ENDANGERED SPECIES

Just like humans, no creature exists in a vacuum. All living things are a part of a delicate, complex and balanced system.

The relationships among them are necessary to keep the entire system functioning. The removal of only one species can trigger a chain reaction affecting many others. Scientists have estimated that the loss of one species of plant can cause the extinction of thirty other species including insects, animals and other plants.

When we become concerned about a species we need to determine whether it is threatened or endangered. Threatened means that the species will probably become endangered unless we make an effort to protect it. Endangered means that unless we protect the species immediately, they will soon go extinct.

In Belize, the following coastal species are considered endangered, threatened or vulnerable by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The primary reason for their endangered status is loss of nesting sites and habitat. These include :

Crocodiles -

There are two crocodiles species in Belize : American salt water crocodile and the Morelet's crocodile. Reasons for their endangered status include loss of habitat and nesting location; being killed as they are considered pests and being hunted for their meat and hides.

Turtles -

Three different species of sea turtles are endangered; the loggerhead, green and hawksbill. The hawksbill turtle is legally protected but the green and loggerhead are legally fished during open season. Marine or sea turtles have been hunted for food as their meat and eggs are considered a delicacy. Their beautiful shells are used in making ornaments and jewelry. In addition, the encroachment of hotels on their nesting sites has led to a dramatic decrease in their number. Important nesting sites are found at North Ambergris Caye, Sapodilla Range and Manatee Bar.

Manatees -

Belize's population of the manatees, which are an attraction to tourists, is estimated between 300-700 individuals. The major threats to manatees are : poaching for their meat, collision with boats, entanglement in fishing nets and loss of feeding habitats.