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.
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Cracking-pods-1-scaled.jpg19202560Roxanna Chenhttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngRoxanna Chen2023-07-19 20:57:182023-07-21 19:22:38Collaborative Cacao Research Project
Last month, I participated in a research expedition to understand biogeography and documentation of sedges in Belize and to fill in gaps that previous botanists have left unexplored and unidentified. My role throughout this research was to help navigate, locate, and identify existing, new, or unusual sedges, but most importantly to learn and acquire knowledge and experience. Dr. Robert Naczi of the New York Botanical Garden led the research project and I traveled as his assistant. Together, we visited multiple savannah ecosystems from the mid to the northern, western, and eastern parts of the country.
Sedges are perennial plants that are commonly found in shallow waters or moist soils. People confuse them with grasses because they resemble grasses and often grow along with grasses. Much of the vegetation in lagoons and savannas are sedges and they provide food and shelter for wildlife. Studies on pastures in Canada where sedges and grasses are both present have shown that cattle prefer to graze on sedges more than grasses. Analysis has shown that sedges are more nutritious than grasses.
Mark using a hand lens to study a small flower, intrigued by its complexity and beauty.A yellow-eyed grass, a common savanna inhabitant often growing with sedges.Rob photographing a recently collected plant specimen before preparing it for archiving in a herbarium.Rob collecting a spikesedge. Collections document the rich botanical biodiversity of Belize.
Rob has been traveling to Belize for the past 18 years. His first visit to Belize was in 2005 to prepare for a course that he anticipated teaching. He visited various parts of the country and realized that it would be a wonderful place to study sedges due to the countries’ rich biodiversity, especially for plants. Eventually, when he started teaching the Belize course, he brought his students to do research projects that focused on sedges in the savanna near BFREE.
Over the years, Rob has noticed increased deforestation in Belize. Previously wild areas are now becoming urbanized: we are seeing an increase in human occupancy and agriculture, also more dangerously, with the expansion of international drug trafficking. You’ll also note in the picture at the top of the article, Mark is shown in a savanna recently cleared for sand mining, an increasing threat to savanna vegetation.
On each trip he makes, he finds additional sedge species. Most have previously been discovered elsewhere and named but have not been recorded in places he explored and are therefore range extensions for the species. The newly identified locations allow him to better understand and gain knowledge about different types of savannas.
Mark and Rob’s explorations included many wetlands such as this shallow pond.
Usually, Rob travels to Belize during a part of the dry season – March, April, and May. Obviously, there are sedges that flower and fruit during the rainy season, which his schedule causes him to miss. In the future, he hopes to explore during the rainy season.
Interestingly, many sedges are fire-dependent plants, which means they require fire to flower and fruit. When there is no fire, the competing vegetation tends to grow high enough that it will shade the sedges. Therefore, sedges will go dormant for a few years but will eventually die if they receive shade for too long. Also, fire suppression for too long will cause the fuel load to build up, which can lead to a much more intense and catastrophic fire.
Roadside scene on Coastal Highway. Appropriately, this view was enroute to a savanna with jaguar tracks.Jaguar tracks through a savanna in the early morning light. Heavy rains during the night meant the jaguar had passed quite recently.Mark showing Jaguar tracks at our field site.
For me, this trip was a remarkable experience. I have learned to exercise and improve research and important observational skills. Last year, I also assisted Rob in his research. We focused on the southern coast of Monkey River Village, which is the northern part of the Toledo District. We had an easygoing trip whereby we easily accessed the targeted locations via boat.
This year it was a much longer and more intense, but exciting, experience. We drove miles and miles into savannas through rough roads but almost every location was successful. Everything was new to me. I learned so much and got to explore amazing parts of my country. I saw a vast amount of wildlife and added bird species to my birding list that I have never seen before. Lastly, I learned more about sedges and other plant species than I could have imagined. Overall, this experience has been a highlight of my Fellowship Program.
Thank you to Dr. Robert Naczi
The staff of BFREE would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Rob Naczi. We are grateful that he has faithfully returned to Belize and to BFREE over the past 18 years to continue his important research. Dr. Naczi has always been willing to teach motivated staff members to assist him in the field and has created opportunities for many of us to participate, even if only for an afternoon.
All photos by Dr. Rob Naczi and Mark Canti
Header Photo Caption: Mark in a savanna recently cleared for sand mining, an increasing threat to savanna vegetation.
Through his research to document the diversity and conservation status of Belizean sedges, Dr. Robert Naczi of New York Botanical Garden recently discovered a species of beaksedge previously unknown to science. In Belize, the Sedge Family (Cyperaceae) is one of the five largest (most species-rich) plant families. Beaksedges (genus Rhynchospora) are a diverse and ecologically important group of flowering plants, especially in the tropics. Beaksedges constitute the largest genus of plants in Belize, with 53 species.
When a scientist formally publishes a new species in order to make it known to the world, the new scientific name is one of the most exciting parts of the publication. This name becomes the means of communicating about the species throughout the world. Because this name will be permanent and must be unique, its formation is very important and provides an opportunity to be creative.
Habitat of the new species. Fruit of the new species; in most sedges, fruits are the most important feature for species-level identification.Upper portion of a fruiting plant.
The fact the new species of beaksedge is unnamed presents an opportunity. Dr. Naczi has generously offered to donate the naming rights to BFREE to support our spring fundraising. Therefore, from Earth Day until Arbor Day (donations made in response to this eNews will also be included), any donation of $100.00 or more will be entered into a raffle to win the opportunity to name the beaksedge. The minimum value of this naming opportunity has been set by Dr. Naczi at $15,000.00 with all proceeds going towards BFREE’s conservation programs. For every $100.00 you donate, your name is entered into the raffle one time. The more you donate, the more chances you have to win! To donate today, click here.
Note: The fundraiser must reach its minimum goal of $15,000 for the raffle to occur.
The new species is remarkable in several ways. It is known only from Belize, and increases the number of known plant species restricted to Belize to 42, highlighting the importance of Belize as a biodiversity hotspot. Also, this new species belongs to a group of species most diverse in the eastern U.S.A. In fact, this new species is the only member of this group that is restricted to the tropics. Its occurrence in Belize is completely unexpected, but Belize is full of surprises!
Botanical drawing of the newly identified Beaksedge – Copyright Bobbi Angell
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/n_sp_top_of_plant.jpeg21001400BFREE Contacthttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngBFREE Contact2023-04-13 22:07:402023-04-19 14:12:04Naming Opportunity for a New Species of Beaksedge
This March, BFREE proudly joined as a collaborator in the International Motus Network! Motus, which is Latin for the word ‘movement,’ is the future in migratory ecology studies. Scientists throughout the world are now afixing tiny radio transmitters to their species of interest, be at a thrush, warbler, or even a bat or imperiled monarch butterfly. These miniature devices send out a unique identifying pulse every 30 seconds, and if they pass within six miles of a host antenna station, the tag is automatically detected and uploaded into a public database, not just for the benefit of those scientists, but rather for anybody interested in the health and welfare of our migratory species.
This newer technology is groundbreaking because it is no longer necessary to recapture the bird in order to get the device and download it into a computer. Instead, the data collection is automated. However, if there are no receiving antennas on the ground, there is nothing to receive and record that migrating species.
Just in time for spring migration, I traveled to Belize with the missing components of the BFREE Motus Antenna. Together I worked with Mario Teul, Pedro Witz and Heather Barrett (who was collaborating from the US at the time) to get the BFREE computers set up to receive and manage the data. Mario then worked on assembling the antenna while Jacob Marlin and Tom Pop prepared for Jacob to climb the tower. Jacob free climbed the 140 feet on the communication tower above the BFREE office, and through brilliant rope and poly engineering, he installed the two antennas!
BFREE hosts only the second Motus receiving station in all of Belize!
We are proud to do our part and help scientists see a more complete picture of migration patterns. With Motus, scientists are now see a more accurately calculate migration timing, key stopover sites, and even to a certain extent evaluate site fidelity both in their breeding grounds and here in their overwintering grounds. This new information will help guide future conservation practices.
With great thanks to Birds Canada, who oversees the International Motus network and who also generously donated the antennas. For more information on Motus, go to www.motus.org
Special Thanks to the Author
BFREE would like to give special thanks to Michael Rogers. After traveling to BFREE in January to volunteer with his partner Rebecca, Michael took on the not-so-easy task of determining why our current Motus station wasn’t functioning. Through diligent research and support, Michael generously funded the purchase of many of the key elements needed and returned to Belize to support the installation at BFREE. Michael’s enthusiasm, initiative, and problem-solving skills made this Motus tower possible for us and we are supremely grateful!
Michael (pictured left) with the staff of Runaway Creek Nature Reserve, deploying Motus trackers on migratory songbirds with school children from Mahogany Heights.
The Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education (BFREE) is seeking to hire a qualified person (Belizean) for a full-time position to coordinate BFREE Conservation and Research programs. The position requires an advanced level, understanding, and mastery of the environmental and biological sciences.
Summary of the role:
The position requires a strong grasp of environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, biological sciences, science and research methodologies, leadership skills, project and personnel management, excellent communication skills, and an entrepreneurial approach to engaging corporate, government, and individual stakeholders. Most importantly, the candidate must bring a strong passion for conserving tropical forests and wildlife to the job. The Coordinator’s responsibilities are split between three programmatic areas as described below.
Programmatic Areas Include:
Dermatemys mawii Conservation Program(50%)
Responsible for spearheading efforts and collaborating with multiple stakeholders on the implementation of the Dermatemys Conservation, Management and Action Plan for the country of Belize. The Coordinator will work closely with multiple stakeholders including government agencies, researchers, non-government organizations, community-based organizations, communities and civil society. Activities include:
Advance the coordination and implementation of the National Dermatemys Conservation, Management and Action Plan to be finalized and circulated in mid-2023.
Develop and implement a fundraising strategy to support the implementation of the National Conservation, Management and Action Plan, including developing and submitting proposals to fund components of the plan.
Strengthen relationships with partners, including the development of MOU’s
Coordinate national and regional workshops.
Facilitate and consult with the Hicatee Working Group (an active network of stakeholders working with Hicatee in Belize).
Cacao Agroforestry Program(25%)
Responsible for overseeing the data collection, management, and analysis of the Cacao agroforestry program at BFREE. The coordinator will work closely with multiple partners including visiting researchers and university partners, government agencies, non-government organizations, communities, and civil society.
Advance the coordination and implementation of the Cacao Agroforestry program.
Maintain and update the cacao agroforestry digital database.
Become knowledgeable of the program and associated on-going conservation initiatives.
Attend meetings involving key partners, including universities, researchers, government, and NGO’s.
Coordinate and work closely with Cacao leadership staff to ensure research and data management activities are conducted effectively.
Draft and submit bi-annual and annual reports.
Wildlife and Environmental Research and Monitoring Programs(25%)
Responsible for spearheading efforts and collaborating with multiple stakeholders on the wildlife research and monitoring programs at the BFREE privately protected area. The coordinator will work closely with multiple stakeholders including visiting researchers, university partners, and BFREE staff.
Strengthen and further develop and implement a multi-taxa wildlife monitoring program at the BFREE privately protected area.
Oversee the science at the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center (HCRC) including data management and analysis.
Oversee the wildlife remote camera monitoring program at BFREE including data/image management.
Communicate with and coordinate with visiting researchers at BFREE.
Manage the collection, storage and analysis of the climate data at BFREE.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience
Ph.D. (preferred) or Master’s in Environmental science, ecology, sustainability, other natural/social sciences or related fields.
At least 5 years of professional experience, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership and management position.
Management experience in the fields of conservation and natural resource management, in particular tropical forest ecology, wildlife biology and ecosystem management, with preference given towards persons with experience in sustainable agriculture and endangered species conservation.
Experience in corporate and government engagement, preferably in Belize, coupled with experience of influencing policy and practice in both government and NGO sectors.
Requires good understanding of national laws and local traditions that help protect forests and wildlife, and the realities of local law enforcement practices.
In-depth knowledge of conservation and environmental sustainability issues and solutions, especially as they relate to Belize.
Thorough understanding of, and experience in, championing and communicating the benefits of nature and conservation to people and society.
Experience in staff management, with track record in motivating and mentoring staff and inspiring people through example.
Proposal writing and project implementation experience.
Budget development and financial management and reporting experience.
Additional skills needed:
Self-starter with a high level of motivation and drive.
Strong experience in administrative procedures and financial practices.
Possess excellent organizational skills and ability to write and speak persuasively.
Experience in project management and collaboration with external partners
Ability to coordinate with a diverse set of stakeholders on complex projects, and to multi-task and balance multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong skills in planning and problem-solving.
Excellent data management and analysis skills.
Strong understanding of program delivery and evaluation methodologies.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Advanced level proficiency in Google, MS Office, GIS, and Geospatial Mapping
Fluency in English and Spanish.
Valid Driver’s License is Recommended.
DETAILS:
This full-time position starts in March 2023. This is a one-year position with the opportunity to continue after evaluation. The BFREE Conservation and Research Coordinator must have their own workspace with internet connection, as the position is a remote working environment. Office equipment and supplies will be provided including a computer, software, communications, etc. Some travel is required for meetings, workshops, outreach engagements, and visits to partner sites and monthly visits to the BFREE Field Station. A 4×4 vehicle will be available on an as needed basis.
SALARY and BENEFITS:
Salary is competitive for high-level, leadership roles in Belize and are based on experience. An annual in-country travel fund is included.
APPLY:
Please submit applications to Heather Barrett at jobs@bfreebz.org by March 6, 2023. Applications are to include a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and associated experience, an up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae, and three references. Only complete applications will be considered.
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/BFREE-logo-2022.jpg775849Heather Barretthttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngHeather Barrett2023-02-11 23:56:482023-02-12 00:27:58BFREE Conservation and Research Coordinator
The 8th edition of BFREE’s annual magazine is now available in an interactive format online at Issuu! Get the latest news from the field station and learn about exciting research, conservation and education projects taking place in and around the rainforests of Belize.
Highlights of the 2022 magazine include: updates on the conservation and outreach programs associated with cacao agroforestry, the Hicatee turtle, and Science & Education Fellowship Program.
Click here to download a PDF of The Bladen Review 2022.
Special thanks to Alyssa D’Adamo for designing this year’s magazine and to Shaman Marlin for photographing the cover image.
For over two years, Head Park Ranger, Sipriano Canti, has managed a BFREE research project to document wildlife movements throughout the reserve. At all times, he has eight to twelve Panthera wildlife cameras strategically located to capture patterns and activities of mammals and sometimes birds.
Panthera Wildlife CamerasSipriano Canti
Canti has decades of experience with documenting wildlife using these types of cameras. He has worked with visiting researchers focused on different species and to answer different research questions. Therefore, he knows where to place cameras to best document activity.
With the development of the cacao agroforestry program at BFREE, he saw a unique opportunity to find out which animals are utilizing the cacao and when.
He began placing the cameras in several of the cacao blocks in areas where he anticipated a lot of movement. And the results have been successful. He routinely spots jaguars, tapirs, tayras, agoutis, coatis, deer as well as ground birds like common paraques and great currasow. The cameras also capture the movements of humans who utilize the property, which becomes important documentation for the protection program.
AgoutiCoatiJaguarWildlife cameras capture movement both day and nightJacob MarlinCommon Pauraque
These cameras provide proof that the cacao agroforestry system provides healthy habitat for a diversity of species. As the farm grows and changes, we are excited to see how the density and diversity of wildlife is also changed.
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/F2777704.jpg15362048Heather Barretthttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngHeather Barrett2022-11-13 02:26:022022-11-13 02:30:37#CantiCam documents wildlife in the cacao agroforest
The Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund (HCP) has partnered with Dr. Lambert A. Motilal to create a comprehensive evaluation of all cacao-growing countries around the world. The Review Of Cacao Explorations and Germplasm Movements is a 300-page review is comprised with riveting information regarding the history, genetics, flavor profiles, and cultivation areas of each country.
The purpose of the review is to enrich readers with the understanding of cacao origins, migrations and explorations of cacao varieties have taken place over time, and where future collections should be focused.
Cacao is an important tree crop impacting on livelihoods of millions of farming families in tropical and sub-tropical countries worldwide. This review serves to help conserve cocoa genetic diversity by identifying places for in situ collection and germplasm collection for ex situ genebanks.
To celebrate the launch of The Review, Jacob Marlin, BFREE Executive Director and HCP President, participated in a webinar with Dr. Motilal and Anne Zaczek, HCP Executive Director. The event was hosted by the Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA) as part of their on-going webinar series.
You can now download your copy of #TheReview on at the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund website! We encourage cacao enthusiasts to donate to the research efforts that made this publication possible, and to support future research possibilities, Heirloom cacao, and HCP farmers.
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/thereview.jpg17571406Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fundhttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngHeirloom Cacao Preservation Fund2022-11-13 01:42:212022-11-13 01:53:42The Review Of Cacao Explorations and Germplasm Movements
The flavor attributes of chocolate, especially fine flavor chocolate, is determined by numerous factors: 1. Genetics of the cacao, 2. The farming practices implemented, 3. The location, biophysical features, and climactic conditions of where it is grown (also called terrior), 4. The time of harvest, 5. Fermentation protocols, 6. Drying methods, and finally the chocolate-making including, 7. Roasting and, 8. The final recipe. Each of these factors has tremendous variability and requires specific expertise to successfully implement the management and interventions.
Fermentation is a critical aspect in flavor development and final acidity of a finished chocolate bar. You can’t hide bad fermentation in chocolate. If the beans are over-fermented, they yield an undesirable, wet “barnyard” type flavor. If they are under-fermented, the results are an astringent attack on your tastebuds that causes your mouth to pucker.
Even with the best farming practices producing the finest beans, if the fermentation is not done to its fullest potential the results will be disappointing at best. Our work to determine this important stage in producing some of the world’s finest chocolate is an important part of our current efforts.
BFREE began a collaboration with Dancing Lion Chocolate in Manchester, New Hampshire, to begin to determine the best fermentation protocols for Criollo cacao. Crioco Cacao’s Operations Manager, Elmer Tzalam, and I managed the fermentation experiment at the BFREE Field Station. Because there is no information on successful fermentation of the rare and ancient Criollo cacao, we had to undertake our methods based on limited information. We instituted three separate fermentation protocols and upon completion sent these batches to Dancing Lion Chocolate, where my good friend and colleague Rich Tango-Lowy and my son, Shaman Marlin, processed the beans into chocolate using a standardized roasting methodology. These three profiles were then molded into exquisite artfully designed hand crafted limited release specialty chocolate bars. Dancing Lion Chocolates is not your typical chocolate shop. Each bar is a work of art – visually dazzling and delicious. And chocolate is made in small batches and only one time in that exact way, they never repeat the same recipe twice. Rich has used BFREE Criollo cacao in the past on a few specialty bars and bonbons. After visiting BFREE with his wife, Torene, and Dancing Lion’s Baker, Donna McLintock, we began a conversation on how to improve and refine our fermentation methods.
Jacob, Rich, Torene and Donna visit the wild criollo cacao at BFREEShaman and his Dancing Lion co-workers make bonbons – Picture courtesy of Rich Tango-Lowy
I’m thrilled to announce that our initial collaboration was a success. Chocolate from these three different batches will be sold this year through Dancing Lion Chocolate. I’m especially proud to acknowledge Shaman Marlin who has been working at Dancing Lion for over a year and was responsible for making the chocolate in these bars! A very limited supply will be available in the shop and online after Thanksgiving. The bars can be identified by Criollo I, Criollo II, and Criollo III.
By determining the best fermentation protocols based on continuous feedback, revisions can be made until the process reveals the unique flavor attributes intrinsic to this unique cacao. In 2016, the BFREE cacao beans and chocolate were designated “heirloom fine flavor” by the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund (HCP), one of only 16 cacao varieties throughout the world to receive such an honor. In order to get designated “Heirloom Fine Flavor”, beans are submitted to HCP blind, meaning the chocolate maker, in collaboration with Guittard Chocolate, does not know where the beans were sourced. Once made into chocolate liquor and chocolate, it is tasted, also blind, by a 9-person panel made up of the world’s most expert chocolate tasters. If the flavor meets a very high mark, the beans are designated Heirloom. Based on those results and additional feedback and reviews, we are confident that this Criollo cacao is unlike any other cacao in the world, and this inspires us to continue our efforts to master the process, from the nursery to fermentation to chocolate bar.
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_2909.jpg15122016Jacob Marlinhttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngJacob Marlin2022-11-13 01:17:372022-11-14 14:11:24The Science of Fine Chocolate
BFREE, with the help of our dedicated partners, implemented three (3) separate Hicatee turtle release events for 2022. The first release event was conducted on the 1st of April 2022 when fifty-five (55) juveniles and hatchlings were released into a river in north central Belize. The release was done by BFREE’s Tom Pop and Jonathan Dubon with the support of community members.
The second release event was conducted on the 2nd of June 2022 when forty five (45) turtles were released into another river system also in north central Belize. The release was conducted by Belize Turtle Ecology Lab (BTEL) and students from Dr. Day Ligon’s Turtle Ecology Lab at Missouri State University, USA.
Hicatee are safely tucked into lidded containers for travelVisiting researcher, Rob Naczi, helped transport turtles across the Bladen RiverDenise Thompson of Belize Turtle Ecology Lab picked up turtles to be released as part of a monitoring program
The third release event was conducted on the 17th of June 2022 and was the biggest release to date. A total of one hundred and twenty-four (124) juveniles were released into the wild in central Belize. BFREE staff, Dr. Ed Boles, Tom Pop, Jonathan Dubon and Barney Hall, were responsible for transporting and releasing all of the turtles. The location was chosen based on two factors. The first factor was that many of the adults that parented the juveniles were from this watershed, and previous data collected confirmed that this population has been heavily depleted. The second factor is related to research. This specific location allows for BFREE and its partner institutions to track and conduct long-term monitoring, and the habitat is healthy and provides the natural requirements needed for the population to rebound over time.
Barney Hall helped with the release of 124 juveniles during his first week of work with BFREETom Pop, Jonathan Dubon, Ed Boles and Barney Hall conducted the largest release of captive born Hicatees to date
Jacob Marlin, BFREE’ Executive Director, states, “The reintroductions or rewilding of captive bred Hicatee from the HCRC at BFREE is a critical part of a much broader effort to prevent the extinction of this critically endangered species of turtle. By monitoring the survivorship and overall health of released turtles, and comparing the results to wild turtles of similar age and size, we can better understand the efficacy of and probability that our program can help re-establish and augment populations that have been severely depleted where they once were abundant.”
Over the last three years, with the support of our partners, BFREE has successfully released 415 captive born and raised Hicatee turtles in five different water bodies in central Belize. These turtles have been reintroduced into two watersheds where their populations have been severely depleted. Our reintroduction programs include both short and long-term monitoring, which will help us determine the success of this project. Several of the releases included the participation of community members to further expand our outreach efforts.
As always, a special thanks to our partner, Turtle Survival Alliance, for their consistent and faithful support of Hicatee conservation in Belize.
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Baby-Hicatees-with-BFREE-shirts-in-back-scaled.jpg25602521Robynn Phillipshttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngRobynn Phillips2022-09-30 20:02:422022-09-30 21:03:19Re-wilding Hicatee into Belize’s rivers
