Karen Pierce Metalsmith
Description: Lamanai Field Research Center promotes sustainable utilization of Belize’s natural and cultural resources for the benefit of the Belizean people, through
research (8528) wildlife (3692) conservation (2447) jaguar (687) belize (259) ocelot (12) margay (8) lamanai (4) lfrc (3) morelet\'s crocodile (1)
The survival of both the Morelet's crocodile and the American crocodile in Belize is threatened because of the development of their wetland habitat. We are collecting data on the growth and distribution of these species as part of a long-term monitoring project.
Our camera trap program captures photos of all five of Belize's elusive wild cats: the jaguar, puma, ocelot, jaguarundi, and margay. Photos and tracks help us determine how the cats use habitats including human-dominated areas such as farms and ranches.
The hicatee (Central American river turtle) has been overharvested to the point of near extinction from the rivers throughout its range. We are starting a long-term hicatee research and monitoring program in the New River Lagoon and surrounding areas.
Karen Pierce Metalsmith