Belizean reef mangroves | |
---|---|
Ecology | |
Realm | Neotropic realm |
Biome | Mangroves |
Geography | |
Area | 259 km2 (100 sq mi) |
Country | Belize |
Coordinates | 17°36′N 88°00′W / 17.6°N 88°W |
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]
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]
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]
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]
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:
Belizean reef mangroves | |
---|---|
Ecology | |
Realm | Neotropic realm |
Biome | Mangroves |
Geography | |
Area | 259 km2 (100 sq mi) |
Country | Belize |
Coordinates | 17°36′N 88°00′W / 17.6°N 88°W |
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]
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]
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]
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]
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: