You Better Belize it!

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a young wildlife biologist is the opportunity to collaborate with experts from around the world. As travel slowly resumed in 2021 following the pandemic, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a month in Belize working as a field researcher with the Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society (T.R.E.E.S). This immersive experience allowed me to contribute to hands-on conservation projects while learning alongside seasoned ecologists in one of Central America's most biodiverse regions.

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When I first arrived in Belize, I wasn’t sure what to expect—but I knew I was stepping into one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. As a mammal enthusiast with a special interest in bats, I was thrilled by the chance to encounter two incredible species I’d only read about: the Wrinkle-faced Bat and the False Vampire Bat. Both are iconic neotropical species, and seeing them up close in their natural habitat will be a highlight of my fieldwork—an unforgettable moment in my journey as a bat researcher.

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During my month at T.R.E.E.S, I was deeply involved in surveys of birds, bats, and frogs—each day packed with hands-on learning and discovery. Mornings were spent participating in a North American Banding Council bird banding workshop, where we gained practical experience handling and identifying a stunning array of bird species. Evenings were reserved for nocturnal frog surveys, adding another layer to our understanding of Belize’s rich biodiversity. As a lifelong birder, I was amazed by the sheer number and diversity of birds we were able to band. Holding species I had only seen in field guides or academic papers was surreal—an absolute dream come true for any field biologist. What more could I ask for?

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Our nighttime frog hunts weren’t for food—they were for science. With so little known about many of Belize’s native frog species, and in light of the global threat posed by the chytrid fungus, these surveys were critical. Amphibians are disappearing at alarming rates due to this invasive disease, and our work contributed valuable data to help understand and protect these vulnerable populations. It was a powerful reminder of how field research, even in the dark and mud, can play a vital role in global conservation efforts.

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Later in my time at T.R.E.E.S, we began mist netting for bats, and I had high hopes of encountering my two target species—the Wrinkle-faced Bat and the False Vampire Bat. While those elusive lifers didn’t make an appearance, we did capture and record several other fascinating bat species native to Belize. Using a combination of mist nets and Wildlife Acoustics recording devices, we collected both visual and acoustic data, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s bat diversity. Even without my dream sightings, the experience was rich with discovery and reinforced my passion for chiropteran research.

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As my time in Belize came to a close, I found myself equally captivated by the country’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Beyond the fieldwork, I had the chance to explore ancient Mayan temples, wander through lush rainforests, and take in the stunning Caribbean coastline. It was a perfect blend of scientific discovery and personal adventure—an experience that left a lasting impression.

You truly have to see it to Belize it!