Belize Baboon Sanctuary

August 31, 2020
San Pedro Belize

BELIZE NATIONAL PARKS, NATURAL RESERVES, & WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES

ESTABLISHMENT HISTORY
Bermudian Landing was visited by primate researchers in 1981, whose follow up studies highlighted the higher densities of Black Howler Monkey associated with riparian rather than other types of forest . After initial consultation with the villagers in 1984, an application was made to WWF USA in 1985 for funds to set up the reserve. Local landowners and the Bermudian Landing Village Council signed a voluntary management agreement in 1985, with technical support provided by R- Horwich of Community Conservation Consultants (TJSA). The reserve has expanded since, to 11520 acres in 1986 (about 60 land owners) as more landowners have joined the project and committed themselves to the land management practices winch accommodate the Howler monkey (known as baboons in Creole). By March 1987, 6 other villages in the area were party to the agreement and there are now 70 land owners who have signed the voluntary pledge, and 30 others who cooperate with it In addition to Bermudian Landing, the other settlements involved are Flowers Bank, Isabella Bank, Big Falls/St Pauls Bank, Willows Bank, Double Head Cabbage, and Scotland Halfmoon.

CURRENT AREA
The area is calculated by adding the various surveys of the land parcels involved, and these amount to approximately 12980 acres, according to the LIC. This does not include the villagers who cooperate with but are not fully signed up to the agreement.

JUSTIFICATION
Established to protect the local population of Black Howler Monkeys through community participation in appropriate land management.

HABITATS
Broadleaf (including riparian) forest, secondary forest marsh, pasture and other farmland.

HOLDRIDGE LIFE ZONE
Subtropical Moist.

ZOOGEOGRAPHICAL AFFINITIES
Probable Peten with Yucatan influence.

WILDLIFE
The Black Howler Monkey, locally known as the baboon in English or the saraguate in Spanish, is the main species of interest in the reserve. A total of 28 troops were identified in the area in 1985. The Howler population has grown from 840 at this point to over 1000 by 1988. Territories are occupied by anything from a single animal to groups of 10. Before 1970, the Black Howler Monkey was thought to be a sub-species of A. palliata, which ranges throughout Central America. Investigations of skull shape and behavior established it as a separate species, with a range limited to southern Mexico, northern Guatemala and Belize. With increasing habitat destruction, this primate is becoming increasingly threatened- A variety of other mammals are found in the reserve or nearby, including Baird's Tapir and the Jaguarundi. Reptiles include Morelet's Crocodile, Iguana and the Central American River Turtle. Local people report that deer are beginning to re-appear and that birds are becoming more abundant Whilst 59 species of birds were recorded by Zisman in 1989, the number identified with increased investigation has risen to 250. The mature riverine forests contain 40 to 50 species of tree, and hundreds of shrub, herbaceous and epiphytic plants. The presence of commercial timbers, particularly Logwood, Cedar and Mahogany has been, and continues to be affected by logging so that the occurance of mature specimens is very rare. Milpa agriculture has left patches of riverine forest in various stages of secondary development

LOCAL POPULATION
The sanctuary is within and around Bermudian Landing village (ranching), Flowers Bank, Isabella Bank, Big Falls/St. Pauls Bank, Willows Bank, Double Head Cabbage and Scotland Halfmoon are all farming villages.

PHYSICAL FEATURES & CLIMATE
The reserve runs along the banks of the Belize River, in an area of alluvial sods, good for agriculture, at an elevation of approximately 80 feet above sea level. On average, approximately 65 inches of rain fall on the area a year. The mean monthly minimum temperature in winter is 61F and 75F in summer, with maximums of 82F in winter and 91F in summer. There is a pronounced dry season from February to May.

VISITOR FACILITIES
There is a visitor centre at Bermudian Landing, and trails maintained at each of the villages. There is also community lodging in each village. The sanctuary has many Belizean students on school visits.

CULTURAL FEATURES
There are numerous small house mounds in the reserve area. It's current settlements also have a significant history in the Logwood and timber trade of the 17th to 19th centuries.

Related Links:

BELIZE NATIONAL PARKS, NATURAL RESERVES, & WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES

Source: ambergriscaye.com

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