Natural history Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

plant on forest floor of cockscomb west basin section

the maya mountains , foothills among oldest surface rock formations of central america; these paleozoic sediments uplifted 200 million years ago in later part (pennsylvanian) of carboniferous period , permian period. principal uplifted rock formations in sanctuary quartzite , sandstone.

flora

principal plant communities , habitats belizean pine forests, elfin scrub, petén-veracruz moist forests, sheltered valley forests, , floodplain thickets.

the principal forest type tropical moist broadleaf forest, covers moderate steep slopes, , in cases sheltered mountain valleys. while of forest secondary due mayan era farming modern logging, of steeper reaches exhibit primary forest characteristics. dominant trees in forest type mahogany (swietenia macrophylla) , cedar (cedrela odorata), prized , hence heavily logged 1900s late in 20th century.

water

fast flowing clear mountain streams flow valley floors of 2 basins yield more turbid water quality, during periods of peak rain. site known worldwide premier habitat jaguar (panthera onca), found in vast unexplored west basin wilderness.

the riparian zone forest areas feature lush broadleaf rainforest intruding verges of fast flowing steep mountain streams languid meandering valley drainages. there particularly interesting assemblages of vegetation along rocky bedded mountain streams have frequent rapids, waterfalls , deep pools. due density of vegetation , frequent precipitation events, forest floor appears fresh , verdant after several rainless days.