SHIPSTERN NATURE RESERVE
Why Should I Take A Tour of the Shipstern Nature Reserve?
While Shipstern has long been the main magnet for tourists in northeastern Belize. A visit to Corozal, the North-East of Belize, allows for the discovery of a beautiful region still off the beaten track. Shipstern has traditionally been a magnet for those birders, naturalists and tourists ready to leave the main circuit, and no one has ever been disappointed. Shipstern offers a variety of ecological and cultural tours - anything from nature reserve hiking, nocturnal nature walks, bird lover tours, mayan ruin tours, and Mennonite Cultural tours. This is a great learning experience for children. The sheer diversity in landscapes and habitats is astounding, and it is also the only place in Belize where you will be able to experience a walk through a coastal dry Yucatan forest, and see the very rare Kuka Palm and Elephant’s Foot in the wild.
While Shipstern has long been the main magnet for tourists in northeastern Belize. A visit to Corozal, the North-East of Belize, allows for the discovery of a beautiful region still off the beaten track. Shipstern has traditionally been a magnet for those birders, naturalists and tourists ready to leave the main circuit, and no one has ever been disappointed. Shipstern offers a variety of ecological and cultural tours - anything from nature reserve hiking, nocturnal nature walks, bird lover tours, mayan ruin tours, and Mennonite Cultural tours. This is a great learning experience for children. The sheer diversity in landscapes and habitats is astounding, and it is also the only place in Belize where you will be able to experience a walk through a coastal dry Yucatan forest, and see the very rare Kuka Palm and Elephant’s Foot in the wild.
Shipstern Conservation & Management Area, owned and managed by the Corozal Sustainable Future Initiative (CSFI), is located close to the village of Sarteneja. The reserve, having been isolated for most of the 20th century is still rich in wildlife, and boasts an astonishing 300 species of birds, among which many Yucatan endemics. These birds can easily be observed, usually right at Shipstern’s headquarters, where our accommodations are located. Check out our Bird Tours in Shipstern Nature Reserve.
Mammals are more difficult to observe, although coatis, grey foxes and Yucatan squirrels are often encountered. Jaguars are often heard close by, many have seen the peccaries and margay, while tracks of Baird’s Tapir are all over. Shipstern is also very rich in butterflies and dragonflies, and reptiles abound. Visit our gallery for a glimpse of what you can expect when traveling to Shipstern Nature Reserve, situated in the Corozal District – Belize.
Mammals are more difficult to observe, although coatis, grey foxes and Yucatan squirrels are often encountered. Jaguars are often heard close by, many have seen the peccaries and margay, while tracks of Baird’s Tapir are all over. Shipstern is also very rich in butterflies and dragonflies, and reptiles abound. Visit our gallery for a glimpse of what you can expect when traveling to Shipstern Nature Reserve, situated in the Corozal District – Belize.
While Shipstern has long been the main magnet for tourists in northeastern Belize, CSFI has also recognized that the potential for tourism is far greater. Including the area’s rich cultural heritage, past and present is just one example. In parallel, CSFI is aware that more often than not, revenues from tourism flow to tour operators and other middlemen.
Consequently, the incomes do not remain in the local economy. CSFI aims at developing fair, sustainable and eco-tourism in Corozal, the North-East of Belize, by being a not-for-profit tour operator based locally. Sustainable tourism will ensure that everyone in the system will earn decent revenue, and that all profits are re-invested in a conservation and social-development fund.
Consequently, the incomes do not remain in the local economy. CSFI aims at developing fair, sustainable and eco-tourism in Corozal, the North-East of Belize, by being a not-for-profit tour operator based locally. Sustainable tourism will ensure that everyone in the system will earn decent revenue, and that all profits are re-invested in a conservation and social-development fund.
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HOMESTAYS - ACCOMMODATIONS
Restaurant
ROOM DESCRIPTIONS
The Birder’s lodge and other accommodations are located right at Shipstern Headquarters, along the Chunox-Sarteneja Road and about five miles before the village of Sarteneja. Our basic but comfortable lodge has four double rooms with private baths and ceiling fans. A large screened veranda in front is ideal for evening relaxing.
The lodge is only a few steps away from our restaurant, following a traditional Mayan “Sac Beh” or raised stony path. Our restaurant doubles as a classroom and conference room, and we proudly serve local Belizean meals with much variety. Our two spacious dormitories can accommodate 12 persons each, and are equipped with shared bathrooms and showers. A wooden deck and screened veranda allows for groups to sit and relax in the evenings. |
Shipstern offers many varied tours, and our staff gladly accommodates individual wishes. We try to provide tours at a decent price, while also making sure that everyone involved receives a decent income. For those naturalists wanting to know more or prepare their journey thoroughly, please download all our scientific documents, listing everything from birds to plants to reptiles and mammals.
Shipstern also organizes tours to various other sites, such as Cerros and the Mennonite communities of Belize, where you can experience another world altogether. Visits to the co-managed Honey Camp National Park and the Freshwater Creek Forest Reserve offer an insight into the world of real field conservation and the many challenges that come with it.
Shipstern also organizes tours to various other sites, such as Cerros and the Mennonite communities of Belize, where you can experience another world altogether. Visits to the co-managed Honey Camp National Park and the Freshwater Creek Forest Reserve offer an insight into the world of real field conservation and the many challenges that come with it.
Garden & Botanical Tour
This is the tour we offer to all our visitors. It includes a 90 minute guided tour of Shipstern Visitors’ Centre, Butterfly Garden, Botanical Trail and our now famous Observation Tower, with an amazing view over belizean forests, lagoons and coastal areas. The Botanical Trail winds through several coastal dry habitats, and many of the plants and birds seen on that visit can be seen nowhere else in Belize. The tour can be tailored to focus on some of the above elements only, at the same rate.
This is the tour we offer to all our visitors. It includes a 90 minute guided tour of Shipstern Visitors’ Centre, Butterfly Garden, Botanical Trail and our now famous Observation Tower, with an amazing view over belizean forests, lagoons and coastal areas. The Botanical Trail winds through several coastal dry habitats, and many of the plants and birds seen on that visit can be seen nowhere else in Belize. The tour can be tailored to focus on some of the above elements only, at the same rate.
Bird Lover’s Tour (Shipstern)
Early morning birding tour at and around Shipstern headquarters where birds like Toucans, Araçaris, many species of Orioles, Jays (among which the beautiful Blue Jay bird, symbol of Shipstern) and many other birds can be observed in their natural habitat. Approx. 4 hours (5.30am-9:30am). A visit to the belizean forests of Shipstern Main Trail, close to the western border of the reserve can also be combined with this tour. Forests are more humid there, and are home to various other species.
Early morning birding tour at and around Shipstern headquarters where birds like Toucans, Araçaris, many species of Orioles, Jays (among which the beautiful Blue Jay bird, symbol of Shipstern) and many other birds can be observed in their natural habitat. Approx. 4 hours (5.30am-9:30am). A visit to the belizean forests of Shipstern Main Trail, close to the western border of the reserve can also be combined with this tour. Forests are more humid there, and are home to various other species.
Bird Lover’s Tour (Xo Pol)
This small lake located in the Xo-Pol area of Shipstern Nature Reserve, approximately 10 miles to the West, is home to Morelet Crododiles, Baird’s Tapir and is a place where the Jaguar is often heard. From our observation hut on the lakeshore, wading birds can be quite easily observed as well as, with a bit of luck, the beautiful Snail Kite, Herons and Woodstorks. This birding tour takes approx. 4 hours (ca. 5:00am – 9:00am).
This small lake located in the Xo-Pol area of Shipstern Nature Reserve, approximately 10 miles to the West, is home to Morelet Crododiles, Baird’s Tapir and is a place where the Jaguar is often heard. From our observation hut on the lakeshore, wading birds can be quite easily observed as well as, with a bit of luck, the beautiful Snail Kite, Herons and Woodstorks. This birding tour takes approx. 4 hours (ca. 5:00am – 9:00am).
Laguna Birding Tour
Discover the beautiful Shipstern Lagoon, its mangrove islands and water bird colonies (February to June). Shipstern is the largest inland lagoon in Belize and perfect for birding. It is shallow, and fleeing stingrays are often spotted. Roseate Spoonbills, White Ibis, many Heron species and when conditions are right, American Woodstorks nest on the many islands. One of these islands harbours a small Black Mangrove forest, remnants of a Mayan structure, as well as beautiful epiphytes. Belizean lunch is included and taken on the boat in the shade of a wooded boat landing.
Discover the beautiful Shipstern Lagoon, its mangrove islands and water bird colonies (February to June). Shipstern is the largest inland lagoon in Belize and perfect for birding. It is shallow, and fleeing stingrays are often spotted. Roseate Spoonbills, White Ibis, many Heron species and when conditions are right, American Woodstorks nest on the many islands. One of these islands harbours a small Black Mangrove forest, remnants of a Mayan structure, as well as beautiful epiphytes. Belizean lunch is included and taken on the boat in the shade of a wooded boat landing.
Cultural Tour and Cerros
A wonderful day out to discover Belize as you rarely see it. This tour will take you through local communities first at Little Belize, where you will tour the community in a traditional horse carriage, under the guidance of Bernhard. In Chunox, visit a local mestizo village and see how things have changed over time. A truly traditional Mayan lunch will be served during your break, at someone’s house. Finally, end the trip with a visit at Cerros ruins, a small but beautiful ceremonial centre located on the sea shore of Belize (which is rather unusual for the Mayas).
A wonderful day out to discover Belize as you rarely see it. This tour will take you through local communities first at Little Belize, where you will tour the community in a traditional horse carriage, under the guidance of Bernhard. In Chunox, visit a local mestizo village and see how things have changed over time. A truly traditional Mayan lunch will be served during your break, at someone’s house. Finally, end the trip with a visit at Cerros ruins, a small but beautiful ceremonial centre located on the sea shore of Belize (which is rather unusual for the Mayas).
El Pescador Tour
Treat yourself to an exciting adventure while you explore Sarteneja Village, one of the most relaxed destinations in Belize. Learn all about the history, traditions, lifestyle of the Mestizo fishermen of Belize. This tour includes a visit to the wooden sailboats builders, swimming time in the Corozal Bay and visiting local art shops.
Treat yourself to an exciting adventure while you explore Sarteneja Village, one of the most relaxed destinations in Belize. Learn all about the history, traditions, lifestyle of the Mestizo fishermen of Belize. This tour includes a visit to the wooden sailboats builders, swimming time in the Corozal Bay and visiting local art shops.
EL Arrecife
Visitors on this tour can opt for a 1 day visit or can choose to spend the night. This tour departs from Sarteneja by boat making a stop at the San Juan visitor center, which provides visitors with valuable information on fishing and marine activities. There is also an eighteen kilometer nature trail that provides visitors with the opportunity to get up close to the flora and fauna of the reserve. Visitors are then treated to a unique experience as the boat navigates through the Mayan Channel. One must be on the lookout for manatees as the rides goes through a forest of mangroves. The destination, a prestine beach where the reef almost touches the island. While visitors explore the expanses of beach or go for a snorkel in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, the guide prepares a delicious Beach BBQ Belizean style.
Visitors on this tour can opt for a 1 day visit or can choose to spend the night. This tour departs from Sarteneja by boat making a stop at the San Juan visitor center, which provides visitors with valuable information on fishing and marine activities. There is also an eighteen kilometer nature trail that provides visitors with the opportunity to get up close to the flora and fauna of the reserve. Visitors are then treated to a unique experience as the boat navigates through the Mayan Channel. One must be on the lookout for manatees as the rides goes through a forest of mangroves. The destination, a prestine beach where the reef almost touches the island. While visitors explore the expanses of beach or go for a snorkel in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, the guide prepares a delicious Beach BBQ Belizean style.
Tour Nocturno
Spend a magical evening on a night tour in the forests of Xo-Pol Lake. Enjoy crocodile spotting and nocturnal wildlife sightings, such as the agile Fishing Bats. 4 pm to 8 pm (to enjoy sunset) or 6pm to 10pm.
Spend a magical evening on a night tour in the forests of Xo-Pol Lake. Enjoy crocodile spotting and nocturnal wildlife sightings, such as the agile Fishing Bats. 4 pm to 8 pm (to enjoy sunset) or 6pm to 10pm.
The Hike
Tag along with two rangers for a 4 ½ day trek from Shipstern to Honey Camp National Park through Freshwater Creek Forest Reserve. On Day One you will leave at five in the morning to follow a forest trail, all the way to our Western boundary. This you will follow until veering West towards Xo-Pol, where we shall stop for the night at our elevated bird-hide, where you’ll find a good dinner and a tent or a hammock.
Very early in the morning of Day Two, a walk will take us along a small road towards Xcopen landing, where a boat will allow you to cross to Shipstern Landing, from whence we shall walk to the unexcavated and fascinating ruins of Cacaltulix, where we’ll have some time to explore, do birding and get some rest. Day Three will take you on our longest and toughest hike, through a forested corridor all the way to the northern border of Freshwater Creek. Following this border, you’ll reach a camp on the side of a small but beautiful cenote.
Day Four will take you through Freshwater Creek Forest Reserve to see some of our reforestation efforts, and eventually lead you to the Chiwa Lagoon in Honey Camp National Park. On the morning of Day Five, a short walk will bring you to Honey Camp Lagoon, where a car will pick you up and bring you back to Shipstern.
Learn survival tips, and experience first-hand what it takes to be a ranger.
For very hardy trekkers only!!
Tag along with two rangers for a 4 ½ day trek from Shipstern to Honey Camp National Park through Freshwater Creek Forest Reserve. On Day One you will leave at five in the morning to follow a forest trail, all the way to our Western boundary. This you will follow until veering West towards Xo-Pol, where we shall stop for the night at our elevated bird-hide, where you’ll find a good dinner and a tent or a hammock.
Very early in the morning of Day Two, a walk will take us along a small road towards Xcopen landing, where a boat will allow you to cross to Shipstern Landing, from whence we shall walk to the unexcavated and fascinating ruins of Cacaltulix, where we’ll have some time to explore, do birding and get some rest. Day Three will take you on our longest and toughest hike, through a forested corridor all the way to the northern border of Freshwater Creek. Following this border, you’ll reach a camp on the side of a small but beautiful cenote.
Day Four will take you through Freshwater Creek Forest Reserve to see some of our reforestation efforts, and eventually lead you to the Chiwa Lagoon in Honey Camp National Park. On the morning of Day Five, a short walk will bring you to Honey Camp Lagoon, where a car will pick you up and bring you back to Shipstern.
Learn survival tips, and experience first-hand what it takes to be a ranger.
For very hardy trekkers only!!
Group Packages - Our recently constructed Birder’s Lodge, restaurant/meeting room and adjacent dormitories can cater and accommodate groups of up to 32 persons. The dormitory itself is divided in two rooms with 12 beds each. Our restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinners, and we are proud to serve excellent and diversified local food for your group. The restaurant doubles as a classroom and conference area, ideal for seminars and student groups. For groups we offer our group packages with reduced prices.
Student Groups - Whether in high school, in bachelor studies or at later stages in their academic training, Shipstern is a living classroom, where wild nature is just steps away from the classroom. It offers a unique introduction to the drier tropics of the Yucatan, with astonishing coastal dry and seasonal forests, marsh forests, saline savannahs, mangroves and lagoons within a relatively small area. As such it is an excellent introduction to rare and unusual habitats.
Especially if combined with subsequent visits to wetter forests further South in Belize. We are very flexible when designing your stay, and adapt our program to your wishes. Whether focusing on natural history, birds, landscape and culture, or as a detailed insight into what conservation in the field really means on a day-to-day basis.
Especially if combined with subsequent visits to wetter forests further South in Belize. We are very flexible when designing your stay, and adapt our program to your wishes. Whether focusing on natural history, birds, landscape and culture, or as a detailed insight into what conservation in the field really means on a day-to-day basis.
Bird Watchers - Shipstern is a haven for birdwatchers, as close to 300 species occur here, including many overwintering North American birds, as well as strictly local species. This astonishing diversity is linked to the vast array of landscapes. As Shipstern is home to Belize’s only Yucatan type forests, many birds in Shipstern cannot be seen on other bird tours in Belize. It is also the only place where the elusive Black Catbird is found on the mainland.
Lagoons and marshes are alive with many interesting wading birds. Whether smaller groups up to 8 persons using only our Birder’s Lodge or larger groups up to 32, we organize daily bird tours or week trips specially designed for birdwatchers, with plenty of time at various locations to observe birds and other species.
Lagoons and marshes are alive with many interesting wading birds. Whether smaller groups up to 8 persons using only our Birder’s Lodge or larger groups up to 32, we organize daily bird tours or week trips specially designed for birdwatchers, with plenty of time at various locations to observe birds and other species.
Retreats & Seminars - Due to its rather unique location in the country, Shipstern is ideal for retreats and seminars, far away from daily stress, bustling cities and phone calls. Working sessions can be interspaced with small trips to the forest, birdwatching or a relaxing moment on the top of Shipstern’s famous tower.
After a hard day of work, swimming, pre-dinner and a beach barbeque can be organized on the beach in the village of Sarteneja. We are again very flexible, and will adapt to your need and wishes.
After a hard day of work, swimming, pre-dinner and a beach barbeque can be organized on the beach in the village of Sarteneja. We are again very flexible, and will adapt to your need and wishes.
ESTABLISHMENT HISTORY
The site was established as a private Nature Reserve in 1987, and operated as a butterfly farm. Following the sub-division of the land in two parts (2000 acres and 20000 acres), the International Tropical Conservation Foundation, based in Neuchatel, Switzerland bought the latter section in 1989 and took over the management. The protective value of the area was increased in April 1990, by the designation of a 32000 acre no hunting zone around Sarteneja which included Shipstern Nature Reserve (SI 47). The reserve was expanded in 1994 with the acquisition of a further block of land to the west of the main reserve, the Xo-Pol area (1’500 acres). In 2000, Shipstern Reserve opened Belize’s first Mahogany Park, close to the village of Sarteneja, together with a small museum dedicated to the national tree of Belize. In 2004, Shipstern Nature Reserve was again enlarged by 4’000 acres to the South of the reserve, as a physical contribution to the Belize Biological Corridor.
CURRENT AREA
The total area of Shipstern Nature Reserve is now close to 26’000 acres (Although the reserve includes part of Shipstern Lagoon, the lack of protection currently afforded to that area is considered by Wilson (1995) as a significant gap in Belize's protected area network)
The site was established as a private Nature Reserve in 1987, and operated as a butterfly farm. Following the sub-division of the land in two parts (2000 acres and 20000 acres), the International Tropical Conservation Foundation, based in Neuchatel, Switzerland bought the latter section in 1989 and took over the management. The protective value of the area was increased in April 1990, by the designation of a 32000 acre no hunting zone around Sarteneja which included Shipstern Nature Reserve (SI 47). The reserve was expanded in 1994 with the acquisition of a further block of land to the west of the main reserve, the Xo-Pol area (1’500 acres). In 2000, Shipstern Reserve opened Belize’s first Mahogany Park, close to the village of Sarteneja, together with a small museum dedicated to the national tree of Belize. In 2004, Shipstern Nature Reserve was again enlarged by 4’000 acres to the South of the reserve, as a physical contribution to the Belize Biological Corridor.
CURRENT AREA
The total area of Shipstern Nature Reserve is now close to 26’000 acres (Although the reserve includes part of Shipstern Lagoon, the lack of protection currently afforded to that area is considered by Wilson (1995) as a significant gap in Belize's protected area network)
WILDLIFE
Information on the reserve's wildlife has expanded considerably, for a number of species groups following 5 years study by reserve managers, compiled in the Occasional Papers of the Belize Natural History Society Volume 2 (1993), detailing inventories of flora, butterflies, hawkmoths, silk moths, odonata, miscellaneous invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles, birds and mammals. Since 1997, numerous Master’s theses have completed the knowledge of Shipstern’s biodiversity and ecology. Its vegetation has been categorized into 5 main types, with many subtypes. Its sub-tropical moist forest covers approximately 2400 acres, is heterogeneous and in a state of regeneration after the devastation wrought by the 1955 Hurricane Janet and subsequent fire. Essentially, the forest is now in a state of mature second growth. A small and unique patch of Yucatan coastal dry forest is to be found North of the lagoon. This forest occurs only in four areas of the Yucatan Peninsula and is highly threatened by tourism developments. Shipstern lagoon itself, along with its associated bays and creeks is the third habitat, particularly important for waterfowl. Its crocodile population has been investigated and found to hold a relatively low density, tentatively attributable to low prey populations resulting from the harsh conditions of the lagoon. The coastal savannah (also referred to as mangrove savannah), forms wide belts around the Lagoon and reserve border. When these flood, they attract many wading birds. The final habitat is coastal mangroves. The site contains a good breeding population of White-winged Doves, the main population in Belize. Nesting on 2 small cayes in the lagoon are more than 200 pairs of American Woodstorks, numerous White Ibis, Reddish Egrets (largest population in Belize), Great Egrets and Neotropical Cormorants. Other birds that may be found include the Clapper rail, Roseate Spoonbill, Black Catbird, Yellow-lored Parrot, Red vented Woodpecker and Yucatan Jay. Both American and Morelet's crocodile are present, whilst the lagoons are not considered good habitat for Manatee, because of shallow waters and absence of suitable aquatic vegetation. The freshwater fish of the reserve have been surveyed by Bijleveld (1990) during a 8 month study. Cyprinodon variegatus was a new record for Belize, and Rivulus ocellatus was recorded for the first time on the mainland, previously only noted on Twin Cayes.
Shipstern Lagoon is a saline coastal lagoon surrounded by mangrove, subtropical moist forest and semi- deciduous forest Shipstern. Caye (locally called Isla de Conejos) is adjacent to the reserve, and is an important waterfowI nesting site for Wood Stork, Reddish Egret and other species, but unfortunately often depleted by hunting.
LOCAL POPULATION
The site has a small permanent population of wardens and researchers. Corozal (regional commercial centre) is 14 miles west but approximately 25 miles by boat Sarteneja is 2 miles northwest.
PHYSICAL FEATURES & CLIMATE
Average rainfall is approximately 50 inches a year, although there is considerable fluctuation. The dry season generally begins in January and ends in May. August is also usually a dry month, and September the wettest. The elevation of the reserve is between approximately 0- 10 ft. Shipstern Lagoon and its peripheral bays, comprises about 20% of the reserve. It is shallow (1.5 ft) with deeper interlinking channels, although water depth varies with the seasons, and with the direction and strength of winds. Northern winds in the winter can lower its water level significantly. It has a silted bottom overlying limestone, with occasional mangrove islets. Its salinity fluctuates widely, and varies from 0.5% in the rainy season to 3.3% in the dry
VISITOR FACILITIES
During the early years of the reserve, tourism was not encouraged but facilities have since been put in place as part of public awareness efforts. These include a comprehensive Botanical Trail, a butterfly aviary, a natural history museum, tree-top observation posts and numerous trails.
Information on the reserve's wildlife has expanded considerably, for a number of species groups following 5 years study by reserve managers, compiled in the Occasional Papers of the Belize Natural History Society Volume 2 (1993), detailing inventories of flora, butterflies, hawkmoths, silk moths, odonata, miscellaneous invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles, birds and mammals. Since 1997, numerous Master’s theses have completed the knowledge of Shipstern’s biodiversity and ecology. Its vegetation has been categorized into 5 main types, with many subtypes. Its sub-tropical moist forest covers approximately 2400 acres, is heterogeneous and in a state of regeneration after the devastation wrought by the 1955 Hurricane Janet and subsequent fire. Essentially, the forest is now in a state of mature second growth. A small and unique patch of Yucatan coastal dry forest is to be found North of the lagoon. This forest occurs only in four areas of the Yucatan Peninsula and is highly threatened by tourism developments. Shipstern lagoon itself, along with its associated bays and creeks is the third habitat, particularly important for waterfowl. Its crocodile population has been investigated and found to hold a relatively low density, tentatively attributable to low prey populations resulting from the harsh conditions of the lagoon. The coastal savannah (also referred to as mangrove savannah), forms wide belts around the Lagoon and reserve border. When these flood, they attract many wading birds. The final habitat is coastal mangroves. The site contains a good breeding population of White-winged Doves, the main population in Belize. Nesting on 2 small cayes in the lagoon are more than 200 pairs of American Woodstorks, numerous White Ibis, Reddish Egrets (largest population in Belize), Great Egrets and Neotropical Cormorants. Other birds that may be found include the Clapper rail, Roseate Spoonbill, Black Catbird, Yellow-lored Parrot, Red vented Woodpecker and Yucatan Jay. Both American and Morelet's crocodile are present, whilst the lagoons are not considered good habitat for Manatee, because of shallow waters and absence of suitable aquatic vegetation. The freshwater fish of the reserve have been surveyed by Bijleveld (1990) during a 8 month study. Cyprinodon variegatus was a new record for Belize, and Rivulus ocellatus was recorded for the first time on the mainland, previously only noted on Twin Cayes.
Shipstern Lagoon is a saline coastal lagoon surrounded by mangrove, subtropical moist forest and semi- deciduous forest Shipstern. Caye (locally called Isla de Conejos) is adjacent to the reserve, and is an important waterfowI nesting site for Wood Stork, Reddish Egret and other species, but unfortunately often depleted by hunting.
LOCAL POPULATION
The site has a small permanent population of wardens and researchers. Corozal (regional commercial centre) is 14 miles west but approximately 25 miles by boat Sarteneja is 2 miles northwest.
PHYSICAL FEATURES & CLIMATE
Average rainfall is approximately 50 inches a year, although there is considerable fluctuation. The dry season generally begins in January and ends in May. August is also usually a dry month, and September the wettest. The elevation of the reserve is between approximately 0- 10 ft. Shipstern Lagoon and its peripheral bays, comprises about 20% of the reserve. It is shallow (1.5 ft) with deeper interlinking channels, although water depth varies with the seasons, and with the direction and strength of winds. Northern winds in the winter can lower its water level significantly. It has a silted bottom overlying limestone, with occasional mangrove islets. Its salinity fluctuates widely, and varies from 0.5% in the rainy season to 3.3% in the dry
VISITOR FACILITIES
During the early years of the reserve, tourism was not encouraged but facilities have since been put in place as part of public awareness efforts. These include a comprehensive Botanical Trail, a butterfly aviary, a natural history museum, tree-top observation posts and numerous trails.
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