The Shipstern Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in Corozal District in Belize.
background
history
For a long time this area was undisturbed and remote in the north of Belize. The Maya had numerous settlements here, but almost all but a few were like Sarteneja abandoned in the second half of the 2 millennium. It wasn't until 1980 Sarteneja across a road to the infrastructure of Belize connected. In contrast to the rest of the north, this region remained relatively untouched. Due to the importance of the lagoon of the same name and its islands, especially for breeding birds, this area was added to the list of important neotropical wetlands in 1986 (IUCN / IWRB, 1986). The remains of the old lumberjack settlement Shipstern can be found in the park. This was abandoned due to hurricane damage in the middle of the 20th century and got its name due to the fact that the boats had to turn around here (ships' turn). Due to translation errors, it became Shipstern over time. The reserve and the Mayan ruins hidden here were named after this settlement. The park was originally brought into being in 1987 by a private initiative and, with an area of approx. 89 km², functioned mainly as a butterfly farm. In 1989, the International Tropical Conservation Foundation, based in Neuchâtel in the Switzerland the management and expanded the area to today's 110 km². In particular, the Xo-Pol area was added in 1994, Mahogany Park in 2000 and 16 km² in the south in 2004. The reserve is currently on the verge of becoming a national park. The sister company Papiliorama [1] leads in Kerzers in Switzerland an extensive system of publicly accessible tropical houses and has recently put the so-called "Jungle Trek" into operation, which is a replica of the nature reserve.
landscape
This area is the driest region of Belize (the average rainfall is 1260mm per year). So it is not surprising to find an ecosystem here that is very similar to that of the Yucatan Peninsula. But within this area this dry ecosystem changes into tropical marshland and rainforests. The landscape is mainly characterized by flat limestone cliffs, underground caves and many small to large pools and lagoons, the Shipstern lagoon being the largest.
There are two areas of subtropical rainforest. While a three km² area north of the lagoon is relatively isolated, a 6.5 km² area in the south extends beyond the borders.
The numerous lagoons make up a fifth of the area, with the Shipstern lagoon being by far the largest. The depth of the lagoons usually fluctuates between 0.1 m and 1 m, with the salinity fluctuating between 0.5% in the rainy season and 3.3% in the dry season.
Large areas of savannah surround the lagoons and forest areas. These are partly bare or have islands of vegetation. In the rainy season they are flooded and offer additional living space.
In the eastern area there is a wide coastal strip. Dense mangrove forests stand here in a swamp-like landscape. The coastline runs into the sea in deep, white mud.
Flora and fauna
Due to the diverse ecosystems, flora and fauna are very rich in species. The subtropical rainforest was severely damaged by Hurricane Janet in 1955 and is therefore in a secondary state. There are tall hardwood trees such as mahogany and cedar. The tallest trees with heights of up to 25 meters are found in the places with the deepest soil. In places with less deep soil there is a shallow forest made up of small trees and bushes. In large areas, species, tree height and soil depth indicate the former use by the Maya. A part of the area has been recultivated on a trial basis. Many grasses and small shrubs can be found in the savannah. The reserve accesses the sea through dense mangrove forests.
This diversity of plants naturally also reflects a high diversity of animals.
- Birds - The reserve is above all a bird paradise. Bird species can also be found here, which can be assigned to the drier climate of the Yucatan, as well as birds which can be assigned to the tropical rainforest climate. In addition to many permanently resident bird species such as the fishing toucan, line woodpecker or sawack, there are also many species that use this area for transit or winter rest, such as the Indian coot. A total of over 300 species of birds have been found here. This area is probably the main source of food in Belize for the red heron. The occurrence of the glossy cat's thrush, which can only be found on some offshore islands outside the reserve, is also significant. This area continues to be an important retreat for the golden lion amazon, the Yucatan nightjar, the Yucatan blue raven, the snow ibis or the golden trupial. The most famous inhabitant of the area is the forest stork. This bird, on the red list of endangered species, lives here in a breeding colony of around 300 specimens.
 Sulfur mask cantyrant |  Mask trupial |  Yucatan blue raven |  Red heron |  Belt fisherman |  Great Egret |
- Mammals - For example, all five species of wild cats in Belize can be found here. Tapirs, coatis, anteaters, Virginia opossums and deer can also be found. When Hurricane Janet completely destroyed the reserve's forests in 1955, the monkey colonies of howler and spider monkeys migrated. Otters can be found in the large langoons, and bottlenose dolphins and manatees are occasionally seen as visitors.
- Bats - One study identified 22 different bat species. Numerous colonies were discovered. Among other things, the big hare's mouth bat (English aptly named Big Fishing Bat) can be seen fishing at the Xo-Pol area.
- Reptiles / amphibians - A total of 78 different species have been recorded here so far. These include tailed amphibians, frogs, toads, iguanas, snakes and crocodiles. Noteworthy are the saltwater crocodiles, whose population is secured through a breeding program. However, the mud turtle seems to have died out due to overfishing.
- fishes - There are numerous species of cichlids in the lagoons. Noteworthy here is the large tailed cichlid (Cichlasoma urophthalmus), which has adapted its reproductive behavior to the region. The sawfish that used to be found here has probably become extinct due to overfishing. Other fish species such as the Atlantic tarpon, spade fish or puffer fish can be found here.
- Butterflies - A total of around 300 different butterfly species can be found, with around 122 knight butterflies (Papilionidae), whiteflies (Pieridae) and noble butterflies (Nymphalidae) being recorded so far. Furthermore, 21 different bluebells (Lycaenidae) and 51 thick-headed butterflies (Hesperiidae) were counted so far. Around every tenth species in Belize is only found in this area. Of course, the range of butterflies that can be observed fluctuates greatly. The greatest biodiversity can be found at the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season. There is another boost during the short dry season in August.
- Enthusiast - So far 49 different species of swarmers have been identified. Some can clearly be assigned to the dry Yucatan vegetation, e.g. Manduca Wellingi. Others can only be found in the climatic conditions of the tropical rainforest, e.g. Agrius Cingulatus or Xylophanes Tersa. Most of the enthusiasts can be found in the first months of the rainy season.
- Silkworms - Up to now 16 different species have been registered here, which, like the swarmers, can be assigned to two different climatic zones. The species found mainly come from the Ceratocampinae and Hemaleucinae families. Here and there one also meets Arsenurinae or Saturniinae.
- Dragonflies - So far, a total of 54 different species of Anisoptera (dragonflies) and Zygoptera (tiny dragonflies) have been identified.
- be crazy - The various vegetation zones serve as refuge and hunting grounds for numerous arachnids. The best known representatives are the orb web spiders and tarantulas.
- Ants - Various species of ants could be localized so far, including driver ants or Pseudomyrmicinae.
- other insects - Numerous other insect species populate the area. Noteworthy here are, for example, butterfly-like or elephant beetles.
climate
Despite the relatively dry climate, a dry and a rainy season can be clearly identified here as well. Most of the rain falls between June and November, while February and May are mostly dry.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Precipitation max | 240 mm | 40 mm | 110 mm | 70 mm | 145 mm | 230 mm | 210 mm | 130 mm | 330 mm | 300 mm | 300 mm | 200 mm |
| Precipitation min | 70 mm | 20 mm | 5 mm | 20 mm | 40 mm | 20 mm | 50 mm | 50 mm | 100 mm | 50 mm | 100 mm | 60 mm |
getting there
By plane
Recently Sarteneja also a small airport or rather a landing strip. Tropic Air lands on request[2] on the route Corozal / San Pedro (Belize) on this. The visitor center is located 6 km southeast of the city center on the connecting road with Orange Walk. There is a delivery service from the hotels located here to the visitor center.
By bus
Of Orange Walk there is a bus to Sarteneja from Monday to Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Belize City there is a bus (Sarteneja Bus Line) from Monday to Saturday at 4:00 p.m. to Sarteneja. The visitor center is located 6 km southeast of the city center on the connecting road with Orange Walk. There is a delivery service from the hotels located here to the visitor center.
In the street
Of Corozal out towards Copper Bank (in the south) by means of a hand-operated ferry across the New River. Cost: US $ 5. After a short crossing you have fast Copper Bank reached. There is a hand-operated ferry that takes you over the small lagoon inflow. Follow the road to Chunix. Here you turn left towards Sateneja. After a few kilometers, a sign points to the entrance to the visitor center. The visitor center is located 6 km southeast of the city center of Sarteneja on the connecting road with Orange Walk. From the hotels in Sarteneja there is a transport service on request.
By boat
The Thunderbolt water taxi departs daily from Corozal to San Pedro (Belize) and stops in SartenejaThe headquarters is approximately 6 km southeast of Sarteneja. From here there is a delivery service to the protected area and back.
Fees / permits
- The Basic trip for US $ 5 - includes a visit to a small museum and the butterfly house, followed by a short hike. Duration approx. 1½ hours
- The Xo-Pol Tour for US $ 5 per hour plus US $ 20 gasoline - includes a trip (in a group of a maximum of 8 people) to the Xo-Pol area, which is about 1 hour away from the headquarters.
- The day trip for 75 US $ - includes the onward journey to the stork colony.
mobility
The Shipstern nature reserve has large areas. But the administration has land and water transport to cover these distances.
Tourist Attractions
- Visitor center. Here you can find a lot of information about the history, plants and animals of the reserve.
- Observation tower. The 22 meter high observation tower at the Visitor Center promises special views above the treetop.
- Chiclero Botanical Educational Trail. Numerous trees and bushes are marked on this 700 meter long path through the forest. On the path there is one of the ponds in the forest that do not dry out during the dry season. Only the salt content fluctuates between 0.2% and 0.4% from rainy season to dry season. The path is near the visitor center.
- Butterfly house. The butterfly farm is older than the nature reserve and was founded as the first attempt to make economic use of the biodiversity without harming nature. The export of butterflies and pupae has meanwhile been stopped. Today the butterfly farm serves only as a tourist attraction and for educational purposes.
- Xo-Pol area. Here is a hidden observation platform on a lagoon. An ideal vantage point to watch water birds, crocodiles and the like.
- Cave. There is an unexplored cave near the Xo-Pol base. This cave is a refuge for numerous bats and can only be explored by swimming.
- Wood stork colonies. The forest stork colonies in the reserve house around 300 pairs of storks and are generally regarded as the most important for species conservation.
- Shipstern lagoon. This largest lagoon invites you to observe animals of all kinds. There are numerous islands with a varied flora and fauna. Some of them have colonies of forest storks or ranger observation points. The orchid island is also worth mentioning here. This bears the name because of the abundant wild orchids that can be found here. A small Mayan ruin (probably a former observation post) from the classical period can also be found here. A boat tour to the forest stork colony usually includes a short stop with shore leave at it.
- Shipstern Mayan ruins. This Mayan ruin has not been excavated or substantially explored. Guided tours are possible on request. There is a road leading to the ruin, but it has not been maintained in recent years and has become impassable due to storms. A visit therefore requires a hike to the ruin with an overnight stay in the forest. The ruins themselves are quite extensive. The highlight here is the large pyramid. The elevations vary between 120 to 150 feet (40 to 50 meters). In this there is a cave that can be visited. According to the local guides, this is a ruin from the classical period. Details are not known.
- Belize Crocodile Creche. E-mail: [email protected]. This farm is currently closed because the founder and owner has passed away. Saltwater crocodiles were bred here and released into the wild after the first few years. Visits were possible on request. We are currently looking for someone to take over this farm.
- National Tree Park. Provides information on the history, economic importance and biological aspects of hardwoods found in Belize.
activities
- Wildlife observation - The animal watching paradise. Above all, the abundance of bird species combined with the lagoons, some of which are clearly visible, offer ideal conditions for observation. Butterflies, dragonflies, bats and reptiles can also be observed very well. The rangers who work here are extremely competent nature lovers and know their area. It is true that there are also jaguars here, but one should not have great expectations to see this shy animal. But traces can already be discovered. In addition to the Xo-Pol area, there are a few other observation platforms that you can be guided to. It is possible to stay overnight at the Xo-Pol area.
- Trekking - Whether you choose the short hike along the Chiclero botanical nature trail or the 2-day hike to the ruins: there are many ways to pursue this hobby. In addition to the national park management, hikes are also offered in Backpackers Paradise (see under overnight stays). The night hikes are a particular highlight.
- Discover - The Shipstern ruin is still relatively untouched and unexplored in the rainforest. It gives one an idea of what impression the explorers of the big cities like Tikal or Caracol had to have.
- To inform - The National Tree Park and the Chiclero botanical nature trail in particular provide a perfect insight into the flora of Belize in the smallest of spaces. The butterfly farm and the visitor center also provide information about the animal world.
to buy
One can take part in the conservation of the nature reserve and adopt shares in it. The current website provides information on prices and procedures.
kitchen
There are no catering facilities in the reserve. But in Backpackers Paradise (see sleeping) you can eat well. The sandwiches and crepes are recommended. The coffee is certainly one of the best in the region.
In Sarteneja there are other options and a supermarket.
accommodation
It is possible to spend the night on observation platforms such as the Xo-Pol area.
Between the reserve and Sarteneja is the Backpackers Paradise. This is led by a Swiss biologist who wrote her master's thesis in the reserve. She has good contacts with the reserve and knows the area well.
- .
Otherwise there is in Sarteneja still very good places to stay. Usually they offer a transfer service to the reserve on request.
security
There are crocodiles and poisonous snakes here, so careless handling is certainly not appropriate. But in view of the fact that humans are not on the menu of these animals, careful behavior appropriate to the rainforest and appropriate clothing should guarantee sufficient protection. The "most dangerous" here are almost the mosquitoes, so mosquito repellent should not be dispensed with. Dengue fever, which is occasionally transmitted by mosquitoes, cannot be prevented by vaccination. However, other diseases can be prevented:
- Malaria prophylaxis should be carried at least in case of emergency.
- A typhoid vaccination should be carried out beforehand.
- The hepatitis A, B, tetanus and rabies vaccination should be refreshed.
 | These medical notices have been carefully researched, but they are made no guarantee. A conversation with the person responsible Family doctor or one travel medicine or tropical medicine advice center is recommended in case of health problems or uncertainties. Also note: Note on health issues |
trips
- Bacalar Chico Marine. Whether over water or under water, this national park offers not only the natural wonder but also some Mayan ruins.
- Lamanai. The city that successfully shook off the Spanish occupation and can look back on the longest continuous settlement in the entire Maya world.
literature
- Timber, Tourists, and Temples: Conservation And Development In The Maya Forest Of Belize Guatemala And Mexico by Richard B. Primack published under Island Press (1997) / ISBN 978-1559635424
- Maya Nature: An Introduction to the Ecosystems, Plants and Animals of the Mayan World by Thor Janson published under Vista Pubns (2001) / ISBN 978-0962622182
