the coastal areas, with their more accessible water sources. Initiatives such as YCT's Golden Stream corridor and TIDE's Block 127 provide the crucial link between the two, and will be an

721:

far beyond the most accessible valleys and adjacent slopes. Snake Creek, in SW Bladen, was the most remote portion that was logged. As a result of this limitation to the extent of logging activities, and the fact that legal commercial logging has not taken place for 35 years, Bladen is now considered

1272:

Two sites in the Quebrada de Oro area were discussed during early fieldwork in Bladen. Both sites were located on the alluvial soils of the valley, one a minor settlement, the second a more structured site of plazas and structures, with outlying mounds. This second site lies on the steep bank of the

738:

are considered confirmed for Bladen, either through being recorded within the protected area, or being recorded in both the contiguous protected areas to the north and south (Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Columbia River Forest Reserve - Bladen is expected to have significant species overlap

684:

At the ecosystem level, the Bladen Nature Reserve plays a critical role as a core conservation area, protecting over 5% of the national extent of 11 ecosystems. 10 of these ecosystems have more than 15% of their total national coverage within the protected area, 5 of which have over one third of the

459:

To the east and south-east lies rugged limestone topography of steep, conical hills pocked by vertical-sided sinkholes, underground streams and caves. Water is scarce in this karst landscape, especially during the dry months, resulting in the presence of a vegetation type adapted to seasonally drier

1324:

Despite the environmental and social importance of Bladen, threats such as expansion of adjacent agricultural areas, hunting, illegal extraction and development ventures have the potential to severely impact the integrity of the reserve and must be accounted and planned for appropriately. The most

1315:

In 2022 a study of DNA found in multiple Bladen rock shelters was reported. 50 individuals were directly dated with radiocarbon, and found to have lived between 1000 and 9600 years ago. The oldest appeared have migrated from North America, but the majority had migrated from South America, bringing

1216:

Bladen's status as an IUCN category 1a nature reserve means that it is afforded the highest level of protection possible to a protected area. It is one of only three nature reserves in Belize and, in addition to the 24-hour presence of trained rangers, only researchers with valid permits issued by

746:

The majority of species of concern listed for Cockscomb and Columbia River Forest Reserve are considered to be protected by Bladen as well, though in some cases this needs verification through further fieldwork in the area. Of these, 19 are considered of international concern at species level under

1276:

In 1994, further work by the MMAP located three unlooted sites of considerable complexity within the Snake Creek and Esperanza areas. Whilst the south-eastern lower valley of Snake Creek is steep sided and was uninhabited in Maya times, the good agricultural soils of the north-western upper valley

950:

Bladen Nature Reserve contains a wide variety of ecosystems, ranging from the fertile floodplain vegetation to the higher elevations of the Maya Mountains. This has resulted in the high species richness observed within the area. The majority of the species are lowland broadleaf forest generalists,

921:

Mammal distribution in the karst area is reported as seasonal, with many larger species such as white lipped and collared peccary migrating to the coastal plains along the riparian forest routes as the water sources start to dry up in the steep limestone hills during the dry season. As the coastal

709:

2003). Whilst the 1994 REA recognized only 9 ecosystems (as compared with the 20 mapped by Meerman & Sabido), they found that 73% of the approximately 300 plant species they identified were specific to single ecosystems. This suggests a far higher prevalence of ecological specialization in the

464:

of wildlife to the lowlands. Smaller streams that emerge as springs within the hill slopes then disappear underground again after flowing a short distance – a characteristic of this limestone topography. Only the Bladen, flowing over the porphrytic Bladen Volcanic Member (an area composed of lavas

1175:

Ten species are considered to be of international concern (IUCN Red List), and of the additional 22-32 species that are likely to occur in the protected area (but which have not yet been recorded there), a further four are considered to be of international concern (IUCN Red List) – the endangered

870:

present in Bladen, and tends to be associated particularly with riparian areas where it grazes on the herbaceous vegetation. Both the 1984 and the 1997 studies reported frequent sightings of tracks, suggesting that this species is widespread through the lowland areas of the nature reserve (Brokaw

791:

When the entire Maya Mountain block of east-slope protected areas of contiguous ecosystems is considered (Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Bladen Nature Reserve and Columbia River Forest Reserve), the number of species that could be present increases to 110 species – 67% of the total number of

568:

The Upper Bladen drainage is a tributary of the Monkey River, the fourth largest watershed catchments in Belize with an estimated drainage area of 1,275 km (492 sq mi). In the upper reaches, on the south-east slope of the Maya Divide, the water flows off steep terrain, carving deep

455:

of the Maya Mountains (Table 5) resulting in the formation of an upland plateau, and shaping the present topography of the Maya Massif. This plateau dips gently to the west, whilst the steep eastern edge of this plateau has been eroded by numerous streams to form the series of steep sided valleys

879:

communities (community consultations). The main threat to this species in Belize is the increasing land use change, with the destruction of suitable habitat - the protection of significant tracts of unfragmented riparian vegetation and other suitable habitat is now considered a priority for its

821:

epidemic in 1956/1957 that swept through the Alouatta population throughout most of the country. Pockets of viable populations remained, including those in Columbia River Forest Reserve and Bladen Nature Reserve, whilst in other areas further north, such as Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Reserve, the

1015:

recording the avifauna. These areas are contiguous with those of Bladen, and from the data at these two sites, there appears to be almost complete species overlap. With these areas being so remote and inaccessible, there has also been the addition of new species records for Belize, such as the

834:

and hunters – suggest that this species has been continuously present in the area, and it is presently considered to have a healthy population (Marlin, pers. com.). This may be important for the replenishment of the coastal population following the population crash and social disorganization

1079:

within the protected area, resulting in reduced populations of both species. This was noted by the 1992 and 1997 expeditions to Columbia River Forest Reserve directly south of Bladen, with reports that game species were unexpectedly scarce in even the upper elevations, suggesting increasing

1172:. Through analysis of the known and predicted ranges of Belize's herpetofauna, and of their habitat requirements, it can be estimated that the total number of species likely to occur within Bladen Nature Reserve is between 108 and 114 species (with a maximum possibly as high as 124). 701:, Bladen Nature Reserve offers perhaps the most diverse range of conditions for plant life of any protected area in Belize (Figure 7). A significant portion of the plants recorded to date are specialists – associated with a narrow ecological zone. This complexity is enhanced by the 787:

species typical of tropical moist broadleaf forest. Of the 163 species of mammal recorded within Belize that could potentially be found in the protected area based on the assumption of similar ecosystems, 93 species are recorded as present within Bladen Nature Reserve itself.

1329:

collectors, known as Xateros, who are causing widespread extirpations of xaté and impacting populations of game species by illegally hunting during xaté palm collecting expeditions. As mentioned above, looting of Mayan archaeological sites is also an important issue.

926:, these species then move back to the foothills once again. Predators, principally jaguar, are thought to follow this migration. Whilst this has been possible in past years, the current rate of fragmentation of forest habitat and increase in human presence, with the 1252:(AD 700 – 900) virtually all inhabitable land is considered to have been occupied, though Dunham estimates that there would have been no more than 10,000 people residing in the Bladen watershed at any one time during the Maya occupancy. The discovery of a 507:- densely dissected, steeply sloping limestone hills. Much of the land consists of karst topography of sloping towers and sink holes, produced by differential limestone solution. The steeper regions are very prone to erosion, and therefore unsuitable for 730:

This large expanse of primarily forested uplands and valleys is essential for the survival of species such as the scarlet macaw, white-lipped peccary and harpy eagle, which need large contiguous forest stretches in order to maintain viable populations.

657:

trees) on the upper slopes, and semi-deciduous (5-75% deciduous trees) on the ridge. Forest stature decreases with increasing elevation from the valleys to the ridges, with a corresponding decrease in the density of large trees. This largely reflects

1112:) has been recorded from the adjacent Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Doyle's Delight, with a high probability that its range includes Bladen. Other birds highlighted as being of concern include the second large game species crested guan ( 891:) has been recorded within the protected area, this species being closely associated with the river system, where its presence indicates healthy fish stocks and little human disturbance. All five of the cat species found in Belize, jaguar, 610:, Swasey Branch and Trio), and those that drain the Bladen volcanic rock and surrounding limestone (Richardson Creek and other southern tributaries of Bladen Branch). The water of rivers draining the granite and metasediments is rich in 1087:

Of particular note is the presence of a number of species in the protected area considered endangered or vulnerable, and in need of protection within Belize. These include one of the two large game species (the great curassow), and the

1311:

suggest major looting activity within the Bladen Nature Reserve a few years ago, highlighting the need to maintain effective patrolling, and greater targeted monitoring of activity at the archaeological sites within the reserve.

1010:

Whilst the higher elevations within Bladen have not yet been studied, those of Columbia River Forest Reserve and Doyle's Delight (within Chiquibul Forest Reserve) have both been the focus of expeditions with experienced

1549:

Wright A.C.S., Romney, D.H., Arbuckle, R.H. & Vial, V.E. (1959). Land in British Honduras: Report of the British Honduras land use survey team. Colonial Research Publications (24). London: Her Majesty’s Stationery

605:

Dependent on the geology of the area, the river systems of the Monkey River watershed can be divided into two different categories - those rivers that drain granite and Santa Rosa Group metasediments (tributaries of

602:, with little variation in gradient. The character of the waterway changes from the fast moving streams of the headwaters to slower, wider, deeper, meandering rivers, interspersed in places with shallower riffles. 1256:

style vessel during the 1994 fieldwork indicates that the settlements had wide-ranging contacts, even when much of the southern lowland populations were in decline. Three areas have been highlighted by the MMAP:

322:, with this large contiguous block of undisturbed rainforest these game species are able to increase population size thus creating a ‘spillover effect’ onto community lands where they may be hunted as a source of 714:(S. Brewer, pers. com.). A number of plant species that occur in these upper elevations of Bladen and the contiguous portions in Chiquibul National Park are found nowhere else in Belize (J. Marlin, pers. com.). 1421:

Brewer S. W., M. Rejmanek, M.A.H. Webb and P.V.A. Fine (2003). Relationship of phytogeography and diversity of tropical tree species with limestone topography in southern Belize. Journal of Biogeography 30,

529:

rocks, producing non-alluvial, shallow soils on the slopes, or deeper colluvial deposits that collect at the base of the hillslopes following erosion. Vegetation characteristic of this soil type is evergreen

1467:

Iremonger, S. & N.V.L. Brokaw, 1995. Vegetation Classification for Belize. In R. Wilson (ed.). Towards a National Protected Area System Plan for Belize, Synthesis Report. 114 pp. Programme for Belize

1136:

A total of 92 species have been recorded to date in Bladen Nature Reserve: 24 amphibians, 1 crocodilian, 6 freshwater turtles, 21 lizards and 40 snakes. These include ubiquitous generalists (such as

625:

The differing phosphorus levels have a very strong bearing on the flora and fauna found within these rivers (Esselman, pers. com.). Phosphorus is particularly important as a plant growth promoter in

1273:

Quebrada, which in 1984 was eroding inwards towards the site. Looting activity was observed at both sites. These sites were later revisited during the Maya Mountain Archaeological Project.

622:

and a basic pH. Conversely Bladen Branch, draining the volcanic rock and adjacent limestone, is low in phosphorus, but has a higher level of nitrogen, high conductivity, and a neutral pH.

685:

total national coverage occurring within the boundaries of Bladen Nature Reserve. Each of these ecosystems is confined to rugged terrain in the higher rainfall areas of southern Belize.

337:

within the area is also important, with the river system providing water for local communities and large agricultural areas on the coastal plain. The watershed drains into the

1431:

King, R.B., I.C. Baillie, P.G. Bissett, R.J. Grimble, M.S. Johnson and S. L. Silva. (1986). Land Resource Survey of Toledo District, Belize. Land Resources Development Centre.

830:

in Bladen during both the 1987 and 1994 surveys, attributed to the yellow fever - however enquiries into the howler monkey populations in the area, among traditional users –

242:. With the rapid clearance of forested areas throughout Central America, this is part of the last remaining large, relatively intact block of forest within the region – the 1303:

All three of these structures were unlooted in 1994; however, with the increasing knowledge of these sites, and the continued access by hunters to the area and Guatemalan

710:

flora of Bladen than is typical in Belize. Plant associations are reported to link the flora of some of the upper elevations within Bladen with the flora of the Antillean

349:

in the world - lying offshore, reliant on the quality of the water. Bladen, along with Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary protects the upper waters and tributaries of the

1075:

for those with hunting permits. However, the increase in agricultural colonists and seasonal Central American workers adjacent to the nature reserve has led to increased

717:

Whilst the lowlands of Bladen were repeatedly logged, albeit at low levels, up until about 1970, the steep terrain of much of the reserve was not conducive to extensive

1296:, is a moderately sized site found to consist of a large civic plaza, connected by a causeway to low temple mounds, with minor adjoining causeways. To the south lies " 662:

associated with rapid drainage on the steep limestone topography. Recent studies of phytogeography have demonstrated a significant affinity between the flora of the

1288:

During the same field season, Esperanza valley was discovered to have three sites, two of which are inside Bladen Nature Reserve, in its southwesternmost corner. "

1104:(BFREE) discovered a breeding pair of harpy eagles with a chick, the first recorded in Belize and also representing the extreme of their northerly range. The rare 751:(critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or at least risk/near threatened). A further two are considered of international concern at sub-species level; the 1044:) - were also recorded for the first time, in Columbia River Forest Reserve in 1992, and may be present in the higher altitude areas of Bladen Nature Reserve. 525:. These steep mountainous slopes of the Maya Mountains – over 25° angle between 80 and 1,120 metres (260 and 3,670 ft) altitude, overlie Santa Rosa Group 1653: 318:

generation, and preserving genetic diversity. On a more local scale Bladen functions as a sanctuary for birds and mammals which are subject to hunting for

1604: 598:

These upper reach streams then join to form Bladen Branch further downstream in the middle reaches of the river system, the water flowing through a narrow

951:

found throughout much of Belize. The floodplain of Bladen Branch also attracts many of the riverine, forest edge and gallery forest species, such as the

424:, with localized granite intrusions, is part of the main Maya Mountain range, which was subjected to tectonic uplift along two major fault systems – the 1440:

Lee M. D., Stednick J. S. & Gilbert D. M. (1995) Environmental water quality monitoring program. Final Report to. USAID-NARMAP, Government of Belize

569:

valleys through the landscape, and is protected within three contiguous protected areas – Bladen Nature Reserve, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and

101: 1593:

Brokaw N. and Lloyd-Evans (1987) The Bladen Branch Wilderness. Manomet Bird Observatory Caribbean Banana Exporters Association (2003). www.cbea.org

907:

are reported to be present within the Bladen area, suggesting that there is a good prey base to support these key predators (Marlin, pers. com.).

619: 1148:, along with species with ranges restricted to the mid-to upper elevations of the Maya Mountains within their range in Belize – species such as 1101: 1449:

Esselman P. (2001) The Monkey River Baseline Study; Basic and Applied Research for monitoring and assessment in southern Belize. Masters Thesis

852:), appears to be more restricted to the forested hill slopes, overlapping less with the coastal areas of human impact. The Belize sub-species, 405:/ volcanic slopes rising to the crest of the Maya Divide to the north west, and the limestone karst to the south, both draining into the flat, 1476:

Healy R. G. and D. Newman (1989) Opportunity costs in establishing the proposed Bladen Branch Nature Reserve, Belize. Report submitted to WWF.

666:

and the upper limestone ridges of the Bladen Nature Reserve, indicating a far more complex regional phytogeography than previously suspected.

188:, itself a region considered a world ‘hotspot for species diversity’ and considered critical for the preservation of the biodiversity of the 58: 1402:

Nicholas Wicks N., Pizii B., Walker P., Matamoros W., Medina M., Miller N., Bonilla V., Rapid Ecological Assessment of Central River (2010)

783:

With its forested slopes, riparian vegetation, valleys and rugged limestone landscapes, Bladen Nature Reserve is home to a wide variety of

420:, being divided into two geomorphological areas running parallel to each other. The ridge of metamorphosed sedimentary rocks, known as the 493:(1959) but using techniques such as satellite imagery to update the original report. Soils within Bladen are dependent on the underlying 1379:

Meerman J. (2007). Establishing a Baseline to Monitor Species and Key Biodiversity Areas in Belize. Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund

739:

with these two adjacent protected areas). Bladen is also expected to share some of the species recorded in the montane forest areas of

1648: 227: 1341:

for a potential hydroelectric dam on the Central River which forms the boundary between Bladen and Columbia River Forest Reserve. A

1564: 1217:

the Forest Department and student groups (within a designated education zone) are permitted within the boundaries of the reserve.

856:, is listed as vulnerable (IUCN, 2005), reflecting the decreasing population in the region, primarily through habitat destruction. 552:, and laid down by these streams as they drain the Richardson Peak Mountains and karst hills to either side, and also the volcanic 177: 1201: 1017: 752: 28: 1510: 1248:

resources. Whilst the density of settlement is considered to have been low in comparison with the coastal plain, during the

353:, ensuring that it provides the major benefits of watershed protection and management to the coastal plain areas, including 518: 219:

across a great range of elevations, which according to recent evidence includes several potential new and endemic species.

1238: 485:(1959), looking at soils and associated vegetation assemblages in great detail. The second is a more recent study by King 211:. The large number of ecosystems encompassed within the nature reserve highlights its importance as a strictly protected 1494:

McCarthy T. and Blake (1987). Noteworthy bat records from the Maya Mountains Forest Reserve, Belize. Mammalia 51:161-164

570: 286: 1229:

For many years it was assumed that the steep and rugged terrain of Bladen would have been of little interest to the

792:

mammal species recorded for Belize, partly as a result of specialized species surveys into groups such as the small

1208:). A series of expeditions in Bladen in 2011 is expected to confirm the presence of some or all of these species. 548:: The most recent soils are in the north-east of Bladen, following the line of the floodplain of Bladen Branch and 297:

to co-manage the protected area. Ya'axché now assumes responsibility for the day-to-day management of the reserve.

231: 253:

This large expanse of primarily forested uplands and valleys is essential for the survival of species such as the

1025: 952: 1575:

Meerman J.C. (1997). The Columbia River Forest Reserve: Little Quartz Ridge Expedition. A Biological Assessment.

1144: 207:

coastline, resulting in a forest with a little-disturbed structure, tall trees of impressive stature and intact

1643: 1540:

Meerman J.C. (1997). The Columbia River Forest Reserve: Little Quartz Ridge Expedition. A Biological Assessment

927: 373:. Furthermore, Bladen protects the steeper slopes of the watershed areas, which, if cleared, would cause rapid 1507: 826:

in 1961, and by local hunting pressure, extirpating the local population by 1978. There was a notable lack of

294: 843:

and loss throughout its range, Alouatta pigra has recently been upgraded to endangered in the IUCN Red Book.

669:

Twenty ecosystems have been identified within the Bladen area, ranging from broadleaf lowland hill forest to

425: 1185: 1177: 1100:) has also been recorded from Bladen (Marlin, pers. com., 2006, 2010) and in December 2010 researchers from 884: 398: 235: 184:

which was identified as one of the most important blocks of protected areas within Belize and more broadly,

172:

Widely described as the crown jewel of Belize's protected areas, Bladen is considered to be one of the most

169:

and an abundance of highly diverse flora and fauna which includes a great deal of rare and endemic species.

1249: 1281:

in complex groupings, with two main plazas flanked by an extensive range of structures. This site, named "

1262: 370: 334: 180:. At 99,796 acres (40,386 ha) Bladen forms a significant portion of the Key Biodiversity Area of the 630: 1237:

extractors suggested however that the Maya had indeed settled the Bladen system, later confirmed by the

840: 32: 1559:

Iremonger, S. & Sayer, (1994). A Rapid Ecological Assessment of the Bladen Nature Reserve, Belize.

1285:" by the MMAP, is located on the creek bank, which is eroding its banks to gradually destroy the site. 1029: 557: 497:, and can be divided broadly into soils derived from limestone rocks, and those with granitic origins. 469:

that lies between the Santa Rosa Group and the limestone hills), runs permanently throughout the year.

466: 1266: 1233:, with difficult access and little cultivatable land. Exploration in the early 1900s by chicleros and 1081: 935:

important factor in the long term viability of larger mammal species in this southern area of Bladen.

556:. These fertile, alluvial soils are built up by regular flood events, with the characteristics of the 549: 504: 310:

Bladen Nature Reserve provides global environmental benefits by providing clean air, functioning as a

1164: 984: 976: 960: 659: 282: 262: 212: 1458:

Meerman J.C. & Sabido, W. (2001). Central American Ecosystems Map: Belize. Programme for Belize.

1337:

speculators. In 2009 Bladen was illegally entered by a hydroelectric company who were conducting a

1282: 481:

studies have taken place in Belize – the first a comprehensive study of the whole country by Wright

330:

communities which buffer Bladen and who have traditionally lived off the products of these forests.

1393:

Conservation International (2003) Biodiversity Hotspots - Mesoamerica. www.biodiversityhotspots.org

1297: 577: 410: 342: 1072: 522: 456:

leading down from the Maya Divide, that form the relief in Cockscomb, Bladen and Columbia Forest.

433: 429: 1278: 1193: 1149: 1089: 1028:(Doyle's Delight Expedition, 1993; Little Quartz Ridge, Jones, 1997). Two Neotropical migrants - 189: 1605:"The Maya—and the maize that sustained them—had surprising southern roots, ancient DNA suggests" 1289: 740: 553: 1333:

Another major threat comes from poorly planned and unsustainable development particularly from

1326: 560:

soils, and have led to incursions into the area by people wanting to settle new farming areas.

1560: 1338: 1169: 1117: 996: 831: 810: 670: 607: 441: 290: 216: 163: 1612: 1304: 1064: 931: 915: 859: 848: 823: 809:), one of the two primate species recorded from the area, is endemic to a small area of the 663: 531: 461: 421: 366: 1307:

from the west, it is unlikely that they are still intact. Anecdotal reports from as far as

1277:

was found to have supported a modest Late Terminal Classic community with well constructed

1258: 1076: 876: 452: 437: 85: 42: 1485:

Jacobs N. and A. Casteneda. (1998) The Belize Biodiversity Strategy, Government of Belize

1362: 269:, which need large contiguous forest stretches in order to maintain viable populations. 1244:

It would appear that the Bladen area was an important extraction area particularly for

1138: 1105: 1048: 1037: 836: 814: 805: 406: 278: 223: 181: 1637: 1334: 1293: 1012: 991:). Other species closely associated with water have also been recorded – the various 827: 748: 445: 413:

itself. Between these two, lies the Bladen Branch valley, draining to the northeast.

378: 362: 358: 338: 258: 1230: 1158: 1056: 968: 818: 634: 526: 354: 350: 327: 173: 1241:(MMAP), which worked in the Bladen area for two successive years (1993 and 1994). 576:

To the south-east, a limited number of the karstic streams form the headwaters of

1531:

The Nature Conservancy (2006). Selva Maya, Ecoregional Planning Workshop, Belize

1308: 1004: 711: 702: 508: 311: 266: 203:) hills, Bladen has protection from many of the destructive storms that hit the 185: 1342: 1124:), and seasonally, the regionally endangered subspecies of the scarlet macaw ( 992: 923: 896: 626: 611: 599: 588: 581: 417: 386: 346: 243: 166: 116: 103: 1616: 1584:

Jones H.L., Vallely A.C., (2001), Annotated checklist of the birds of Belize

943:

Bladen Nature Reserve is considered to have a particularly rich and diverse

867: 743:, and the majority of those of the more intensively studied BFREE property. 698: 654: 650: 592: 535: 382: 239: 208: 204: 200: 633:), providing greater shelter and food resources, enabling greater aquatic 293:

took over management in December 2008 and has a letter of intent from the

1234: 1068: 735: 678: 674: 615: 478: 451:

The beginning of the Paleogene Period (65 million years ago) saw renewed

319: 315: 159: 1245: 1218: 911: 718: 694: 638: 494: 402: 381:

problems, not only within the river system downstream, but also on the

374: 323: 517:: These acidic soils are derived from the granite upland areas of the 1253: 904: 900: 892: 793: 784: 501:

Constantly Lime Enriched Soils and Intermittently Lime Enriched Soils

254: 247: 151: 89: 1522:

IUCN (2006). IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. www.redlist.org.

705:

experienced by the limestone substrata and associated soils (Brewer

629:

systems, resulting in more abundant aquatic plant life (especially

1345:

imposed by Ya’axché is currently pending an appeal in the courts.

1063:). Both these species, along with their more common relative, the 764: 401:, and is composed essentially of two geomorphological areas - the 238:

lie to the northwest, connecting to the protected areas system in

196: 944: 822:

epidemic was compounded by other impacts such as the effects of

539: 155: 1506:

Brokaw N. and Lloyd-Evans (1987) The Bladen Branch Wilderness.

653:

in the valleys and on the lower slopes, semi-evergreen (25-50%

797: 281:

within Belize, and is managed through partnership between the

1389: 1387: 1385: 1102:

Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education

448:

limestones were deposited over the entire Maya Mountains.

846:

The second species, the Central American spider monkey (

587:

Of the three water system categories – upper reaches (

1403: 1325:

pressing threats are currently the advancing illegal

1047:

Bladen has two large resident game bird species, the

722:

as one of the most pristine environments in Belize.

440:, accompanied by intrusion by granite. In the early 132: 95: 81: 21: 734:93 species of mammal, 337 species of birds and 92 246:- stretching from Belize through to Guatemala and 176:-rich, and geographically unique areas within the 195:At its most sheltered points, west of the rugged 397:Bladen Nature Reserve encompasses much of the 341:26 km (16 mi) to the east, with the 65: 8: 369:, quality of fish stocks, biodiversity, and 1502: 1500: 416:The geology of Bladen follows this general 1417: 1415: 1413: 1411: 1024:) (Doyle's Delight Expedition, 1989), and 236:Chiquibul National Park and Forest Reserve 18: 649:The forests of Bladen Nature Reserve are 1354: 1292:," situated on the valley floor of the 1511:Caribbean Banana Exporters Association 914:species are recorded from Bladen, the 591:), middle reaches, and lower reaches ( 226:, Bladen forms a crucial link between 519:Richardson Peak Mountains Land System 7: 1239:Maya Mountain Archaeological Project 1096:). The near threatened harpy eagle ( 1067:, are representatives of the family 521:that form the western slopes of the 444:oceanic waters flooded the area and 80: 922:savannas become flooded during the 817:. This species was decimated by a 228:Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary 14: 1316:improved maize plants with them. 803:The Yucatan black howler monkey ( 693:With its diversity of altitude, 333:Bladen Nature Reserve's role in 178:Mesoamerican Biological Corridor 64: 57: 41: 16:Nature reserve in Toledo, Belize 1603:Gibbons, Ann (22 March 2022). 1202:blue-spotted Mexican tree frog 1018:scaly-throated foliage-gleaner 753:Central American spider monkey 1: 854:Ateles geoffroyi yucatanensis 580:, and to the south east, the 232:Columbia River Forest Reserve 136:99,796 acres (40,386 ha) 1654:Petén–Veracruz moist forests 1182:Eleutherodactylus sandersoni 571:Maya Mountain Forest Reserve 1404:Ya'axche Conservation Trust 1184:), and the near threatened 460:conditions, and a seasonal 287:Ya'axché Conservation Trust 1670: 1145:Dendropsophus microcephala 1022:Anabacerthia variegaticeps 677:shrubland and short grass 1649:Protected areas of Belize 1110:Harpyhaliaetus solitarius 1026:tawny-throated leaftosser 1003:) and the two species of 953:bare-throated tiger heron 839:in 2001. With increasing 503:: These are soils of the 465:and associated extrusive 140: 52: 40: 26: 1508:Manomet Bird Observatory 928:agricultural development 295:Belize Forest Department 47:Central River at sunrise 1617:10.1126/science.abq1532 1363:"Bladen Nature Reserve" 1221:is strictly forbidden. 1034:Caprimulgus carolinesis 885:Neotropical river otter 489:(1986) based on Wright 426:Northern Boundary Fault 385:and out on the fragile 277:Bladen is one of three 399:Upper Bladen Watershed 215:area. Bladen protects 162:, streams and rivers, 73:Location within Belize 1250:Late Terminal Classic 1190:Bolitoglossa dofleini 1061:Penelope purpurascens 841:habitat fragmentation 542:at higher altitudes. 393:Geology and landforms 345:- the second largest 230:to the northeast and 148:Bladen Nature Reserve 33:strict nature reserve 22:Bladen Nature Reserve 1513:(2003). www.cbea.org 1206:Smilisca cyanosticta 1186:Doflein's salamander 1178:Sanderson's rainfrog 1165:Smilisca cyanosticta 1154:Agalychnis moreletti 985:yellow-tailed oriole 977:white-necked jacobin 880:continued survival. 371:habitat preservation 335:watershed protection 283:Government of Belize 263:white-lipped peccary 1367:protectedplanet.net 1198:Craugastor laticeps 981:Florisuga mellivora 957:Tigrisoma mexicanum 631:Marathrum oxycarpum 477:Two major soil and 343:Belize Barrier Reef 113: / 1194:broadhead rainfrog 1170:eleutherodactylids 1150:Morelets tree-frog 1094:Electron carinatum 1090:keel-billed motmot 1030:chuck-will's-widow 889:Lontra longicaudis 835:experienced after 614:, though with low 467:volcanic sediments 428:to the north, and 306:Ecosystem Services 234:to the southwest. 190:Western Hemisphere 154:is a landscape of 1339:feasibility study 1225:Cultural heritage 1212:Status and access 1122:Spizaetus ornatus 1118:ornate hawk-eagle 1001:Actitis macularia 997:spotted sandpiper 989:Icterus mesomelas 866:) is the largest 813:, Belize and the 811:Yucatan Peninsula 671:submontane forest 608:South Stann Creek 558:Toledo Floodplain 442:Cretaceous period 217:species diversity 145: 144: 117:16.491°N 88.886°W 1661: 1628: 1627: 1625: 1623: 1600: 1594: 1591: 1585: 1582: 1576: 1573: 1567: 1557: 1551: 1547: 1541: 1538: 1532: 1529: 1523: 1520: 1514: 1504: 1495: 1492: 1486: 1483: 1477: 1474: 1468: 1465: 1459: 1456: 1450: 1447: 1441: 1438: 1432: 1429: 1423: 1419: 1406: 1400: 1394: 1391: 1380: 1377: 1371: 1370: 1359: 1267:Esperanza Valley 1168:and most of the 1082:hunting pressure 1065:plain chachalaca 973:Cairina moschata 932:Southern Highway 916:collared peccary 849:Ateles geoffroyi 824:Hurricane Hattie 757:Ateles geoffroyi 664:Greater Antilles 550:Richardson Creek 532:broadleaf forest 505:Toledo Foothills 422:Santa Rosa Group 367:sediment control 128: 127: 125: 124: 123: 118: 114: 111: 110: 109: 106: 68: 67: 61: 45: 19: 1669: 1668: 1664: 1663: 1662: 1660: 1659: 1658: 1644:Toledo District 1634: 1633: 1632: 1631: 1621: 1619: 1602: 1601: 1597: 1592: 1588: 1583: 1579: 1574: 1570: 1558: 1554: 1548: 1544: 1539: 1535: 1530: 1526: 1521: 1517: 1505: 1498: 1493: 1489: 1484: 1480: 1475: 1471: 1466: 1462: 1457: 1453: 1448: 1444: 1439: 1435: 1430: 1426: 1420: 1409: 1401: 1397: 1392: 1383: 1378: 1374: 1361: 1360: 1356: 1351: 1322: 1259:Quebrada de Oro 1227: 1214: 1134: 1114:P. purpurascens 1077:illegal hunting 961:shy agami heron 941: 864:Tapirus bairdii 781: 741:Doyle's Delight 728: 691: 660:edaphic drought 647: 566: 475: 453:tectonic uplift 438:Triassic period 395: 308: 303: 301:Characteristics 279:nature reserves 275: 122:16.491; -88.886 121: 119: 115: 112: 107: 104: 102: 100: 99: 77: 76: 75: 74: 71: 70: 69: 48: 36: 17: 12: 11: 5: 1667: 1665: 1657: 1656: 1651: 1646: 1636: 1635: 1630: 1629: 1595: 1586: 1577: 1568: 1552: 1542: 1533: 1524: 1515: 1496: 1487: 1478: 1469: 1460: 1451: 1442: 1433: 1424: 1407: 1395: 1381: 1372: 1353: 1352: 1350: 1347: 1321: 1318: 1226: 1223: 1213: 1210: 1139:Bufo valliceps 1133: 1130: 1106:solitary eagle 1098:Harpia harpyia 1049:great curassow 1038:warbling vireo 1013:ornithologists 940: 937: 837:Hurricane Iris 828:howler monkeys 806:Alouatta pigra 780: 777: 727: 724: 690: 687: 646: 643: 637:abundance and 565: 562: 474: 471: 407:alluvial plain 394: 391: 326:by indigenous 307: 304: 302: 299: 274: 271: 224:Maya Mountains 182:Maya Mountains 143: 142: 138: 137: 134: 130: 129: 97: 93: 92: 83: 79: 78: 72: 63: 62: 56: 55: 54: 53: 50: 49: 46: 38: 37: 27: 24: 23: 15: 13: 10: 9: 6: 4: 3: 2: 1666: 1655: 1652: 1650: 1647: 1645: 1642: 1641: 1639: 1618: 1614: 1610: 1606: 1599: 1596: 1590: 1587: 1581: 1578: 1572: 1569: 1566: 1565:0-9624590-7-0 1562: 1556: 1553: 1546: 1543: 1537: 1534: 1528: 1525: 1519: 1516: 1512: 1509: 1503: 1501: 1497: 1491: 1488: 1482: 1479: 1473: 1470: 1464: 1461: 1455: 1452: 1446: 1443: 1437: 1434: 1428: 1425: 1418: 1416: 1414: 1412: 1408: 1405: 1399: 1396: 1390: 1388: 1386: 1382: 1376: 1373: 1368: 1364: 1358: 1355: 1348: 1346: 1344: 1340: 1336: 1335:hydroelectric 1331: 1328: 1319: 1317: 1313: 1310: 1306: 1301: 1299: 1295: 1294:Central River 1291: 1286: 1284: 1280: 1274: 1270: 1268: 1264: 1260: 1255: 1251: 1247: 1242: 1240: 1236: 1232: 1224: 1222: 1220: 1211: 1209: 1207: 1203: 1199: 1195: 1191: 1187: 1183: 1179: 1173: 1171: 1167: 1166: 1161: 1160: 1155: 1151: 1147: 1146: 1141: 1140: 1131: 1129: 1127: 1123: 1119: 1115: 1111: 1107: 1103: 1099: 1095: 1091: 1085: 1083: 1078: 1074: 1070: 1066: 1062: 1058: 1054: 1050: 1045: 1043: 1039: 1035: 1031: 1027: 1023: 1019: 1014: 1008: 1006: 1002: 998: 994: 990: 986: 982: 978: 974: 970: 966: 962: 958: 954: 948: 946: 938: 936: 933: 929: 925: 919: 917: 913: 908: 906: 902: 898: 894: 890: 886: 881: 878: 874: 869: 865: 861: 860:Baird's tapir 857: 855: 851: 850: 844: 842: 838: 833: 829: 825: 820: 816: 812: 808: 807: 801: 799: 795: 789: 786: 778: 776: 774: 770: 766: 762: 758: 754: 750: 749:IUCN Red List 744: 742: 737: 732: 725: 723: 720: 715: 713: 708: 704: 700: 697:, aspect and 696: 688: 686: 682: 680: 676: 672: 667: 665: 661: 656: 652: 644: 642: 640: 636: 632: 628: 623: 621: 617: 613: 609: 603: 601: 596: 594: 590: 585: 583: 579: 578:Golden Stream 574: 572: 563: 561: 559: 555: 551: 547: 543: 541: 537: 533: 528: 524: 520: 516: 512: 510: 506: 502: 498: 496: 492: 488: 484: 480: 472: 470: 468: 463: 457: 454: 449: 447: 446:fossiliferous 443: 439: 435: 431: 427: 423: 419: 414: 412: 411:Bladen Branch 408: 404: 400: 392: 390: 388: 384: 380: 379:sedimentation 376: 372: 368: 364: 363:flood control 360: 359:water quality 356: 352: 348: 344: 340: 339:Caribbean Sea 336: 331: 329: 325: 321: 317: 313: 305: 300: 298: 296: 292: 288: 284: 280: 272: 270: 268: 264: 260: 259:scarlet macaw 256: 251: 249: 245: 241: 237: 233: 229: 225: 220: 218: 214: 210: 206: 202: 198: 193: 191: 187: 183: 179: 175: 170: 168: 165: 161: 157: 153: 149: 139: 135: 131: 126: 98: 94: 91: 87: 84: 60: 51: 44: 39: 34: 30: 29:IUCN category 25: 20: 1620:. Retrieved 1608: 1598: 1589: 1580: 1571: 1555: 1545: 1536: 1527: 1518: 1490: 1481: 1472: 1463: 1454: 1445: 1436: 1427: 1398: 1375: 1366: 1357: 1332: 1323: 1314: 1302: 1287: 1279:house mounds 1275: 1271: 1243: 1231:Ancient Maya 1228: 1215: 1205: 1197: 1189: 1181: 1174: 1163: 1159:Rana juliani 1157: 1153: 1143: 1137: 1135: 1132:Herpetofauna 1125: 1121: 1113: 1109: 1097: 1093: 1086: 1073:game species 1060: 1057:crested guan 1052: 1046: 1042:Vireo galvus 1041: 1033: 1021: 1009: 1000: 988: 980: 972: 969:Muscovy duck 965:Agamia agami 964: 956: 949: 942: 920: 909: 888: 882: 872: 863: 858: 853: 847: 845: 819:yellow fever 804: 802: 790: 782: 772: 769:Eira barbara 768: 761:yucatanensis 760: 756: 745: 733: 729: 716: 706: 692: 683: 668: 648: 635:invertebrate 624: 620:conductivity 618:levels, low 604: 597: 586: 584:watersheds. 575: 567: 546:Recent Soils 545: 544: 527:metasediment 523:Bladen Basin 515:Acidic Soils 514: 513: 500: 499: 490: 486: 482: 476: 458: 450: 434:Bladen Fault 430:Quartz Ridge 415: 396: 355:water supply 351:Monkey River 347:barrier reef 332: 309: 289:(Ya’axché). 276: 252: 221: 213:conservation 194: 174:biodiversity 171: 147: 146: 1309:Gales Point 1263:Snake Creek 1005:waterthrush 993:kingfishers 712:archipelago 703:seasonality 509:agriculture 436:during the 312:carbon sink 267:harpy eagle 222:Within the 186:Mesoamerica 141:yaaxche.org 120: / 96:Coordinates 1638:Categories 1349:References 1343:litigation 1290:Chac Bolai 1283:Saach'olil 1053:Crax rubra 1036:) and the 930:along the 924:wet season 897:jaguarundi 763:) and the 627:freshwater 612:phosphorus 600:floodplain 589:headwaters 582:Rio Grande 554:porphyrite 418:topography 387:coral reef 273:Management 244:Selva Maya 209:ecosystems 167:rainforest 164:old growth 108:88°53′10″W 105:16°29′28″N 1422:1669-1688 1327:xaté palm 1298:K'antulai 1126:Ara Macao 868:herbivore 832:chicleros 736:herptiles 699:hydrology 655:deciduous 651:evergreen 593:estuarine 564:Hydrology 536:shrubland 462:migration 383:sea grass 240:Guatemala 205:Caribbean 201:limestone 160:sinkholes 1622:22 March 1265:and the 1235:mahogany 1069:Cracidae 945:avifauna 877:Garifuna 679:savannah 675:riparian 645:Habitats 616:nitrogen 479:land use 320:bushmeat 316:rainfall 291:Ya’axché 285:and the 82:Location 1609:Science 1320:Threats 1305:Xateros 1246:mineral 1219:Tourism 1200:), and 1116:), the 975:), the 959:), the 912:peccary 794:rodents 779:Mammals 719:logging 695:geology 639:biomass 495:geology 409:of the 403:granite 375:erosion 324:protein 1563: 1550:Office 1254:Mixtec 1055:) and 983:) and 967:) and 905:margay 893:ocelot 873:et al. 785:mammal 707:et al. 491:et al. 487:et al. 483:et al. 255:jaguar 248:Mexico 152:Belize 90:Belize 86:Toledo 939:Birds 815:Peten 773:senex 771:ssp. 765:tayra 759:spp. 726:Fauna 689:Flora 473:Soils 328:Mayan 197:karst 156:caves 1624:2022 1561:ISBN 1142:and 910:Two 903:and 901:puma 883:The 798:bats 796:and 747:the 540:pine 538:and 377:and 265:and 133:Area 31:Ia ( 1613:doi 1192:), 1156:), 1128:). 775:). 150:in 1640:: 1611:. 1607:. 1499:^ 1410:^ 1384:^ 1365:. 1269:. 1261:, 1162:, 1007:. 995:, 899:, 895:, 681:. 673:, 534:, 511:. 432:/ 389:. 365:, 361:, 357:, 314:, 261:, 257:, 250:. 192:. 158:, 88:, 1626:. 1615:: 1369:. 1204:( 1196:( 1188:( 1180:( 1152:( 1120:( 1108:( 1092:( 1059:( 1051:( 1040:( 1032:( 1020:( 999:( 987:( 979:( 971:( 963:( 955:( 887:( 862:( 767:( 755:( 199:( 35:)

Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Additional terms may apply.

Index