Britney Free

Missouri Southern Honors Program

Study Abroad Dates: May 16th – May 26th, 2023

The Extraordinary Biomes and Biodiversity of Belize: A Pre-Travel Essay

As my travel date draws nearer, I find myself both excited and anxious for my upcoming

trip to Belize. I’ll preface this essay by saying that this will not have been my first time out of the

country, however this will be the first time I’ve ever had / will have the opportunity to step foot

into Central America. This will also be my first time traveling outside of the country without a

close parental figure by my side which is both exciting yet nerve racking. Belize is widely

known for its tropical rainforests, wetlands, and coastal areas. Home to a wide variety of flora

and fauna, including a variety of unique reptiles, amphibians, and insects Belize’s biodiversity is

vast and I’m excited to be given the opportunity to experience it firsthand.

Located at 17°15' north of the equator and 88°45' west of the Prime Meridian on the

Yucatán Peninsula, Belize's geographic location and climate has created a unique and diverse set

of biomes, each with its own vast and expansive array of plant and animals. The tropical

rainforests, covering more than half of Belize, are a treasure-trove of biodiversity. These

rainforests are home to a variety of wildlife including jaguars, toucans, and a number of unique

monkey species. As you near the coasts a new realm of wonder awaits—the captivating and

beautiful coastal biomes of Belize. Land meets the sea, and an intricate dance of life unfolds. The

mangroves, with their tangled roots and brackish waters, serve as a nursery for countless marine

species. But it’s the mesmerizing Barrier Reef that steals the spotlight. Beneath the crystal-clear

waters lies an underwater wonderland brimming with vibrant coral formations, swaying sea fans,

and an astonishing variety of marine life. The waters are home to a variety of species, including
sea turtles, rays, dolphins, sharks, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.

Those who know me know I’ve harbored a lifelong passion for herpetology and perhaps

what I’m looking forward to the most is a chance to get up and personal with some of Belize’s

reptiles and amphibians. Belize’s biodiversity includes over 120 species of reptiles and

amphibians, presenting an almost unparalleled opportunity for observation. From the green

iguanas to the resplendent tree frogs and elusive boa constrictors, there’s a wide variety and

diversity of life to observe. There’s 35 species of frogs and toads within Belize, over 56 species

of snakes, 13 species of turtles, and a handful of lizard species.

Although, my passion for the natural world does go beyond reptiles and amphibians. For

our biomes class, we’d been given the task to give presentations over something in relation to

our class trip and I’d chosen to give my presentation over the tarantula biodiversity in Belize. I

would love the chance to encounter any of Belize’s tarantula species. Although, I will admit this

might be unlikely as most of Belize’s tarantula species are quite elusive and even those who live

in the area seldomly come across many of the species. However, there is a chance that we could

come across Tliltocatl vagans (The Mexican Red-Rump Tarantula) or Citharacanthus meermani.

Tliltocatl vagans would be the most likely as it’s the most commonly found tarantula species

within in Belize and is easily identifiable due to it’s ‘red rump’. Citharacanthus meermani while

less common is found in more densely forested areas. Of course, there’s the possibility of

encountering any of Belize’s tarantula species those would be the two I would say we’re most

likely to encounter on our trip should we even encounter a tarantula.

The vibrant and diverse cultures of Belize are a tapestry woven from the rich traditions

and influences of various ethnic groups. The small Central American country is a melting pot
where Mayan, Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and other communities coexist, each contributing their

unique customs, languages, music, and culinary delights to the colorful cultural mosaic.

Mayan heritage runs deep in Belize, and several ancient archaeological sites, such as

Xunantunich and Caracol, bear witness to the remarkable civilization that once thrived in this

region. Today, Mayan communities continue to preserve their traditions, languages (such as

Yucatec and Mopan), and traditional practices, passing them down through generations.

Creole culture in Belize is a fusion of African, European, and indigenous influences. The

Creole people, descendants of African slaves and European settlers, have shaped the cultural

landscape with their vibrant music, dance, and culinary traditions. Creole music, such as

brukdown, captivates with its lively rhythms and soulful melodies, while the traditional Creole

cuisine delights the taste buds with dishes like hudut (fish stew with coconut milk) and rice and

beans.

Garifuna culture in Belize is a testament to the resilience and vibrant heritage of the

Garifuna people, who originated from the Caribbean Island of St. Vincent. With their distinct

language, drumming rhythms, and dances like the Punta and Wanaragua, the Garifuna

community has a strong presence along Belize's coastal areas, particularly in the towns of

Dangriga and Hopkins.

The Mestizo population, descended from Spanish and indigenous Maya ancestors,

contributes to the cultural tapestry of Belize with their customs, language (Spanish), and vibrant

celebrations.

Other communities, such as the East Indians, Chinese, and Lebanese, have also played a

role in shaping Belize's cultural landscape, adding further diversity and enriching the social
fabric of the country.

Culturally, I really don’t know what to expect from Belize. While we will largely be

focusing on the native wildlife of Belize there will be a few opportunities where we’ll be able to

immerse ourselves in the culture. Researching and actually experiencing are two different things

and due to Belize’s vast diversity in culture I think experiences would be very unique to the

families and communities you interact with. I really don’t think there’s a way to look at Belize’s

culture as an over all blanket because it is so vast, but who know perhaps there’s some

similarities I’m overlooking.

I’m truly looking for to my trip. I choose visit Belize in specific because of its vast

biodiversity and because the health of our planet and rainforests are rapidly declining.

Unfortunately, there’s really no telling how long the wonderful species, rainforests, and other

habitats of Belize will be around. There are some protections for the environment but in a lot of

ways there’s also no protection and I’d like to get to experience it while it’s still around. I know

I’ve left out a lot of specifics for the trip like where we’ll be going exactly and the landmarks

we’ll see and that’s entirely intentional because it’s something I’d like to touch more on in my

return essay so that I’m able to intertwine my personal experience with the places I’d gotten the

chance to visit.