Due
to internet issues, I was unable to post to the blog for the weak we spent at
Las Cuevas Research Station. Following are the past blogs.
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1
May 2013
Day 1
Our
group of 13 students and 2 professors landed in Belize City this afternoon. We embarked
on a tumultuous bus ride through many small villages, past San Ignacio, then toward
the Chiquibul Forest. Shortly after entering the reserve, our big yellow bus
was pulled over by the police for flying past an empty check point. We finally arrived
at Las Cuevas Research Station shortly after dark and were greeted by the staff
of the station along with the manager/guide for the next week, Boris. Tomorrow
begins our first day of venturing into the forest!
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2
May 2013
Day 2
Awoken
before dust to the horrifying sound of Howler Monkeys,this morning began with
our first hike into the Chiquibul. We headed down a trail towards the west,
with Mayan mounds framing the head of the trail. Our first activity involved
setting a 50x20 meter plot to then measure the diameter and height of the trees
within that plot. The diameter was measured at breast height (DBH), with a
standard height of 1.3m. Next, using a clinometer and measuring the tape, the
heights were measured. The formula (T% - B%) x basedist. = height was
used.
Soil
composition and horizons were discussed as well. It was determined that in this
part of the Chiquibul Forest, like most broad leafed forest, the A horizon is
substantially thick due to the accumulation of organic matter.
After
lunch we set out into the forest to learn of the Chamaedorea, also known as
Xate Palm. Illegal harvesting for the floral industry has led to the decrease
in Xate population. Focusing on the ernesti-augusti (fish tail) and oblongata
species, we measured the height, number of cut leaves, number of leaves with signs
herbivory, and number of commercial grade leaves.
3
May 2013
Day 3
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4
May 2013
Day 4
This
morning began with a beautiful sunset over Las Cuevas. Half of our group enjoyed
a demonstration of mist netting. Used to catch small birds for study or
tagging, a mist net measures 2x10 meters when fully extended. One of the three
species caught was the Yellow-Green Tyrannulet.
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This
afternoon brought the knowledge of small mammal trapping. Small mammals can be
used as an indicator species in forest ecosystems like the Chiquibul. Using the
cardinal directions we set 8 transects, each 100 meters in length. In 10 meter
intervals, a Sherman Trap was baited and set. We will check and reset the traps
periodically throughout the next couple days.
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Supplies for setting the Sherman Traps
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Comoflaged trap
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5
May 2013
Day 5
After
spending the past few days studying a broad leaf forest ecosystem, we drove to
the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve today. Located just north of Las Cuevas in the
Chiquibul Forest, we studied a pine forest ecosystem. As the oldest geologic
area of the region, the soil differs in that it is more acidic. The Pine Ridge
is immensely significant due to its population of pines which are at a much
higher elevation. The species are more widely known to occur in coastal zones.
This is especially important as the threat of climate change and sea-level rise
increases.
This photo was taken overlooking the McCall River.
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6
May 2013
Day 6
The
Chiquibul Cave System, consisting of four sets of caverns, is the most
extensive in Central America. Much of the system has yet to be explored. Today
we ventured into just a small portion of the system. As you walk into the dark
cave you’re greeted by the evidence of Mayan modifications. Presumed by
archeologists to be for ceremonial purposes, evidence of modifications includes
rock assemblages and plaster. The presence of water in this cave may be the link
researches need connecting the Mayans at Caracol with those at Las Cuevas’
location.
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We
ended today with some free time. Hammock and book, check!
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7
May 2013
Day 7
Our
last day in the Chiquibul has arrived. I spent the first half of the day being
the photographer for a project group as they collected their data on the tree
population in the Chiquibul. The afternoon consisted of organizing and packing
for our venture across Belize tomorrow.
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8
May 2013
Day 8
Our
trek today began early as we loaded back onto Big Bertha the Bus. A four hour
drive through Belize tends to result in dust and soot in every facial orifice. That
first glimpse of salt water was a relief for this Florida girl, topped only by
the swim I took just before sunset.
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Go Slow, we’re in Caye Caulker!
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