Belizean Coast mangroves


The Belizean Coast mangroves ecoregion covers the brackish and salt-water habitats along the Caribbean Sea coast of Belize, and of Amatique Bay in Guatemala; small parts in the border with Mexico are also present on this ecoregion. The mangroves are partially protected from the open sea by the Belize Barrier Reef, and this ecoregion is distinct from the reef-based Belizean Reef mangroves ecoregion offshore. There is a large population of the vulnerable West Indian manatee in the area. It covers an area of around 2850 km2.

Location and description

The disconnected units of the ecoregion extend from the Mexico-Belize border in the north, to Amatique Bay on the southern coast of Guatemala. There are different types of mangrove swamps, depending on the site characteristics: river estuary, lagoons, island atolls, and coastal forest. Technically, Belize City itself is in a mangrove area.
Offshore islands supporting mangroves include Ambergris Caye, the largest island of Belize, and the atoll reefs of Banco Chinchorro and Turneffe Atoll.

Climate

The climate of the ecoregion is Tropical savanna climate - dry winter. This climate is characterized by relatively even temperatures throughout the year, and a pronounced dry season. The driest month has less than of precipitation, and is drier than the average month.

Flora and fauna

The common mangrove tree species of the ecoregion are red mangrove, black mangrove and white mangrove . Also characteristic of the area is the false mangrove or the mangrove associate, the buttonwood tree.
Mammals of conservation interest include the near-threatened black howler monkey, the critically endangered Hickatee turtle, the tapir, the vulnerable West Indian manatee, and Morelet's crocodile.

Protected areas

Protected areas of the ecoregion include: