Sumario: | Sánchez Chuc, Esther Naomi. 2002. Manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus)
Watching at Swallow Caye, Belize. Special Project of the Engineer program in
Socioeconomic Development and Environment, Zamorano. 43p.
Belize is the Caribbean country that harbors the highest population of the Antillean
Manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus). This docile and harmless mammal is an
endangered species and is listed in the Appendix 1 of CITES. In Belize, manatees are
also protected by the Wildlife Protection Act of 1981. However, there is great concern
since the population of this species is decreasing, and one of the main reasons is
human activities. This includes the increased high-speed boat traffic that causes
injuries or even death from collisions, the loss of suitable habitat, which is a result of
the tourism development projects, pollution and harassments among others. The
observation of manatees in their natural habitat in this country is a tour activity that is
rapidly growing. Presently, tours are being offered in destinations such as Caye
Caulker, San Pedro, and Gales Point among others. Among the many areas that are
habituated by these creatures, Swallow Caye is the most important site used for
tourism, and it is also a key nursing and feeding site, therefore containing a very
healthy population. This mangrove island is visited by an estimated 20-75 tourists per
day. This study defines a profile of the tourists and tour guides who depart from the
island of Caye Caulker to realize manatee tours. Additionally it gives a brief
description of the tour, the behavior and conduct of both tour guides and tourists and
the main reasons why visitors of this island choose manatee watching in Belize.
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