Education Archives - Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education

Reptiles through the eyes of a newbie: Wanna Be Herpetologist

September 10, 2024/0 Comments/in Blog, Conservation, Education, field station, Protected Areas /by Heston Castillo

Reptiles at BFREE

At BFREE, a diverse range of reptiles thrive within its boundaries. I’ve been fortunate to encounter several species firsthand, from the slow-moving yet captivating turtles to the agile and vibrant lizards. My recent encounters with snakes have deepened my interest in these often misunderstood creatures, revealing the unique roles they play in this ecosystem. Each experience has broadened my appreciation for the rich biodiversity that BFREE safeguards and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these remarkable reptiles.

Drone image of the BFREE Field Station and Privately Protected Area

How I got interested

To be frank, I never had an interest in reptiles during my early days at BFREE. Instead, I was more captivated by the diverse trees within the tropical forest and the agroforestry aspects of cacao cultivation here. However, this changed in early July 2024, when a young and enthusiastic naturalist, and in my opinion, an amazing individual, Parker Gibbons, visited the BFREE headquarters.

I had the incredible opportunity to accompany him in catching and photographing some of the critters found at BFREE, particularly snakes. We encountered many beautiful specimens, but it was a Boa constrictor that truly sparked my fascination. Watching Parker handle the snake with
ease and enthusiasm, completely unafraid, inspired me to pursue the same path. Since then, I can often be found at BFREE, searching for snakes and other reptiles. I’ve even dedicated much of my time in the library, studying snakes and keeping track of the venomous ones to ensure I know which to avoid.

Parker Gibbons, Heston Castillo and Samih Young with a Boa constrictor

Respect these creatures!

While the excitement of encountering and handling snakes can be tempting, it’s important to remember that handling these creatures should only be done by those who are trained and knowledgeable. Mishandling snakes can cause them stress or injury, and in some cases, put you at risk. For those who aren’t experienced, it’s best to admire these fascinating reptiles from a distance. Instead of picking them up, consider capturing their beauty through photos or videos, and always respect their space.

Remember, snakes are an essential part of the ecosystem, and they deserve to be observed, not harassed!

List and images of the snakes I’ve encountered:

This newfound passion has led me to moments of personal pride as I’ve successfully found and handled snakes on my own, using a handmade tool. Some of the species I’ve encountered include:

Speckled Racer (Drymobius margaritiferus)
The Speckled Racer is a non-venomous snake known for its vibrant coloration, featuring black scales with white or yellow spots that give it a speckled appearance.

Cat-eyed Snake (Leptodeira annulata) The Cat-eyed Snake is a nocturnal snake. relatively small and has a brown color with black markings around its body.

Coffee Snake (Ninia sebae)
The Coffee Snake is a small, non-venomous species with a dark brown or coffee-colored body. This snake is often found in leaf litter and moist environments around BFREE.

Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor)
A well-known large snake, the Boa Constrictor is a non-venomous snake that uses powerful muscles to suffocate prey, wrapping around them and later consuming them.

Brown Vine Snake (Oxybelis Aeneus)
The brown vine snake is a slender, non-venomous snake. It has a brown, elongated body and uses its unique tail to navigate through shrubs and trees.

Belize’s Mud Turtles

September 9, 2024/0 Comments/in Blog, Education, Turtle Conservation /by Samih Young

Belize is lucky to be home to both mud and musk turtles belonging to the Kinosternidae family. In science, a family is a group of related species that share similar traits. These traits can include their habitat or diet. The shared characteristics among these species indicate their close relationship, just like how family members at home often share common features and habits. Three (3) mud turtles can be found in the slow-moving waters of Belize.

They are relatively small turtles; the largest of the three is commonly known as the White-lipped mud turtle or scientifically known as Kinosternon leucostomum. They can grow up to seven (7) inches in length. The middle guy is commonly known as Red-cheeked mud turtle and scientifically known as Kinosternon scorpioides. They can grow up to six (6) inches. The smallest of the three is commonly known as the Tabasco mud turtle and scientifically known as Kinosternon acutum. They only grow up to five (5) inches.

Being mud turtles, they are similar in many ways. They are all omnivorous which means they eat both animal and plant material. Mud turtles can consume anything from fish to aquatic plants. They all possess hinges located on both ends of the plastron which allow them to close their shells tightly around their bodies. This unique feature helps them protect themselves from predators such as raccoons, herons, tapirs, and even other turtles. They don’t sit in the sun to bask like other turtles; instead they love to be buried under dead leaves or mud at the bottom of water bodies which is why they get the name “mud turtles”. Like many other turtles, mud turtles aestivate during the dry season when it is too hot; aestivation is similar to hibernation in cold climates. During this long period of rest they conserve energy and stay safe from extreme heat. They resurface when the temperatures become cooler.

Now let’s look at what makes each one unique and how one may identify them.

White-lipped mud turtle

Starting with the largest of them all, the White-lipped mud turtle is endemic to both Central America and South America. Endemic means that this turtle species is native to and exclusively found in these regions, meaning it does not naturally occur anywhere else They get their name simply because their lip appears white. The scientific name also relays this; Leukos translates to white, and stoma translates to the mouth. They also have a local name, many people in Belize know them as swanca. The males often grow larger than females from this species. Besides having a white lip, they have an oval shaped shell. The carapace which is the top portion of the shell is a brown color, and the plastron which is the bottom portion of the shell is a rust color. The head of a White-lipped mud turtle is a black color with two distinctive yellowish stripes going parallel behind both eyes. They prefer to be in shallow, clear water that does not exceed one meter in depth.

Red-cheeked mud turtle

Red-cheeked mud turtles are also known as Scorpion mud turtle. They got their name because their tail looks similar to a scorpion tail. These small turtles can be found in the Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Belize. They have a pale brown or olive to black carapace and their plastron can be yellow, orange, black or gray. The color of their heads also varies in different shades of red, orange and yellow. They prefer permanent and ephemeral water bodies such as small streams, marshes and ponds. Even though these mud turtles are omnivores, they eat more animal than plant material- their diet consists of 65% animal material. One of their main predators is another turtle Staurotypus triporcatus, Northern Giant Musk Turtle.

Tabasco mud turtle

The smallest of the three, the Tabasco mud turtle or Kinsoternon acutum gets its name from having a sharp plastron. The word acuta translates to sharp plastron. The female of this species normally grows larger than the male. These turtles are similar to the white-lipped mud turtle. They have a dark brown carapace and a yellow to pale brown plastron. The head and forelimbs are patterned with red, yellow and black colorations. They prefer semi-terrestrial habitats such as ponds. Their diet is mainly earthworms, insects and snails.

Please Respect All Turtles!

Mud turtles are cute but they don’t make good pets. Mud turtles are on the grouchy side and will bite with their curved beaks if they feel provoked or nervous. This is one of several reasons to avoid picking up or touching a mud turtle unless it’s absolutely necessary.

My Encounters with the Birds of BFREE!

April 28, 2024/0 Comments/in Bird Conservation, Blog, Education, Fellows, Protected Areas /by Roxanna Chen

The 1,153 acre BFREE Reserve where I work is a haven for diverse species of birds and my many encounters with them have always been memorable ones. Being in the heart of the jungle has provided me with many opportunities such as witnessing a spectacle display of birds in flight, birds feeding, bird dances, and the listening pleasure of the mystical melodies orchestrated by these feathered creatures. Truly, this is a dream place for many birders and bird enthusiasts, whether advanced or amateurs, to fulfill their quests. It is certainly a destination to place on your bucket list if you haven’t visited just yet!

Within a year of working as an Advanced Cacao Fellow at BFREE, my interest in birding has grown tremendously but my skill in identifying birds whether nearby or through their vocalization has been a slow progress. Well, progress is progress they would say! Developing such skills and the ability to identify birds by their vocalization is a job that requires patience, vigilance, and good listening skills.

BFREE hosts over three hundred bird species, and these include migrants, transients, and resident bird species. Two major terrestrial ecosystems attract and provide habitats for these birds: the freshwater ecosystem and the tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Picture left: Roxanna Chen is the Advanced Cacao Fellow at BFREE. Her focus is on quality control, best fermentation protocols, and chocolate-making. Here she is shown in the cacao farm holding a fallen nest that was made by Montezuma’s oropendola.

Yellow-headed parrots

My first encounter began on my six-mile walk to BFREE for the very first time. Yes, I have listened to birds before, but I paid very little attention to them and the only ones I knew were those raised domestically. My journey began at sunrise and the view was spectacular, along the six-mile trek I transitioned through various ecosystems. First came the Pine Savannah then the ecotone (a region of transition between two types of habitats) and finally into the broadleaf rainforest ecosystem. Beyond that was the rolling evergreen Maya Mountains.

When I got to the Savannah, I was greeted overhead by a flock of chattering yellow-headed parrots. These parrots made themselves a home in crevices of old pine trees that were either wrecked by lightning or damaged by past wildfires. Amazingly, I could recall vividly my second encounter with a solo yellow-headed parrot, whilst leaving BFREE with a group of Belizean students in the same area. The parrot was watching us right from its balcony. Other species of parrots such as the Red-lored Amazon, the Northern mealy amazon, the White-crowned parrot, Brown-hooded Parrot, and the Olive-throated (Aztec) parakeets can be heard at BFREE chittering and chattering but they are generally seen in flight or feeding on seeds in the nearby vicinity.

The Great Potoo

Then my bird encounters became even more interesting. While I was on a night hike, a coworker and I were headed for the 114-foot Observation Tower for stargazing, and I began deliberately inquiring about a list of wildlife that was interesting to see. Among that list was the Great Potoo; I had no idea what it was then. My curiosity heightened and my visits to the Observation Tower became more frequent. One night we became lucky! As we were climbing the many steps at about 8:30 p.m. we heard a very loud and heavy call coming from a tree in the vicinity of the tower. Climbing those steps and being over one hundred feet above the ground and into the canopy at night is a good cardio workout. As I sat on the wooden plank, exhausted from the climb, another loud call came from closer proximity, and shortly, the Great Potoo came swooping and landed right on one of the tower rails. It perched only a few feet away from us for about three minutes, so we got as many shots as possible but due to lack of proper lighting our photos were not satisfactory. The bird was as curious as we were; it sat very still, and we moved very stealthily beside it. It was such a magnificent bird, with very light gray feathers, a thick mustache, and scorching, red eyes; it was the size of a grown chicken. Relatives of this rare bird are commonly heard at night; the screeching and hooting sounds of owls ranging from crying babies to calls for help and the infamous scream of a barn owl commonly known as the bird of death.

Lesson’s Motmot

When the Lesson’s motmot is feeling cheeky, and “peckish” the office compound becomes a feeding site; only the fluttering sounds of wings can be heard as it feeds heavily on the nutritious seeds of the Lobster Claw Heliconia. Other feeding companions are the hummingbirds like the Long-billed hermit and the Purple crowned fairy. Now and again the motmot would sit on the office extension as if dropping by to say Hi and keep company.

Montezuma’s Oropendola

Montezuma’s oropendola is also a common visitor and during the mating season, one colony makes numerous nests in the Cacao Agroforestry Farm at BFREE. Their breeding spot is that of a mighty Ceiba Tree right in the middle of a cacao block. Their nests are neatly woven, waterproof, and
cozy, a proven fact of their brilliant ingenuity. These birds are easily identified by their unique and strange calls and especially during mating these calls are also accompanied by a performance.

Lesson’s motmot observing Roxanna Chen in the BFREE office

Slaty-tailed Trogon

While I was fetching some drinking water, the stammering call of the Slaty-tailed trogon caught my attention. It was perching on a tree branch, stealthily moving its head from left to right as if it were taking surveillance of the area. Recalling my first sighting led to a flashback of a morning when it was sitting on one of the branches of an old Calabash tree back at home.

Scarlet Macaws

Recently, a flock of six Scarlet macaws stopped to feed by the garden. It was exactly the picture-perfect moment I was waiting for. I waited patiently for over a year to capture such a special moment; the beautiful colors of their plumage made them attractive. We hear them flying over but they were always in the thick of the forest and they preferred to settle only on emergent trees and, luckily, a prickly yellow tree was nearby and flowering.

Want to do your own birding?

Birds are fascinating creatures to observe and for that reason, I would like to encourage you to spend a little time this month looking at the birds in your yard, around your school, and in other areas you visit. Observe things that make one bird different from another bird – What color is it? Is it big or small? Does it soar high above the trees or hop around on the ground? Does it eat berries, seeds, or insects? What does its nest look like?

Global Birding Bird Day is Saturday, 11 May. This is a great opportunity for you to enjoy observing the birds around you. Over 600 species of birds can be found in Belize as resident or migratory species, so there are many opportunities to see birds every day. Staff of BFREE will be bird-watching and recording our findings on ebird.org on Global Big Day. We encourage you to spend time watching and documenting birds, too!

Student Advocate Workshops for Earth Day

April 28, 2024/0 Comments/in Blog, Central American River Turtle, Conservation, dermatemys mawii, Education, Fellows, Student, Turtle Conservation /by Jaren Serano and Samih Young

As part of Earth Day festivities, Heather Barrett, Deputy Director, and Jaren Serano, Dermatemys Program Coordinator with the support of Wildlife Education Fellow, Samih Young, delivered workshops at Sacred Heart Junior College and University of Belize. Over 60 students in Natural Resource Management and Biology as well as four educators participated in the workshops held on April 24th and 25th. The aim was to engage future conservationists and advocates by teaching current engagement methods, sharing existing resources and brainstorming additional opportunities. The workshop was centered around the critically endangered Hicatee turtle but also focused on the bigger picture of the conservation and protection of the watershed and its connected landscape.

SHJC student expressing her opinions about possible ways to play a role in positive change

The first part of the workshop provided background information and included a demonstration on conducting effective educational outreach presentations utilizing the Hicatee Awareness Month power point created as one of last year’s awareness materials. The second half of the session involved engaging students in independent thought and discussion during three breakout sessions.

Student’s answer to personal action she could take as an advocate

Questions in the breakout sessions aimed to identify strategies and resources for engaging various stakeholders in advocating for Hicatee conservation (as well as the conservation of Belize’s natural resources overall), fostering countrywide awareness and equipping advocates. This collaborative effort allowed for the sharing of ideas and perspectives. Both sessions proved to be highly interactive, with all participants contributing brilliant ideas and thoughtful activities. The workshop concluded with the BFREE staff presenting a poster highlighting the first ten years of work at the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center to school leaderships as a token of appreciation for their partnership.

BFREE presenting UB Environmental Club’s Advisor, Dr. Pio Saqui, a token of appreciation for the collaboration

Special thanks to the following individuals and organizations without whom this workshop would not have been possible:

Ingrid Rodriguez, NRM Professor at Sacred Heart Junior College, Dr. Pio Saqui, Samih Young and the UB Environmental Club for their coordination of these events; Disney Conservation Fund and Turtle Survival Alliance for their financial support that made these workshops a reality.

Introducing Samih Young – BFREE Wildlife Education Fellow

April 16, 2024/0 Comments/in Blog, Central American River Turtle, Education, Fellows, field station, Student, Turtle Conservation /by Heather Barrett

By Samih Young and Heather Barrett

This month, Samih Young joined the team and is taking on a brand new role within the BFREE Science and Education Fellowship Program. She joins as the Wildlife Education Fellow and will be collaborating on outreach programming and communications while also supporting work taking place at the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center. She’ll be an important contributor to Hicatee Awareness Month as well as other educational programming taking place this year. Samih is currently completing the last semester in her associate’s degree at University of Belize and is an active member of the university’s Environmental Club.

Samih is jumping right in to work with BFREE. Currently, she is helping to organize an Earth Day event at University of Belize with Jaren Serano, Dermatemys Program Coordinator and Heather Barrett, Deputy Director. On April 25, the team will lead a workshop for students in the Environmental Club called, “Empowering Student Advocates: Turning Ideas into Conservation Action.”

Jacob Marlin teaches Samih and other guests about snakes in Belize

In her own words

Hi there! My name is Samih Young and I’m originally from Belize City, I spent my formative years soaking up the wonders of nature on the cayes, which ignited my passion for the environment. As a little girl, I dreamt of becoming a marine biologist, but my journey took a slight detour when I pursued my associate’s degree in Natural Resource Management. However, this decision opened my eyes to the beauty of terrestrial conservation, and I knew I had found my calling.

As someone deeply rooted in Belizean landscapes, I carry a profound appreciation for our country’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage. My upbringing in the coastal regions instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility towards protecting our environment for future generations. This connection to Belize’s ecosystems fuels my dedication to conservation efforts, and I am eager to channel this passion into meaningful action at BFREE.

Nature has always been my sanctuary, evoking a sense of belonging unlike anything else – well, except for music, which holds a special place in my heart. My recent experience assisting the team at BFREE with the annual Hicatee Health Assessment was truly inspiring. Surrounded by individuals from diverse backgrounds, we shared a common mission: ensuring the well-being of the remarkable hicatee. Witnessing such dedication reaffirmed my commitment to conservation. It was not only the hicatee turtles that made me fall in love with the place but the level of biodiversity the reserve has. My first morning at the reserve I was awakened by the calls of howler monkeys, a symphony of nature that stirred my soul. Sitting on the edge of my bed, I savored every moment, eagerly anticipating the dawn of the next day amidst such natural splendor.

Growing up in the city, I often felt like an outlier in my passion for the environment. But witnessing the global effort to safeguard the hicatee at BFREE filled me with hope and determination. I know BFREE is the right place for me because being there made me fall in love with a species that I was only seeing for the first time. I’m enthusiastic about potentially making a long lasting positive change and I am thrilled at the prospect of learning from and collaborating with this dynamic team at BFREE.

The February 2024 Hicatee Health Assessment brought together partners from Wildlife Conservation Society, Turtle Survival Alliance, Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic and Savannah Field Station to assess the health of the captive turtles at the HCRC.

Special Thanks

The BFREE Science and Education Fellowship Program exists thanks to the support of partners and individuals who believe in the importance of providing work-training opportunities to young professionals aspiring to have a career in conservation. Thanks in particular to Zoo New England for providing funding for this new and critical position.

Pictures provided by Jaren Serano, Abraham Alvarez, and Heather Barrett.

Roses and Thorns: A Reflection on Life at BFREE by Cacao Fellow Graduate

October 24, 2023/0 Comments/in agroforestry, Blog, Cacao, Chocolate, Conservation, Education, Fellows, Research /by Lenardo Ash

There are experiences in life that can be considered life-changing, but nothing compares to spending about 70% of two years in the rainforest. I can confidently say that the two-year fellowship program at BFREE has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life.

It all began when I came across a Facebook ad about an opening at BFREE for a Fellowship position. Applying was a no-brainer for me, as I was tired of being confined to a small cubicle in my previous job. A few days after applying, I received an email from Heather inviting me for an interview. I vividly remember my first trip on the entrance road – I was supposed to get a ride in and ended up helping push a pickup truck along with some of BFREE’s staff. I won’t pretend that I enjoy traveling the entrance road, but as with most things in life, there are silver linings. For instance, I began to consider the 14 km trek as a great workout—truly a win-win situation!

To call myself a “naturalist” would be an understatement; many times, I find myself at peace when I’m lost in nature. If I’m not alone, I’m probably with Nelly, Heather, or Mario, engaged in a friendly competition of bird recognition—mind you, I had never been involved in birding before. The abundance of bird species at BFREE intrigued me, leading me to learn as much as I could from these amazing creatures. Another wonderful aspect of working at BFREE has been the chance to share cultural experiences with guests from other countries. Meeting and connecting with people who are passionate about conserving the environment is an incredible feeling.

I am pictured here at my BFREE Fellow graduation day with my mentor, Mr. Erick Ac

The most significant highlight of my time at BFREE was being mentored by Mr. Erick Ac, a prominent agronomist from Guatemala. Under his guidance, I learned everything from seed germination to pruning grafted Criollo cacao trees in the field. BFREE’s relatively new initiative of propagating wild cacao in degraded landscapes is fascinating, as it aims to tackle two main problems. The first is preserving cacao genetics, and the second is restoring degraded landscapes through agroforestry.

I was initially skeptical about the project, but now, three years later, the Crioco staff has harvested a few hundred kilograms of wet cacao beans. This success shows that the project is achieving its objectives. I am even more enthusiastic because of this, and I strived to maintain accurate data to support the extension of this project. Such efforts align with BFREE’s vision of research and addressing scientific questions within the Bladen and Maya Mountain region.

The cacao program has opened up other remarkable opportunities for me. BFREE generously awarded me a partial scholarship to complete my undergraduate degree at the University of Belize. Moreover, I’ve been honored with a unique scholarship from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), where I am pursuing a master’s degree in Entomology and Plant Pathology. This special scholarship is a result of the collaboration between UTK and BFREE in the cacao program over the past few years.

Birding with Nelly and other BFREE staff was one of my favorite activities

My aim is to carry forward my research in cacao production and contribute insights into pest and disease management. The support that I have received exemplifies BFREE’s dedication to help provide opportunities for marginalized groups. I’m deeply thankful for the invaluable learning experiences I gained at BFREE and appreciative of the fellowship opportunity offered by Mr. Jacob Marlin and Ms. Heather Barrett. I’m also grateful to the friends and professors I’ve met along the way, especially Dr. Denita Hadziabdic Guerry and Dr. DeWayne Shoemaker, for their significant contributions to my academic development.

Celebrating Seven Years of Hicatee Awareness Month

September 13, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog, Central American River Turtle, Education, Hicatee Turtles, Turtle Conservation /by Heather Barrett

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we are waiting for. We are the change we seek.” Barack Obama

Hicatee Awareness Month was born out of a need – as are many things. The Hicatee turtle was on the brink of extinction. Belize was identified as the stronghold for the species throughout its small range. Yet, how do you get an entire country to care about saving one species of turtle? And even more challenging – a turtle that is entirely aquatic and seldom seen, so is most recognized as a delightful and celebratory meal?

With baby steps as well as trial and error.

In 2015, I designed a t-shirt with the Mountain Printing Company in the states. The shirt displayed a photo of the first Hicatee hatchling to the HCRC (Freckles) with #SaveTheHicatee written underneath. The turtle was perfectly adorable and a hit with kids. I was excited that this was the first significant material I had created for the purpose of conservation.

Soon after the shirts were delivered to Belize, Jacob Marlin wore his on the Hokey Pokey to travel from Mango Creek to Placencia. He ran into an old friend from the village, who said to him, “Your shirt is making me hungry!”

Jacob later told me the story and it stuck with me. Not as a failure but as a lesson and an opportunity. We had to do more and we had to think differently.

Richard and Carol Foster were finishing a documentary film that described the plight of the Hicatee in Belize. BFREE and Turtle Survival Alliance needed to share it with audiences in Belize who could care about the species and do something about it.

As a result, Hicatee Awareness Month was born in October 2017 as a national campaign to save the species. “Hope for Belize’s Hicatee” documentary was the centerpiece and schools and NGO partners throughout Belize partnered in ensuring that film viewings and events happened throughout the month. We featured a different #HicateeHero every day in October and shared knowledge about how cool it is to be a teacher or researcher or student or biologist and told stories about everyday heroes. We reached hundreds of students and community members in person throughout Belize and thousands online.

When October 31st rolled around in 2017, I was proud and relieved to have made it through. I also thought that would be the end of Hicatee Awareness Month, because I had only envisioned it as a one-time event. However, I started to get emails and requests about what next year’s celebration would look like. And so, it continued….

In 2018, we hosted a national poster contest and had wonderful entries from all over the country. We were thrilled when the Standard IV class at Hummingbird Elementary in Belize City formed their own Hicatee Committee and used materials we sent to teach kids throughout their entire school.

In 2019, we produced a calendar with the winning poster entries from 2018. Those calendars were included as one of the new materials in the 100 packets that were distributed that year.

Then, there was the 2020 pandemic. And the small BFREE team was running short on new ideas for the month, so we decided to form a committee and invite members from other districts in Belize to contribute a fresh perspective to the annual celebration. The results were beyond our expectations! Soon, the team created a new mascot, Mr. Hicatee, as well as activities including a new sing-a-long song and Hicatee Hero video. Packets were delivered by committee members to schools in the districts where they lived. This was incredibly important that year because teachers were required to send materials home with students.

In 2021, new materials included a poster and bumper sticker to target older audiences. These materials were distributed throughout Belize on buses and cars, in grocery stores and other locations.

In 2022, Committee membership expanded and so did our reach. This year, we continued to focus on adult audiences, creating tote bags and even a billboard asking Belizeans to Follow the laws of Belize to protect all wildlife including the Hicatee. We shifted our language to talk about the importance of protecting the watersheds that Hicatee inhabit.

This year, we continue our quest to see the Hicatee become the National Reptile and to ultimately save a species from extinction. I couldn’t be more excited and proud of what we (a growing community of people who care about Belize’s wildlife and wildlands) have accomplished. Our next steps will be to put a research team together who will go into the field to learn about Hicatee in the wild and to collaborate with the communities who share the waters with these special turtles.

The Hicatee is disappearing, but together we can save it.

Since 2017, Hicatee Awareness Month milestones include:

More than 2,000 pages of printed educational materials, including fact sheets, coloring pages, writing prompts, and more, have been delivered to educators across Belize.
Those same educational materials are made available for free online in our Online Toolkit and emailed to more than 500 principals and teachers each year.
We have distributed Hicatee-themed items including: 500 t-shirts, 5,000 stickers, 200 posters, 160 “Herbert the Hicatee” books, 100 tote bags, and 100 “Hope for Belize’s Hicatee” DVD’s.
Hicatee Hero volunteers hosted over 50 public events and classroom visits.
More than 25 features on radio, TV, and in printed magazines and newspapers.
Created “Mr. Hicatee,” a catchy sing-along video and song.
Featured two roadside billboards in strategic locations in Belize.
Over – local and international visitors to BFREE have taken the Hicatee pledge and signed the Save the Hicatee banner!

Thanks to 2023 Committee Members: Ornella Cadle (2023 Committee Chair), Colleen Joseph, Jessie Young, Claudia Matzdorf, Barney Hall, Abigail Parham-Garbutt, Jonathan Dubon, Ingrid Rodriguez, Jaren Serano, and Heather Barrett.

Thanks to past Committee members: Robynn Philips (2022 Committee Chair), Tyler Sanville, Marcia Itza, Belizario Gian Carballo, Monique Vernon, Celina Gongora, Gianni Martinez, Ed Boles, and Elvera Xi.

We are also grateful to our local and international partners who have supported Hicatee Awareness Month over the years: Turtle Survival Alliance, Independence Junior College, University of Belize, the Belize Zoo, Crocodile Research Coalition, Sacred Heart Junior College, Hummingbird Elementary, Zoo Miami, South Carolina Aquarium, Disney Conservation Fund, and Zoo New England.

The Importance of Involving Local Communities in Conservation

September 12, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog, Central American River Turtle, Conservation, Education, Hicatee Turtles, Turtle Conservation /by Jaren Serano

I vividly recall my first time on the Belize River, navigating a canoe while assisting in population surveys for a Hicatee assessment. Despite my Belizean upbringing, my familiarity was primarily inland, leaving the fishing communities’ way of life somewhat foreign to me. Engaging in river-based research marked my initial exposure to the intricate relationship between these communities and the waterway.

The river serves not only as a food source but also as a gathering place for families, where they bond through storytelling and laughter on a relaxing Sunday afternoon. This is a place where elders pass on swimming and life lessons to their grandchildren, while youngsters test their aquatic stamina through diving games. Apart from fishing, the river holds multiple significant meanings to the communities who consider it their backyard.

“Save the Hicatee” banners have been created and signed by community members (young and old) across Belize who share the concern for this critically endangered species and who want to take action.

By observing fishing communities seamlessly blend into their environment, I started to see that, even though we all live in the same country, different communities have their own special ways of connecting with the environment we all share. This recognition as well as my recent experience studying abroad has helped me to realize that integrating local knowledge in the work that we do allows for the development of conservation strategies that are culturally appropriate and tailored to the specific needs of the area.

In Belize, Hicatee turtles have historically been harvested as a traditional and celebratory food source, resulting in a significant decline in their population. The consumption of Hicatee meat holds deep -roots within the Belizean population. I believe it is our responsibility as conservationists with a scientific perspective to consider how we can address this cultural tradition while also preserving the integrity of the species. Local perspectives can help us identify potential conflicts between Hicatee conservation efforts and local needs.

Incorporating these communities in our work can also improve the effectiveness of our research. For example, by communicating with local fishers we can identify areas where Hicatee turtles are in abundance but are being heavily harvested; this information can help us make informed decisions about areas to protect. Hiring dedicated locals as riverkeepers of these protected areas also offers the opportunity to create sustainable livelihoods within target communities. By involving communities in conservation efforts, we hope to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. When people are valued and engaged, they are more likely to actively participate in protecting their environment as well as the biodiversity that inhabits it.

In 2020, staff from BFREE and Missouri State University teamed up with a community along the Belize River for the very first release of captive-bred Hicatee turtles

To effectively contribute to the preservation of the Hicatee turtles, it’s crucial to involve community members of all ages, backgrounds and professions in our conservation and research endeavors. Some examples include the involvement of community leaders, local fisherfolks who know every twist and turn of the rivers, the popular food vendors down the street who help to keep the community fed, farmers who provide us with local produce and the dedicated educators who are shaping young minds. In closing, Biodiversity in ecosystems contributes to resilience and adaptability. Similarly, diversity in conservation teams enhances adaptability to changing circumstances and challenges.

The Fascinating Characteristics of Sundew

July 20, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog, Bontany, Conservation, Education, Fellows, Research /by Mark Canti

By Mark Canti

The astonishing characteristics of sundews are unbelievable to me. During two research trips with Dr. Rob Naczi of NY Botanical Garden, I learned a lot about plants, especially sedges. I was introduced to carnivorous plants and found them fascinating. I was shocked to learn that while walking around, we have been stepping on a lot of different species of exciting plants!

The Sundew was one of the common plants I saw in the field and it caught my attention because of the uniqueness of its survival skills. It is a variable perennial plant (meaning the plant can adapt to any environment and that the plant will grow, die out and grow again). I learned a lot of the basics of this plant in the field and, because of my interest, I continued my research after returning from my most recent research trip.

According to the International Carnivorous Plant Society, Sundews are generally about 4 cm in diameter. An individual leaf is about 5 mm long and 4 mm wide with erected scapes from the center of the plant about 8 cm long. The sepals have hairy glands that secrete sundew glue and the plant colouration ranges from pale green to deep red. It has approximately six pink or white small flowers that are constantly self-pollinating. Sundews have almost 200 different species making it one of the most diverse of all carnivorous plants.

Sundews capture their prey from glistening drops of dew at the tips of the hairy-like tentacles on their leaves. A healthy plant can have a hundred dew drops which makes it look gorgeously dainty and beautiful, but it is a sticky death trap for small insects. They have the ability to move or bend their tentacles in contact to respond to their edible prey. When an insect is trapped, it either succumbs to death through exhaustion or through suffocation as the fluid from the plant releases encloses, and blocks the opening of the insect exoskeletons. Death usually occurs within 15 minutes. (Photo credit left: internet image)

Meanwhile, the plant has trapped its prey, the plant secretes enzymes that will dissolve the insects which will free the nutrients that are trapped within its body. Eventually, the nutrient mixture is then absorbed through the leaf surfaces to be used by the rest of the plant.

Antique botany illustration: *Drosera rotundifolia*, round-leaved sundew

This is a plant that is common throughout the country of Belize and can be found in wet pine savannas. Discovering Sundews made me realize that many of us in Belize have no idea how extraordinary nature can be. This experience made me curious to learn about the multiple thousands of plant species that exist in this country.

As the Cacao Fellow for BFREE’s agroforestry program, I have gained a deep appreciation and understanding of nature. As someone who loves Belize, I’m dedicated to protecting our beautiful environment by understanding and appreciating the natural world around us. This research has taught me about the significance of each organism’s existence and its essential role in maintaining the environment.

Brittnacher, J. (2017, July). Drosera spatulata Species Complex. International Carnivorous Plant Society. https://www.carnivorousplants.org/cp/taxonomy/Droseraspatulata

Collaborative Cacao Research Project

July 19, 2023/0 Comments/in agroforestry, Blog, Cacao, Chocolate, Education, Fellows, Research, Student /by Roxanna Chen

By Roxanna Chen

BFREE in collaboration with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) facilitated a cacao research project at the BFREE’s Field Station in May 2023. The primary objective of the collaboration was to co-design and enhance post-harvest practices and methods for Criollo Cacao which is intercropped and shade-grown in several experimental plots within the property. Criollo is a Spanish term that means “of local origin” or native. Criollo beans are usually white to pale pink in color, and it is a pure cacao variety.

The four-day project was made feasible by several participants including the Crioco staff, myself as BFREE’s Advanced Cacao Fellow, and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville student researchers and professors. The project involved a variety of activities that ranged from harvesting ripe criollo pods to pod-cracking and bean extraction, to fermenting and data collection. The collaboration commenced with the Crioco staff playing an instrumental role in the cacao field specifically in teaching the students how to appropriately harvest pods. This activity is considered a crucial first step for good quality and fermentation because the pod must be mature, healthy, and not damaged. Good quality also means good chocolate!

Thereafter, I taught the students our recommended methods for pod cracking and bean extraction, as well as fermentation set-up and preparation. The students were very hands-on and did not hesitate to share useful ideas and information regarding data collection during fermentation and the application and usage of instruments. The exchange between both partners was mutually beneficial for everyone involved.

The student researchers received many first-hand experiences; these include the ability to differentiate the four criollo phenotypes grown at BFREE, harvesting and extraction of cacao beans from pods and most importantly getting practical during fermentation. Additionally, as the advanced cacao fellow, I became more knowledgeable about fermentation chemistry and terminologies and was exposed to multiple lectures on basic food components relating to Food Science and its applications to cacao.

Special Thanks

Thank you to everyone from UTK who participated in making the project a success. Professors: Dr. DeWayne Shoemaker, Dr. Denita Hadziabdic-Guerry, and Dr. Kevin Moulton Student Researchers: Holly Brabazon, Celeste Chadwick, Amber Gunter, Laura Whaley, and Madison Fomich.