 |
|
Within an area of
approximately 20 square miles, straddling the mighty Belize River,
the Community Baboon Sanctuary combines dense jungle with farmland,
pasture, and small village life. The Black Howler Monkey is the
largest monkey in the Americas, and found only in a small section of
Central America. In fact, the total howler monkey population within
the sanctuary is about equal to that of the humans-at 1000-1500
each! In addition to providing sanctuary for the monkeys, the
conservation program here encompasses protecting the trees that
provide food for the monkeys, preserving the forest along the
riverbanks to prevent erosion and siltation, and maintaining
corridors of habitat around pastures and farms. A beneficial
by-product of this effort, is that many other jungle creatures
thrive here, as well.
The village of Bermudian Landing, a 30-mile drive northwest of Belize City, is the center of activity for the project, and is easily reached as a day trip from the city. Once you get near it, the well placed signs will direct you right to the Visitor's Centre. You can often hear the mysterious, rasping roar of the monkeys in the distance, as soon as you get out of your vehicle. The Centre is an educational, jungle exhibit-type museum that demonstrates the interesting features and facts on the area. There is a BZ$10 per person registration fee for each visitor, which includes the museum, and a guided trail walk that allows you experience the monkeys close up. There is little that can describe the cacophony of these wild creatures, when heard for the first time, howling right overhead. During our short walk, we saw at least a dozen monkeys. The success of this program has led to the relocation of troupes of the howlers (usually 4 to 8 monkeys), into other areas of Belize where previous populations met their demise through loss of habitat, hunting, or disease. Such relocations have resulted in successful breeding and subsequent re-population of these areas. |
Taking a canoe trip down the river here is another great way to see the howler monkeys, and also allows you the opportunity to see the myriad species of trees, plants, birds and other creatures that live in this specially preserved environment: Iguana, crocodiles, anteaters, and turtles, to name a few. These trips can also be arranged at the Visitor's Centre, and cost about BZ$70 for two persons. Don't forget your binoculars! It is also interesting to take your own "cultural tour" through the predominantly creole villages. While the Maya were likely the first settlers in this region, the Europeans were later drawn here by the market for mahogany trees. When the timber industry collapsed, the natives turned to ranching and subsistence farming. The locals are friendly, and you'll gain an insight into their distinctive lifestyle. Reprinted from the Belize Report. About the author: Pam Picon is the editor of the Belize Report and is owner of the Mopan River Resort in the Cayo District. The Mopan River Resort is the only all inclusive lodge in the Cayo area. Each day the resort has different tours including, Tikal, Barton Creek Cave and more. |
|
Please visit our newest listings... Sneak Preview!
Flamenco Xcaret Resort
opening June 2002 Tell us how we are doing. Complete our two minute online Quality Assurance Survey.
© Copyright
2001 LocoGringo.Com is a trademark of Loco
Gringo Inc. |
|
