Wildlife in Belize

Tropical Forests in Belize

One of the best things about Belize is that it is blanketed in tropical forests. Tropical forests as a rule contain a wonderful diversity of species, compared with termperate forests that you'll find in North America or Europe. The plentitude of tree species in Belize's tropical forests supports a menagerie of wildlife species as well, what scientists call species richness. Species richness is an especially relevant term for the insects and birds of Belize's tropical forests, and visitors to Belize can't help appreciating the wonderful array of wildlife across the country.

Habitats

Tropical forests have physical characteristics that make them easily recognizable to anyone from Europe or North America. There are typcial shapes of trees and plants not found in temperate zones, but which the visitor can identify by simply observing. First of all, tropical trees can grow to become very very tall, with very straight trunks. Trunks don't branch out until very high up, which is different from trees in the temperate zone. The top layer of vegetation, or the crowns of the giant trees, overlap to form the canopy, which shades trees and plants below, and also provides bridges for wildlife travelling the high road through the treetops. Trees that form the canopy typically have short, broad crowns so the tree resembles an umbrella.

Underneath the canopy, you might notice that the plantlife looks layered. The stratification, as it's called, appears to be consist of several main types of vegetation:

• Ground Cover
• Low Shrubs
• Short Trees
• Canopy

The Wildlife

Check out the amazing and fascinating array of spectacular wildlife in Belize!

• The Amphibians of Belize  Click here to find out about frogs, salamanders, newts, toads and caecilians!?!
• The Reptiles of Belize  Lizards, crocs, turtles and snakes, oh my!
• The Birds of Belize  Get out your binoculars, and find seabirds and land birds all over Belize!
• The Mammals of Belize  Monkeys, Coatis, Baboons, anteaters, Armadillos and more!
• Marine Life of Belize  The amazing reef with its beautiful coral fish and sponges.