Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Virtual Belize: Exploring the Rainforest



And we've made it!

75% of Mainland Belize is covered in jungle/rainforest.

Much of it is devoted to a National Park. Sanctuary for the amazing diversity of plants and wildlife found here.

The first thing you'll notice is the aroma.

There are over 4000 types of flowering plants scenting the air...including 312 different varieties of orchids.

Like putting on all your floral cologne...at one time!

Beginning with the Belize National Flower

The Black Orchid





And so many more..

Here are a few...














Of course, all the wonderful smells attract butterflies and birds!











 





And through the thick canopy you can hear the voices of the Howler Monkeys overhead.







Take a listen for yourself.

https://youtu.be/kccBZElvTNw

Loud...numerous...and maybe even a little creepy.

These rainforests are also home to Jaguars...both black and orange/black coloured.
















 The latter know as a Royal Gibnut...because when Queen Elizabeth visited the  country in 1985 she was served this bush-meat (which is a delicacy in Belize) with the London headlines the next day screaming

"Queen Served RAT During her Visit to Belize"

 Before this, the large rodent was just called a Gibnut.

Belize Rainforests

https://youtu.be/vdQQ1MLunqQ 

Needless to say amidst such natural beauty Eco-tourism thrives and there are many great places to stay and enjoy it!







Hike the Rainforest

https://youtu.be/UKM-eWwOSOI


I hope you have enjoyed this virtual trek through the rainforest!
 

 See you soon!