It’s thrilling to think that in just 1 week, I will be on the shores of Glover Reef learning about the delicate coral reef ecosystem. All summer, I have been reading up on and studying Belizean reptiles, echinoderms, flora, illnesses, and traditional medicines, and I hope to put this knowledge to good use. When I was younger, I visited many tropical countries like Costa Rica, Belize, Bonaire, Honduras, and Peru, yet I’ve never gone on a research-based trip. Therefore, I’m excited to revisit Belize and develop a newfound appreciation for the Mayan forest’s biodiversity.
Admittedly, I am a little nervous about lionfish, venomous snakes, mosquitos, and ants. Belize has 8 different types of venomous snakes, and although they all have antivenoms, I still don’t want to get bitten by accident. Also, tropical mosquitos like the Aedes aegypti carry tons of illnesses that I would hate to host. However, I’m sure that we can avoid any dangerous interactions with proper equipment and vigilance! I think the only non-environmental concern I have is being able to identify my taxa. I’m so worried that something may pop up, and I’ll have no clue what it is. I can only hope my Taxon cards are enough!
My goals for the trip are as follows:
- Find a Holcosus festivus aka the Central American Whiptail. Whiptail lizards are my favorite species and their colorful variants are only found in tropical areas
- Find a West Indian Sea Egg (Tripneustes ventricosus) and name them “Fuzzy”
- Identify a few traditional medicine plants, and maybe use one if it is safe. (For context, medicine is a niche interest of mine)
- Learn about the tropical bats in Belize and how they differ from “old-world bats”
- Gain research experience and better understand how research is conducted: the environment, tasks, etc.
- Better understand the Ecology and Bioscience fields (my major!!!) as a whole
I’m most excited to see the wide variety of fauna and walk through the rainforest. The ocean is great and all, but as a Floridian and an experienced diver, I have already visited very diverse reefs. So, I am way more excited to be immersed in an unfamiliar ecosystem like the jungle. Also, the professors keep mentioning cave systems and Las Cuevas, and caves mean my favorite animals, BATS!!! Lastly, I’m hoping to get some great photos to paint when I get back in July.
Even though it’s a week away, I’ve been studying, planning, preparing, and packing , so my suitcase is already stacked for adventure!
Wish me luck, because the next time you will hear from me I’ll be in the tropics! Till then!!!
-Faith