If you are thinking about heading south for the winter, you might want to consider Belize. As seen through the eyes of biology researcher and wildlife photographer Joy Marzolf, it is wonderland in full, living color.
Hosted by the Mattapoisett Library’s Purrington Lecture Series on October 7, Marzolf made an hour-long photographic presentation, bringing to life all the color and all the vibrancy from insects and animals to waterways and lush vegetation that this paradise on earth holds.
Photography, beyond the job of capturing thrilling frames, plays a significant role in Marzolf’s work as a volunteer researcher with the Crocodile Research Coalition located in the Placencia Peninsula. The coalition was established just a few years ago to study and find ways to protect native crocodile species. The first step in a project of this sort is data collection.
Marzolf talked about dark nights spent with team members in small, narrow boats, seeking eye shines, reflections from crocodile eyes, in waterways throughout the peninsula. While Belize has its own native species of crocodiles called Morelet’s crocodile with a broader snout and head, the American crocodiles are also common in the area. Cross breeding of the two is well established, she said.
Another predator in the jungles of Belize is the jaguar. Marzolf displayed images of wild boar prints in beach sand that had been stepped in by jaguars meshing the two into one. Other large predator cats found there include pumas, ocelots, jaguarundis and margays.
Birds both migrating and native to the region number in the tens of thousands, Marzolf explained, as she shared brilliant images from her frequent travels. Warblers of all types, storks and herons, varieties of falcons, ospreys and, of course, parrots.
Of the latter, Marzolf noted they are struggling.
While the thrust of the presentation was a focus on plant and wildlife, such a discussion cannot sidestep the impact of humans on natural resources. Commercial development and developers are not unchecked by local environmental officials and rules. But Marzolf said, while mitigation of commercial development is part of the permitting process, developers can and do reach far beyond restrictions. She said mangrove swamps get cut down, trees removed and wildlife habitats ruined.
Part of the work of the CRC, Marzolf said, is conservation and education. One of its primary missions is protection of crocodile habitats, as well as protection of the animals themselves from illegal harvesting.
On her journeys, Marzolf has documented manuals. She specifically noted deer is a favorite of the predator cats. Manatees are also native to the area and are protected. Unlike Florida where swimming with manatees is permitted, such activity in Belize is restricted.
And not to be forgotten, Marzolf said, “If you are afraid of spiders…” your nerves will be tested, as spiders and tarantulas hunt at night. Eat or be eaten – law of the jungle. Oh yes, and don’t forget the snakes, many of which are harmless to humans, she assured all.
Not forgotten were the ants. A quick internet search turns up numerous websites featuring the ants of Belize. Marzolf showed a short video clip of leaf-cutter ants in long processions, bringing tiny triangles of green-leaf matter back to their nest.
Belize gained its independence from England in 1981 but remains part of the British Commonwealth. It is a fairly easy place to get to from here. A direct flight to Miami and then a short trip over to Belize will find you enjoying this Caribbean-like country in Central Standard Time year-round.
Marzolf suggested that visitors should go to well established environmental preserves to learn from trained tour guides about the natural wonders of this enchanted land of iridescent beauty. To learn more about Belize and Marzolf’s other journeys, visit thejoysofnature.com.
Mattapoisett Library
By Marilou Newell