Main frieze at the summit of Xunantunich Maya Archaeological Temple.

The Mundo Maya countries, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize and El Salvador, are preparing to enjoy a tourism surge expected in the next few months generated by the end of the current Maya 2012 Long Count Calendar on December 21.

That day marks the end of the Maya calendar cycle “Baktún”, which began 5,125 years ago, and and the start another cycle according to experts who say that the count of the time of the pre-Columban civilization was not linear but circular, the cycles beginning at a point in which one ends and the other starts anew.

The appointed date has unleashed apocalyptic predictions, including the theory that it will be the end of the world, but the only thing that countries of the Maya world are preparing for is to receive a tidal wave of tourists.

“We are going to meet expectations (…), it is a guaranteed success, the arrival of tourists from Europe, South America, United States, Canada and other parts of the world,” the Minister of tourism of El Salvador and President pro tempore of the Maya world Organization (WMO), José Napoleón Duarte is quoted as saying in an article in Guatemala’s Prensa Libre newspaper this week.

“The impact is already being felt throughout social media networks; the Maya world is now the most important focus for tourists coming to Central America and Mexico,” noted Mr. Duarte.

Duarte says that in the main archaeological areas of the five countries of the Maya world hotel occupancy ‘is fully booked’ for December and that, in the case of El Salvador, “there are airlines that are already completely booked up for the San Salvador” in that month.

The official has estimated that tourism in the region will increase by more than 10 per cent by the end of the Maya cycle.

Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador are expecting five million tourists and Mexico around 10 million, to the Maya World regions alone, excluding other tourist niche markets, according to Duarte.

According to statistics from the Secretariat for Central American Tourism Integration, in 2011 the number of visitors to the region grew 4.5 percent to eight million tourists, with a 9 percent increase in foreign currency earnings totaling some $8.2 billion.

Some of the more prominent archaeological sites offered by the Mundo Maya include Palenque, Tulum, Comalcalco, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Cobá (Mexico), Xunantunich (Belize), the Jewel of Cerén (El Salvador), Tikal (Guatemala) and Copan (Honduras).

Duarte said that each country of the Mayan world is organizing its own activities on the occasion of the “Baktun”, in some cases starting in November, but that will be no main regional activity.

But Duarte says says that on the night of December 20 he will link up with his counterparts in the Maya world via satellite television from the ruins of Tazumal (El Salvador) and this event will be broadcast from Canada to Colombia.

“That will be the event where we will meet to explain what are we doing on the occasion and continue to raise awareness of the Maya culture and the Baktun, he stated.

The countries of the Maya world will hold concerts, gastronomic festivals, religious ceremonies, ball games, archaeological visits, and conferences on science and tourism investments, among other activities promoting appreciation for and understanding of Maya Culture.

El Salvador, which will start their celebrations in the first week of December,  will symbolically build four Mayan pyramids in the port of La Libertad (Pacific), that will combine four elements: wood, earth, fire (with laser lights) and water (the sea).

Nothing as spectacular is planned for Belize. Announcements to date are for tourism-oriented events such as camp-outs and Maya ceremony re-enactments to be held at the Xunantunich, Caracol and Cahal Pech Maya Temples in western Belize.

Mestizo kids in traditional wear practice before taking the main stage at the Corozal House Of Culture on Columbus Day. Image Copyright Manolo Romero & Belize.com Ltd.

Columbus Day, better known as Dia De La Raza and Pan American Day is celebrated in Belize on 12 October – usually not on the precise date if it falls near a weekend. The government usually grants a long weekend if the day falls on a Friday, by making the next Monday a public and bank holiday.

Music group at Corozal Town festival for Columbus Day. Image Copyright Manolo Romero & Belize.com Ltd.

Celebrations to make this festive day are concentrated in the North of Belize which has a large Latino and Mestizo population. Nightclubs and music promoters exploit the day by holding special dances and events, usually featuring imported pop music groups and celebrities. Government helps by promoting cultural events in the municipalities of Corozal and Orange Walk towns. And many Belizeans take advantage of the long weekend to flee to neighboring Chetumal City or Cancun in Mexico where Colombus Day is really celebrated in a big way.

Columbus Day, Dia De La Raza, Dia De Las Americas, Pan American Day – whatever your choice – it is a fun time in these areas of the country. Even sailing is making a revival as Corozal holds its annual Corozal Bay Regatta on this day in conjunction with the Belize Sailing Association. The Regatta start and end points are marked at Miami Beach on the south end, and by the municipal pier near the House Of Culture on the north end. An all-day food, art and music festival held at the adjacent park provide some much-needed activity in this otherwise sleepy town.

The cover of the Belize Hotel Accommodation Guide 2012

The Belize Hotel Association (BHA) has released its Accommodation Guide 2012. The promotional booklet released in print and electronic format is a slim and slick little guide chock-full with colorful advertisements for its member hotels and short articles on the various areas of the country with listings of tourist attractions, things to see and do and other information for visitors.

At the back a listing of most hotels and lodges in the country is featured with their website address where available. The blurb from BHA President Doug Thompson reads in part:

“Whether you are a travel professional looking to steer your clients to Belize or a vacationer making your own arrangements, we trust that this guide will help you to find the perfect match in distinctive hotels, professional local tour operators and allied tourism services to prepare for that extraordinary Belize vacation.

“The quality of your vacation is important to us. Our members and Board of Directors work closely with the Tourism Board and are some of the most experienced tourism professionals in Belize with a broad range of backgrounds. We share a love for what we do and a commitment to providing you a great product at a fair price.”

The Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia chimes in with his official welcome:

“Though it may seem small geographically, Belize is colossal when it comes to offering you intimate and unforgettable experiences whether you are seeking adventure by trekking through our rich rainforests or just soaking up the sun on one of our many beaches. I believe that besides our warm and friendly people, the most outstanding feature of Belize is that it offers visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of cultures and destination sites in a limited amount of time. We appreciate the fact that you have carefully chosen our beautiful country as your vacation destination – let me be the first to tell you – you have chosen well! We can ensure your stay will be a memorable one.

“Belize has something to offer to individuals of all walks of life; from spectacular Archaeological sites in the north to the magnificent reef and turquoise waters of the cayes and islands. Mystical caves in the west will enchant you and the lush forest and refreshing waterfalls in the south will soothe you. We invite you to explore our verdant tropical rainforests, authentic reef, widely diversified flora and fauna and become friends with our hospitable people. Experience the astonishing wonders and wealth mother nature has blessed Belize with – after all, Belize is Mother Nature’s best kept secret.”

The guide is being circulated on social media on the Internet in PDF format. You can download a copy Here.

The story on Recommend Magazine features the beautiful Lodge At Chaa Creek swimming pool.

First the P.R. fluff from an ecstatic B.T.B:

“We’re always ecstatic to see The Jewel highlighted in respected publications such as Recommend. We want the world to realize all that our country has to offer and consequently, make us a part of their future travels. This magazine in particular, keeps travel agents informed about what’s new and exciting and we’re really pleased to be featured” commented the Director of Marketing and Industry Relations, Alyssa Carnegie.

“The August issue guides readers through Central and South America. The article on Belize speaks about Prince Harry’s visit in March, 2012, and also lists activities he should experience upon his return. It mentions the street fair that was held in his honor, in Belmopan, and his climb of Xunantunich. Some must do’s outlined for his future trip were diving with whale sharks, exploring the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as horseback riding and mountain biking through Mountain Pine Ridge. A section was designated to “What’s New in Belize,” which mentioned the opening of El Secreto boutique on Ambergris Caye and provides information on its amenities. It also speaks on the Maya 2012 celebrations. Finally, it enlightens the public about the name change of the Machaca Hill Lodge in Toledo which is now named Belcampo.

“The website for Recommend also features an article further detailing how visitors can participate in the Maya “Countdown” taking place in Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.”

The Recommend Magazine website really has a small blurb about Belize on one page shared with other countries. The magazine is a trade publication for travel agents and makes for good reading to get insider views on what is selling in the tourism industry. About the country it basically says Belize is wild about Harry – old news since Harry was here several months ago and has since moved on. The wild pool party in Las Vegas perhaps sidelining his intended return here to swim with the whale sharks. Here is the Recommend story, shorter than the breathless announcement from the BTB above:

“Belize is wild about Harry, that is, Prince Harry of Great Britain who came calling at the Commonwealth country last March, and got right into the spirit of the islands. The Prince’s opening gig was a street fair festival in the capital city of Belmopan that showcased the sights, sounds and tastes of the Creole, Garifuna and Mestizo cultures. The prince enjoyed locally produced Belikin beer, conch fritters and dulce de papaya, a typical dessert. He also traveled to Xunantunich, a complex of Mayan pyramids. But Prince Harry will have to return to go diving (April through June with whale sharks) off Ambergris Caye along the second longest barrier reef in the world; to explore wildlife-rich Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first preserve established to protect the jaguar; and to go horseback riding and mountain biking in the pine-forested highlands of Mountain Pine Ridge.”

The Maya Temple of Tikal is about an hour’s drive from the Belize border and a popular day trip for tourists.

Singers such as Elton John, Plácido Domingo, Bruce Springsteen, Janet Jackson and the Irish rock band U2 have been invited to participate in the Maya 2012 Celebrations on 21 December says an announcement from the neighboring country of Guatemala.

The list includes singers Neil Young of Canada, and Janet Jackson from the United States. A spokesman for Guatemala’s Ministry of Tourism is quoted in the  newspaper El Periódico de Guatemala as saying the invitations have gone out and a response is expected within the next two weeks. No concert is expected from any of the celebrities, who are being invited as guests to attend the celebrations says Carlos Batzin, Minister of Culture and Sports.

Added to the list for what is described as a “World Summit For Humanity” will be world thinkers, philosophers, scientists, and leaders in the field of education and communication”, added the official note.

The day December 21 marks the end of the great cycle of the current Maya Calendar – called 13 Baktun – and the beginning of a new era of 5 thousand 200 years.

The Government of Guatemala, the humanitarian producer Raul Julia-Levy, the Guatemalan writer Carlos Barrios, Mayan spiritual guides and local indigenous authorities are leading activities.

Time of change

According to the Maya solar calendar  21 December will end an era of 5 thousand 200 years and start a new cycle, which has led to conjectures about the end of humanity, although the Mayas do not share that vision.

The Maya calendar consists of 18 months of 20 days each, with the additional month of El Wayeb, the holy month that runs for five days. The Baktun is the longest unit of this system and is equivalent to about 400 years.

The Maya culture had its greatest splendor in the so-called classic period (250-900 ad), until it entered a phase of decline during the Postclassic (900-1200 A.D).

Belize is also organizing events aimed at luring more tourists to the country to coincide with the Maya 2012 event but so far has not offered detailed plans except for small ceremonies at the various Maya temples throughout the country.

The ADO Bus run to Mexico has grown in popularity with tourists and locals wishing to bypass the exorbitant air travel prices to North America. The following trip report by a Belizean American businesswoman who lives between Houston and Caye Caulker, was posted on our discussion mailing list. It gives a first hand account of using the ADO bus to save a bundle on travel to our country:

The beach at Cancun. Image Credit Sheida Ayuso.

I’ve twice been to Belize this year, the first in January / February and again last week.  Since I hadn’t been to Cancun for a few years, I decided to brave it and take the ADO bus to Cancun on my way back to Houston to test the service out.

My kids travel to Belize at least once a year to spend the summer with their dad, and sometimes they use this route.  I’d never heard them complain. What’s there not to like about Cancun?

The first eye opener was that a one-way ticket from Cancun to Houston costs half the price of a one way ticket from Belize to Houston. At about US$200 (or so) one way, I could actually splurge on a nice hotel, spend a night or two in Cancun, eat to my heart’s content, and still arrive in Houston under the price of the one way from Belize to Houston (US$450+).

I booked a hotel in Cancun online (about US$48 a night) for two nights before I left Belize.

On the day of departure, I took, the last water taxi into Belize City (4:30 P.M.)  which arrived in Belize City at around 5:30 p.m.  A short BZ$7 taxi ride to the bus terminal later, I found out the ADO bus departs Belize at 7:30 (I believe).  This gave me an hour or so of free time, so the taxi driver and I headed out to Li Chee (a popular Chinese fried chicken take out shop) for some fried chicken with steak sauce before departure.

The price of the one way ticket was US$40.  It departed right on schedule.  The buses are luxury buses, nicely air-conditioned (even TOO cold, maybe), there are drop-down movie screens, the chairs tilt backwards a bit.  All in all, the experience was as nice, or better, than flying in an airplane.  The rows are four seats across, two, a space, and then two more. The buses are equipped with bathrooms.

The border crossing was smooth and easy. There were no problems on the Belize side, and the immigration and customs personnel were friendly and warm.

I can’t remember much about arriving in Mexico, but other than filling out an immigration form and having the passport stamped, I don’t think it was eventful.

The bus ride is about 8 hours long, and it is for the most part a direct service with little to no stops.  The bus does not stop in Chetumal.  Since it is overnight, most passengers doze of and try to nap. The bus was about 60% full. Thankfully the space next to my seat was vacant, and I was able to stretch a bit while I napped.

After a pretty much uneventful 8 hour ride, we arrived in Cancun at around 6:30 a.m. Mexican time. I went to the hotel where I had booked the room, and it turned out to be a very nice hotel, well worth the US$48 per night and probably double. In Houston, if a hotel is charging US$48 a night, you usually stay away from it.  Not so in this hotel in Cancun, it was mostly filled with college kids from the U.S. on Spring Break.

Cancun is as beautiful and wonderful as ever. I spent the two days in Cun soaking up the sun, the view, the sea breeze, the salt air … all the things that make me nostalgic for the Caribbean. I love Mexican food, and their ceviche is second to none.  Ceviche, frozen drink, beautiful beach, sunshine, sea breeze, what more could anyone ask for?  It was sheer bliss.  I did a few odd trips (to Isla Mujeres – US$17.50 round trip), etc. but with only two days to spare, there is not a lot that goes into the “to do” list.

On the day of departure, I was asked to pay a US$25 exit fee. I paid the fee at an airport bank, got a receipt, and had to present the receipt to the customer service agent for the airline I was flying on.

I am glad I made the choice to go the route that I did. The overnight bus, while it may sound like an awfully long commute, actually goes by very quickly when you are sleeping, lol.

It turns out that I had to make a second trip to Belize this week, and I again chose to travel via Cancun. My flight arrived in CUN at 2:30 P.M.  I walked out of the terminal, inquired about the whereabouts of the ADO terminal, and to my surprise, there was a bus leaving in 15 minutes to Playa del Carmen.

Having also not been to Playa for several years, the idea of it was enjoyable.  It was US$10 for the one hour or so bus ride which I boarded right at the airport. The overnight bus to Belize would stop in Playa at 11:40 p.m., giving me several hours to look around and explore Playa.  The bus terminal in Playa has lockers, so you can padlock your luggage and head out to explore quite easily.  No need to take a taxi or anything, the bus terminal is about a half a block from the amazing 5th avenue, and about a block or so from the awesome beach.  Playa is beautiful.  I would definitely go back again. The popular 5th avenue, the heart of Playa’s tourism district, is bustling with activity.  The shops are quaint and colorful.  Artists abound on every street. It is an exciting sensory event.

At 11:40, right on schedule, the bus to Belize arrived. It got to the border around 4:30 p.m.  The Mexican side once again billed me an exit tax of US$25. Crossing the border in Belize was also smooth and easy. Even though it was very early in the morning when we got there, the immigration officer was extremely pleasant and cheerful.  It was a very pleasant experience.

I got to Belize City around 6:30 a.m.  When I departed the bus terminal, the friendly faces of the San Pedro Water Taxi land taxi drivers were already there, easing any discomfort I might have had about being in Belize City at the crack of dawn.  Cab to the water taxi terminal – $6BZ.  The water taxi left for CC at 7:45 a.m., and before you know it, I was safely back on my island home.

Aside from the long commute which I do not find anywhere close to unbearable, I find the experience of spending a few days or a few hours in Mexico quite refreshing.  I would do the journey any day if I were not in a hurry and time was not an issue. Many Belizeans also probably think the same, as the bus back to Belize was full, with at least half of them being Belizeans.

It got me thinking how upside down we in Belize have gotten. Once upon a time, the Mexicans used to come to Belize to take our cheaper international flights to North America.  Those were the days of TAN, TACA, SAHSA, and BAL. The Belize International Airport serviced not only Belizeans, but most of Quintana Roo.  (The Port of Belize back then also serviced Quintana Roo as well, with a high percentage of cargo shipped through being in transit cargo bound for Mexico).

The Rivera Maya of Mexico is delightful and beautiful.  The passenger who sat beside me talked about paying $100 US a night in Cancun at a beautiful all inclusive hotel (the OASIS) where for the rate I just quoted, she and her boyfriend could eat, drink, and chug anything they wanted.  Alcoholic drinks were also included.

I can’t help but think how much local business Belize is bleeding to Mexico. We are over priced as a destination. And our flights have become so expensive that we are now bleeding passengers to Mexico, which will in turn drive up airline prices to Belize even more.

Tourists and local visitors hiking through the rainforest in Belize’s Toledo district.

Our country has joined its neighboring countries in Central America in a plan to promote the region as a unified tourism destination.

Representatives of the ministries of tourism in Central America met in  Managua, Nicaragua,this week  to refine a strategy of regional promotion of tourism which includes, among others, offering the Central American Isthmus as “One Destination”. In an interview in the Nicaraguan press the Executive President of the Nicaraguan Institute of tourism (Intur), Mario Salinas said that the plan is to promote the One Destination plan as a way of enabling tourists to visit several countries in the region.

He explained that this strategy includes strengthening regional tourism security as well as offering the same price for airline tickets to any Central American destination.

“We will promote on the web, in the European tourism fairs, two, three, four, five countries – as one destination, said Mr. Salinas

For Belize which suffers from the highest airline tickets prices in the region, this plan would be a welcome relief and help increase arrivals of visitors that otherwise go to larger and more economical destinations such as Mexico and Guatemala..

The meeting brought together representatives from the ministries of tourism, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

Tourism in the region generated about $7.1 billion in 2010 and $3.6 billion in the first half of 2011. Every year Central America receives approximately 7.9 million tourists, of which 3.5 million come from the region, according to official figures.

The Central American Council for Tourism agreed in May last, in El Salvador, to develop 22 projects for US$ 1.9 million to strengthen this sector.

Talk to any bird-watcher and they will have a story or two about a feathered epiphany (AKA manifestation). I call them magic moments. I had two such moments in my recent trip to Belize.

While most folks think of Costa Rica or Panama for a place to go birding, I think of Belize. This small country bordering the southern part of Mexico and nestled on the east side of Central Mexico is a jewel of a place for birders. Not only has it retained a large portion of its wildlands, Belize is a relatively safe country and best of all, everyone there speaks English! I went there to create contacts for setting up future birding excursions and to investigate the state of ecotourism for my wildlife conservation course held on McGill University’s Macdonald campus. Photo: Keel billed Toucan Ramphastos Sulfuratos in western Belize.

Keel billed Toucan Ramphastos Sulfuratos in southern Belize.

My magic moments occurred near Hopkins, a sleepy little town on the water just south of Dangriga. While staying at the comfortable and affordable All-Seasons Guest House run by Ingrid Stahl and her cook and Canadian ex-pat, Brian, I had foolishly left it too late to book a guided bird-watching excursion. With her usual pleasant smile, Ingrid said to me, “Why don’t you take one of the bicycles and ride just down the road a mile or so? You will likely see some parrots and toucans along the river there.”

Toucans!! I could not grab my birding binoculars and get on that bike fast enough. I had never seen a keel-billed toucan before and it is also the favourite bird of my daughter, Erin. Neither of us have any idea why this is so and she tells me that it has nothing to do with the Froot Loops cereal. About a half hour later, I am driven out of the woods by very voracious mosquitoes. These little monsters were biting right through my safari shirt and were practically drinking the DEET in my repellent like tree sap!

I was bicycling on the road when I spotted a young man hacking vegetation with a machete. I ask him if there is any place nearby to see toucans. He replied that if I go about five minutes down the road, there is Toucan City on the left and I might see some there. I thought to myself…..Toucan City?! You mean, like the Vatican City? Anyway, visions of caged toucans and parrots filled my head, but I headed off anyway.

Sure enough, five minutes down the road, I turned into the driveway of Toucan Sittee (not Toucan City). The place was named after the Sittee River upon which it is located. I was only there for less than five minutes when I heard a frog-like, scratchy krrk from above and perceived a large, dark shape approaching the trees above me.

When it landed, I could not believe my eyes! There just above my head was my very first keel- billed toucan. It was a magnificent bird, resplendent in black, yellow and red with that humongous beak of lime green, red and orange. It perched there just long enough for me to drink it in and enjoy the moment. It was like God had ordained it. A magic moment indeed! An hour or so later, I had my second one.

One of twenty six species of hummingbirds in Belize. Picture courtesy The Lodge At Chaa Creek.

Toucan Sittee in Belize is actually named Sir Thomas’ At Toucan Sittee and is owned by a very friendly American woman named Sabryna Popovich. It’s a beautiful little bird sanctuary (around 100 species can be seen in an hour!) on the river complete with cozy jungle bungalows and very tasty, affordable food.

I rented a kayak from Sabryna and asked her which direction I should head. She pointed downriver and said, “Go about a mile and then look for the entrance into Boom Creek on your left…you will see lots of birds in there.”

Crocodiles were fairly abundant too, but I’d be a liar if I told you that they were dangerous. The few that I saw submerging quickly under the surface at my approach were quite small. Boom Creek with its coffee-coloured water and overarching branches was amazing! Other than a dog barking in the distance, I could only hear the sweet, serene sounds of nature. I felt like an explorer of long ago, paddling down strange, exotic waters with jungle tangle all around me. And best of all, no insects to speak of!

As for bird life, I saw several common and great black hawks sitting on perches right over the creek, but what really blew me away though were the kingfishers, my second favorite group of birds after the birds of prey. I was constantly accompanied by one of three species, often in pairs – the very large ringed kingfisher, the medium-sized green kingfisher, and the tiny pygmy kingfisher. When the sun caught the brilliant green and rust plumages of the latter two species, it was like gazing at feathered jewels.

When I returned to Toucan Sittee, I suggested to Sabryna that they rename Boom Creek, at least in their marketing advertisements, as “Kingfisher Alley”. So the next time you’re thinking about a birding trip to Central America, take a long hard look at Belize. What I saw was just the tip of the iceberg!

Contributed by David M. Bird, Ph.D. Avian Science and Conservation Center McGill University.

Barton Creek cave. Photo: Deanna Keahey/Flickr

Mother Nature Network has listed Barton Creek Cave in the western Cayo District as one of Nine Most beautiful and unusual cave destinations in the world. The article describes the cave in the Mountain Pine Ridge thus:

Another underground waterway that makes it on to many tourists’ itineraries is the Barton Creek Cave in the Central American nation of Belize. This cave was considered the “underworld” by the ancient Mayans who inhabited the area and was used as a burial place. Human remains can still be found inside the cave. It is this unique history and Barton’s amazing rock formations that make it one of the more interesting of all of Central America’s underground attractions. Barton is located in the Cayo District, a region of Belize known for its eco-tourism. Tour companies offer guided canoe cruises through the cave. Truly adventurous travelers can swim in the cave’s waters. The  unusual nature of these underground waterways makes Barton an attractive caving option, but it is the cave’s spectacular domed chambers that earn it a place alongside the world’s best cave destinations.

According to archaeology.org “Barton Creek is a large river cave possibly over 4.5 miles long.  The cave consists of giant passages covered with numerous large speleothems over a navigable river. These features of the cave have made it a popular tourist destination. Recent investigations at Barton Creek Cave have provided a wealth of information toward our understanding of the importance of caves within Maya culture. An abundance of Maya cultural material has been discovered and is being analyzed from ten ledges located above a large subterranean river. Based on preliminary results, artifacts from these areas suggest the cave was used for a variety of purposes by the Maya including agricultural rituals, possible fertility rites, ritual bloodletting, human sacrifice, and lineage internment.”

Reference: Mother Nature Network

Macaw Parrot

The number of Belize endemics is small. As a very small country it does not have many habitats that are unique to the area given its location next to Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. Most native species are found in the Maya Mountains and in the Lowland Savannahs.

Birds                                       575-625
Amphibians                            36-37
Reptiles                                   106-110
Snakes                                     59-60
Turtles                                     13
Mammals                                145-152
Butterflies                               1,000
Moths                                     900-1,000
Fish (Salt & Freshwater)        630-640
Sharks                                     22
Vascular Plants                       3,750-4,000
Native Trees                           700

(Estimates vary depending on the source and date 1)

1 Perhaps the best overall source on local biodiversity is the report Compilation of Information on Biodiversity in Belize by Jan C. Meerman, 2005.