Today we had a special opportunity to take a tour of the Maya ATM cave with Dr. Rodriguez and his team. After about a one mile hike to the cave entrance, we swam for about 50 yards into the cave. Here we trekked through the river, narrow passageways, and back into the chambers of the cave. We learned a lot about how the Mayans used the cave for rituals and their religious beliefs. We learned how the chambers of the cave corresponded with layers of the underworld and how the Mayans would sacrifice especially during hard periods of drought. Something I found very interesting was the levels of sacrifice. How the Mayans would move back further into the cave as they got more desperate and also sacrifice younger and younger as they grew more desperate.
We also took a trip to the Belize zoo where we got to see a lot of local animals such as jaguars, pumas, porcupines, ocelots, a kinkajou, a tapir, an owl, and a paca!
My beetle sighting for today was in the forest lodge bathroom sink and shower. Where several beetles were scurrying around.
Today was our last day in Las Cuevas! We started the day by collecting our camera traps. It took wayyyy quicker than it did in the morning. We’re practically experts on the trails now. We then listened to a variety of presentations about both parasites and infectious diseases in the forest and about the reef which is our next stop!
In the afternoon we all took a brief rat and studied outside together while we had WiFi. After dinner was when we got to see the images our camera traps had taken! There were a lot of candids of people on the cameras but we managed to see some amazing wildlife. We saw three pumas, several turkeys, and a few birds on the cameras! We were all super excited about the pumas as we all really wanted to see a big cat in the jungle, and our wishes came true!We ended the day with a special campfire in the middle of the jungle.
Dr. Solomon also had caught a bioluminescent click beetle and showed the class. These beetles are especially cool because not only do they glow through friction on their wings but they use friction to create a loud snapping sound when touched to scare and startle predators.
Hi! Day 3/5 in the jungle! Today we listened to a lot of presentations. One was by the head of FRC where we got to learn more about their mission and role they play in LCRS and the surrounding areas. The other was about the caves here in LCRS and the cultural importance of them.
Then we did a leaf cutter nest extraction. We foundyoung leaf cutter ant that looked to be about 1.5 years old and had few ants. We got to see the queen on the fungal garden and see how big she was! This nest was young enough that the hive had no army ants yet. We then extracted an older leaf cutter nest that was about 20-25 years old! That one definitely had army ants. We were stomping our boots left and right. This nest had a guest cockroach and was absolutely massive. We dug in through the side to find the fungal garden of that nest as well. That fungal garden was huge with multiple chambers.
We then went on a night hike to finish the day. We put on our head lamps and headed out. Unfortunately we didn’t see much but a few cockroaches, tarantulas and other insects. We did see a lot of beetles though! There was one during dinner and a few during the various hikes throughout the day. The beetles we found were dung beetles and herbivores beetles.
IMG_0329Hi! We’re still in the heart of the jungle, on day 2/5 at Las Cuevas. Today was a busy day with us successfully setting up two research projects!
This morning we set up a research experiment using pitfall trap to try to see the nitrogen limitation between the forest canopy and ground by seeing the difference between invertebrates in the nitrogen (our pee surprise!) and the water pitfall traps. We spent the morning setting up the experiment on several trees.
In the afternoon we set up another research experiment to see if bullhorn acacia trees change their defense mechanism based on age and colonization of ants. Usually a Bullhorn Acacia tree has a mutualistic relationship with ants where the ants live inside the hollow tree and are provided food by the tree. In return the ants provide a protection to the tree from herbivores. We collected leaf samples from a young and old acacia tree and several different species of invertebrates from grasshoppers to crickets to katydids and put them inside with the leaves to measure change in biomass and monitor the insects health with close proximity to the plant.
Along our treks on the woods we observed several different cool species from a queen ant who had just mated her larvae in a young acacia tree to many different tarantulas. We also saw several beetles. Of note Sam found a Tiger Beetle which is really cool because those beetles are very fast!
I’m Hi! Since yesterday I have come across many different species of beetles and other bugs, some more unfortunate than others. While chatting with everyone last night I stepped outside with my flip flop and heard a huge crunch. When I looked down I was shocked to find a huge green grasshopper. Unfortunately the grasshopper do not make it, RIP.
On a happier note, today we tracked through the jungle to but up different camera traps for large bodies animals. Our aim is to see if large bodies mammals use or/and are affected by man made human paths. We set up a majority of 14 cameras today. While setting up we saw a large variety of biodiversity. All the way from a snake to different beetles to evidence of insects on plants.
The beetles especially were of interest to me. We saw a beetle that secrets a smell to deter predators that was of darker coloration in a rotting log. This beetle was probably a stink beetle which doesn’t need to drink water and can produce a foul odor when disturbed!
While all throughly tried again, everyone was excited to see all the wildlife the jungle had to offer! Fingers crossed we see a Jaguar!
Hello! Today we woke up at 6:30 for breakfast for a travel day to Las Cuevas. We stopped along the way at Caraco, the Maya ruins. We were shown around by our tour guide Leo who taught us about the history of the Mayans and explained what we were seeing. We climbed the Maya temple, which is the highest building in Belize! We saw where the Mayans lived and where they would make offerings. Along the way we saw a baby fox among the ruins.
We then headed over to Las Cuevas after a quick lunch. Along the way we saw Howler Monkeys and a Tucan in the trees. We arrived after about an hour and a half and got settled before heading into the rainforest.In the rainforest we went for a mini loop where we observed army ants, a Tucan, and several interesting plants. One of which was a Bull horn acacia which is known for its symbiotic relationship with ants. Where the ants protect the tree and the tree has hollow horns that provide a home and nutrients for the ants.
Today I only observed one beetle back at Crystal Paradise Resort by the door of our cabin before we left for the day. It was about 20 mm long and had a unique horn on its head. Because of the horn this beetle was probably a Dung beetle.
We ended the day with presentations all throughly tired but excited for tomorrow! IMG_0245
Today we traveled to Belize! We started the day early, meeting at 6 am for a bright and early start. The flight was a quick 2 hours! We then took a bus over to get lunch where we ate some local Belize food and tried their signature hot sauce. We continued on our way to a local market in Belize to buy snacks and goodies before we step into the rainforest.
We arrived safely at Crystal Paradise Resort where we had a little time before dinner to explore. We hiked down to the river by the resort guided by the local resort dogs! We got back in time for some dinner that the resort provided.
During our brief time at the resort I found many beetles, like the ones in the taxa I researched. I observed two different species of beetles in the fruit scraps that the staff put out for the birds. One of which was distinctly a Dung Beetle. Later in the night, as we were eating dinner several beetles were attracted to the light and were dive bombing us as we ate and listened to presentations! While unsure, because it was dark and the beetles were flying this was probably a Neoclytus muctonatus. Excited to see what the rest of the trip brings!
These past two weeks were a whirlwind of learning and witnessing the beautiful biodiversity between the two most diverse ecosystems on earth— the coral reef and the tropical rainforest!
It gave me a taste of home being back in a marine ecosystem, but this environment was also very different and allowed me develop a more well-rounded view and knowledge of coral reefs across the globe. After researching coral reef framework, I learned the critical importance that reef-building corals hold in maintaining the the coral reef ecosystem as climate change, disease, and other anthropogenic factors threaten the very continued existence of the coral reefs we have loved and admired. Having seen coral bleaching events occur in my home town, I was dismayed to learn that the coral loss of diversity is even higher in the Caribbean with a 25% loss of genetic diversity which occurred in just the last 15 years. I feel a deepened sense of duty and desire to help preserve what is left of healthy coral reefs. My favorite things to see on the reef were lobsters, sea urchins, turtles, mantis shrimp, ctenophores, hydroids, annelids (mostly Christmas tree worms) and many more creatures! I liked picking up the sea urchins gently, and seeing hermit crabs shell swapping!
Similarly, the beautiful tropical rainforests at Las Cuevas left me astonished with its ancient and delicate pattern of nutrient recycling (which is also seen similarly with coral reefs and sediment). We learned that there are layers in soil which allows for the intake and recycling of nutrients which are imperative to the survival of so many species within the rainforest (similarly seen in coral reef framework). Slash burn agriculture is very harmful for the soil and disrupts this nutrient cycle so that plants can never prosper quite the same in areas that have been affected. We also learned that many creatures in the rainforest have specific niches such as epiphytes which are plants that reside in the canopy. This nutrient process of recycling is what allows these ecosystems to be so abundant with flora and fauna!
Heart of Chiquibul Forest from the Bird Watching Tower
We learned that there are many interesting similarities and connections between the surf and turf!! For example, we learned that when nutrient pollution in the rainforest can make its way to the coral reefs through rivers which could cause a massive sargassum algal bloom which blocks sunlight from coral reefs. One thing that definitely left an impression on me was the interconnectivity of every ecosystem. For example, we learned that mangroves filter out pollution, sea grass beds help prevent erosion, and coral reefs provide biodiversity at Glover’s Reef. (SO COOL)
I couldn’t comprehend the level of diversity and closeness to wildlife that I would be exposed to! This trip exceeded my expectations in every way! I loved the opportunity to witness marine and terrestrial animals in their own ecosystems. I loved watching squid communicate with each on a patch reef. I was amazed by the complexity of leaf-cutter ant communication while digging up an ant hill. I am definitely filled with a new awe and appreciation for all ants now. The coolest experience for me was definitely the night hike and the interaction between the Morelet tree frog and Rusty’s face (haha) and the interaction between the snake and the tree frogs eggs. I truly felt like a special guest viewing the world of wildlife, and it was the most amazing and rewarding feeling seeing creatures behave normally and undisturbed in the wild. I strongly wish to preserve these creatures and ecosystems. It pains me to think that the critically endangered tree frogs might not be there if I were ever to return.
Although the bug bites and cold showers were inconvenient at times, it was nothing compared with amazing experiences this trip offered and it is just part of true field work experience that most biologists have! It helped me solidify my passion for conservation and helped me develop more as a TFB. For instance, I have started to attempt to identify each species I encounter and think critically about scientific surveys that could be conducted to help protect the area. I was also bitten by the travel and Chiquibul bugs. I feel drawn to go beyond the usual travel experience, and I want to now travel purposefully to help in what ever way I can to improve these ecosystems.
Me wanting to go back to Belize right now 🙁
Three things I’ve taken way from this trip:
The most abundant, diverse , and interconnected ecosystems on earth that rely on very specific processes to maintain life forms that reside in these ecosystems are being threatened by humans.
Always expect the unexpected! There were so many moments during this trip that left me in awe such as when we discovered a Mexican burrowing toad in an ant hill! it’s important to also not expect to find results in our surveys to prevent bias and keep an open mind to possibilities that biologists may not have accounted for.
Empowering people to care and take interest in nature is a big step towards preserving ecosystems and animals. After talking with experts, I also know how hard it is to preserve ecosystems with limited resources. For example, only 6 % of coral reefs are protected properly and Dr. Arevalo shared with us the hard and long the process it can be to gain government support on conservation issues.
I have loved all the riddles and TFB jokes that our group has shared together. It was such a privilege to grow closer to every member of our group and so amazing to share these experiences with passionate professors and students who are also interested in nature and biology, as well as the junior TFBs that remind me to always remain curious. 😉
TFBs <3
I have learned so much on this trip! Thank you all!
The TFBs wanted to set up an experiment to record and assess if the relative difference and abundance in change in arthropods on the canopy and the forest is influenced by nutrients. Our nutrients were… DUN DUN DUNNNN… our own pee.
Our nutrients 😉
We set up arthropod pitfall traps all along the Mayan Trail of Las Cuevas. We spotted a jumping viper and eyelash viper in the middle of the trail! Both are venomous and the eyelash viper is so elusive that the manager of Las Cuevas who has been here for years hasn’t even seen one!
Eyelash Viper almost perfectly camouflaged
I spotted a zombie moth (moth taken over by fungus) and several beetles. I saw two types of longhorn beetles! You can tell these beetles are long horn beetles because they have long antennas.
After lunch we learned so much about ant hills and excavated a 1 year old leaf cutter ant nest we got to see the queen ant and her wing scars!
Leaf-Cutter Ant HillThe Queen Ant! 🙂
We also got to witness major and soldier ants as they tried to protect the fungus! Their mandible were so sharp that they can slice skin! One grabbed onto my finger nail and I could feel it’s strength.
On our second escalation with a more mature ant hill, Michael plunged the shovel into the mud and found… MEXICAN BURROWING TOAD! (it was unharmed by the shovel of course).
Elena holding my new favorite amphibian- the Mexican Burrowing toad!
It was absolutely adorable and it’s very rare to see them in nature this time of year (they come out later in the wet season)! It had very strong back legs for burrowing and it peed on Elena.
For our night hike, I spotted a tree frog which is hard to see during the day and it jumped onto Rusty’s face- I guess it knows that who studied the amphibian taxa!
Morelet Tree Frog- a critically endangered species
We also got to see a snake eating tree frog eggs!!!
Tree frog eggs- before they are eaten
It’s was absolutely incredible and reminds we that we are watching and learning about how animals behave in the wild and it’s such a different experience than learning in a text book! Loving the TFB life.
For our first project was designed to monitor mammals using Morrison sensor cameras to collect data about the relative abundance of species on roads, trails, and the rainforest around Las Cuevas Research Station. So into the forest we went!
Inside of Cave! See the stalagmites and stalactites? The Maya used to perform ritualistic sacrifices here.The red paint is still on a piece of Mayan pottery which is thousands of years old!
In a small cave, we saw giant spiders, went through a cave and got to pick up remnants about Mayapottery!
Top of the Bird Watch tower after an long hike
We got to witness the beautiful view of the heart of the Chiquibul forest from the bird watching station.
We also saw some tree frog eggs.
I was incredibly excited to see a beetle species called the darkling beetle tenebrionidae hegemona. Adrienne pointed it out on wood. It was incredibly good at climbing and I held it for 15 minutes! I loved the iridescent elytra and exoskeleton.
Darkling Beetle
I also saw some earthworms (oligochaetes).
Michael is showing me an earthworm on the rainforest floor helping to recycle nutrients back into the soil!
Caio also managed to find a leech in the middle of the rainforest He was brave enough to hold it and told everyone when it bit him three times!
Rainforest leech? Definitely didn’t expect to find here!
