The Bladen Branch Wilderness. A special report
The Manomet Bird Observatory and the Missouri botanical Garden made a biological survey of the upper Bladen Branch watershed (Bladen) in the Maya Mountains of Belize., during March, 1987. We report on the topography vegetation, flora, birds, mammals and land-use in Bladen. We suggest a preliminary management plan for conservation and economic goals. Bladen covers about 350 kilometers2 (135 miles2). It is uninhabited and little disturbed. It contains mature forest and many animals, including substantial populations of large species that are rare and endangered elsewhere. Bladen would make an valuable nature preserve that would attract tourists. Scenery in Bladen is spectacular. Elevations range from 80 to 1000 meters. There are mountains, graceful limestone hills, rock outcrops, caves, sinkholes, and waterfalls. Forests cover the watershed, including large areas of tall (main canopy 30 meters high), species-rich subtropical wet forest, as well as other forest types reflecting differences in soil, elevation, and disturbance. We give preliminary data on forest structure and an incomplete list of plant species. The most valuable economic tree species, mahogany and spanish cedar, are uncommon in Bladen. Certiun species of secondary value are locally somewhat common. Between this and a previous trip we have recorded 194 bird species in Bladen, including 30 migrant species that breed in North America. Such large birds as Crested guans and Great Curassows are Common. We saw mountain lions twice and herds of white-lipped peccaries twice. Tapirs seem to be common in bladen. In the Quebrada de Oro valley in Bladen we found uninvestigated Mayan ruins, mostly low rock mounds, but including one grouping that appeares to represent "tombs" (8 meters high), "courts", and an "avenue". The impact of recent human uses of Bladen - the chicle trade, logging, small-scale agriculture, and hunting - has been slight. But as Belize grows, the forest and wildlife of Bladen will deteriorate without protective management. We recommend establishment of a Bladen Branch nature preserve. Bladen is suitable for a preserve because" a) it is nearly pristine' b) it is biologically rich' c) no peopple need be displaced, since it is uninhabited' d) it would be easy to protect, since few people live nearby and accesss to the valley is limited' e) it would bring tourists and thus revenue for maintenance of the preserve and for the benefit of the Belizean economy. A Bladen Branch nature preserve would help build the large and growing industry of natural history tourism in Belize. An undisturbed Bladen is a natural resource that should be conserved. The limits to the watershed, that is, all the land drained by the upper Bladen Branch, can be defined fairly easily and delimit the minimum area that should be included in a preserve. To increase the preserve's size, add a savanna habitat, and facilitate protection we suggest that preserve boundaries extend to the southeast beyond the strict limits of the watershed. Bladen is large enough to support populations of many plants and animals, but the area of Bladen alone is not enough to sustain populations of some large animals, wideranging animals, and perhaps some successional plant species with dependent animals. These species are essential for the maintenance of an intact ecosystem and some are a primary attraction for tourists. To provide an area large-enough for these species we recommend that a Bladen preserve be one component of a wider conservation region, including the Trio, Cockscomb, and Chiquibul areas, parts of which could be managed for sustained yield of forest products but still retain their wild character. We urge that Bladen be reserved for tourist, scientific, and educational activity. Only foot and boat travel should be permitted in bladen. One permanently-manned guard post and patrols would protect the preserve at this time. Little development is necessary. Local people can be employed as guards, guides, boatmen, and trail crew. To establish a well-managed Bladen Branch nature preserve, embedded in a larger conservation region, the next steps would be: (1) designation of the upper Bladen Branch watershed as an inviolate nature preserve, (2) preparation of a detailed and comprehensive management plan for Bladen by an experienced park or reserve planner, (3) continued basic studies on the natural history of Bladen, (4) biological exploration of the Trio and Chiquibul areas.
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | biblioteca |
| Published: |
Manomet, Mass (EUA)
1987
|
| Subjects: | AREAS SILVESTRES PROTEGIDAS, BELICE, CUENCA ALTA BLADEN BRANCH, RECURSOS NATURALES, |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|