The wildlife and biodiversity has been maintained thanks to the Maya Biosphere Reserve model.
There is an abundance of biodiversity in the Reserve. In addition to the number of national parks, reserves and protected biotopes, there is exceptional wildlife. The Reserve is home to exotic animals such as the howler monkey, spider monkey, tapir, toucans, iguana, jaguar, puma, ocelots, maca, fresh-water turtle, and many other species to name. The majority of these species live in the Core Zone, in the myriad of national parks and reserves. With the year long tropical weather which also includes rain, and with little to no human activity allowed, the wildlife are free to roam around.
Flora
Out of the abundance of many beautiful floral species out there, we will introduce to you two of the most popular. The ramon tree and the mahogany
Brosimum Alicastrum
Photo courtesy of Joshua Thompson
This massive tree is known for producing the ramon nut as well as other edible fruits and seeds. The tree has great quality wood, bark and can adapt to many climatic conditions. It can grow to be 45 meters in height and 0.7-1.5 m in diameter. A healthy tree of its kind should produce dark green leaves, and a thick trunk that is larger at the base.
These trees are highly valued for producing what is known as the ramon nut or the semilla de ramon (in Spanish). “Each year the tree produces ramon twice a year. It’s powder is very important for everything.” Jose Roman- Director of Programs in Latin America for the Rainforest Alliance who has studied the ramon’s impact for several decades believes the breadnut can be a sustainable product as well as other products the tree could produce as well such as plates and furniture.
The tree itself can adapt to any kind of weather, especially humid conditions. You can also find these similar kinds of trees in Mexico, Jamaica, and Cuba. Originally planted by the Mayans during their civilization, it has stood the test of time.
“The Ramon tree has many benefits. Socially, economically, and environmentally.” Jose Ramon.
Because of the concessions that harvest and produce it, the families will drive home the income, but away from the financial gains, a family will learn how to run a small business and a community will be able to contribute to the harvesting and collecting of the seeds. Buyers will also contribute from buying a sustainable product and the funds will go towards the growth of the small concessions. That is in essence what the Integrated Conservation and Development Program is all about.
Imagine investing in this tree. Imagine the potential it could create for all the stakeholders involved.
Mahogany
This big tree is dark brown with flaky bark, and with a sweet, distinct odor. The leaves are big, thick and can reach lengths of 20 inches.
The tree can grow up to reach 200 feet and can live up to 350 years.
This type of tree be found in southern Mexico, Central America, and in Brazil and Bolivia and can be grown in many soil types.
It is highly sought out tree for its timber because of its durability and quality. Some of the most well known mahogany products are tables, guitars, furniture, and chairs
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Fauna
There are many beautiful wildlife species located in the Reserves. Here are several of them below
Scarlet Macaw
Over 300 species still remain in the country and most are all in the Reserve according to the audubon website
Jaguars
In each of the national parks, you will be able to spot a number of jaguars roaming around uninhibited, especially in Laguna del Tigre. These creatures need a lot of space to roam freely by nature to look for prey and mates. Because they are in the protected zone of the Reserve, they do not need to worry about being hunted.
In the last 50 years, their population has been on the decline due to habitat loss, poaching and illegal hunting, hence the need to protect the national parks. These creatures are vital to the ecosystem due to their role as top predators and their potential conflicts with domestic-economic animals
The jaguar is listed in the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES 2006) and is considered to be on the red list of endangered species. In the study of their land density which included sampling 25 independent jaguar records to 30 video records in camera trap stations, the land density of Jaguars in El Mirador was estimated to at 7 individuals per 100 km2, which was on par with the numbers at Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in Mexico as well as other sites in the south of the Yucatan Peninsula. Basically, all of this means that the land in the Reserve has been in solid standing for the jaguar. A work that still needs to be continued and monitored in the future to preserve their population.
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Pumas
These beautiful creatures are protected by the Reserve and by Guatemalan law. Similar to the jaguar, they face serious threats due to hunting, habitat loss, and conflict with humans for domestic animal predation. The Reserve is one of the last areas where you will find these creatures. You will find them in all of the national parks roaming around and in communities like La Gloria, and El Lechugal. Present data have shown similar land density to other reserves in Latin America.
Howler Monkeys
These furry creatures can be mostly spotted at Tikal National Park as well as other areas in the Reserve. They can grow to be anywhere from 22 to 36 inches tall when standing. The male howlers are black while the females are brown. These creatures live up in the trees and prefer to walk limb to limb instead of jumping. The biggest threat to the howlers are us humans. Clearing forests for hunting, or deforestation threatens the amount of land they need to survive. These animals are endangered and luckily the Reserve tasks themselves with preserving their population.
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