The Jungle Setting
A collection of mahogany, ceiba, and allspice trees along with cohune and majestic palms and a host of smaller plants cover the site core with a lush jungle canopy. In this coverage live a range of animals including three known troops of howler monkeys, agoutis, a wide variety of butterflies and birds including woodpeckers, mot mots, toucans, and humming birds. A jaguar has also been reported.
The area around the site had been cleared in the recent past for agricultural purposes. The cleared areas are now used largely for cane farming and cattle grazing. While this may be perceived as detrimental to the rainforest it should be noted that this clearing has revealed evidence for many ancient domestic houses in these areas indicating that this area was cleared in ancient times by the Maya. The grassy edges of the open fields are good places to see deer, and Belize is home to both the White Tailed deer common in Canada and its smaller cousin the Brocket Deer.
The area around the site had been cleared in the recent past for agricultural purposes. The cleared areas are now used largely for cane farming and cattle grazing. While this may be perceived as detrimental to the rainforest it should be noted that this clearing has revealed evidence for many ancient domestic houses in these areas indicating that this area was cleared in ancient times by the Maya. The grassy edges of the open fields are good places to see deer, and Belize is home to both the White Tailed deer common in Canada and its smaller cousin the Brocket Deer.
