The Chiquibul is one of the last known breeding grounds in Belize for Scarlett Macaws.
It’s Wild Wonder Wednesday! Macaws are the largest parrots in the world. The body of the scarlet macaw from beak to tail can be as long as 33 inches. This beautiful macaw has a creamy white, almost featherless face, with bright red plumage covering most of its body, wings, and long tail. The Chiquibul is […]
FCD’s Citizen Science Program begins with three volunteers in the first cohort.
The Citizen Science Program at FCD has kicked off this week. Three volunteers of this year’s first Citizen Science cohort have left for two weeks in the Chiquibul to conduct scarlet macaw biomonitoring. One of the three volunteers, Sandro Mueller, who is returning for the second time, presented to FCD’s Programs Director a book titled […]
Belize Forest Department and FCD conduct aerial reconnaissance over the Vaca Forest Reserve
With much urgency an overflight, with Belize Forest Department and FCD personnel, was conducted over the Vaca Forest Reserve to assess the forest fires reported by Rangers and local farmers. The aerial recce confirms that dozens of fires are spread out throughout the reserve and nearby farms. The impact is high. Both the Forest Department […]
In 1989 scientists discovered in the Chiquibul Cave System a skeleton of an extinct Florida Cave Bear species.
It’s Wild Wonder Wednesday! In 1989 scientists discovered in the Chiquibul Cave System (CCS) a skeleton of an extinct bear species (Florida Cave Bear – Tremarctos floridanus). The remains date back to the glacial Pleistocene Era (2.5 million to 12,000 years ago. The presence of the now-extinct species in the CCS is shrouded in mystery.
105 students taught about the Chiquibul National Park
A total of 105 Succotz RC students were educated on FCD’s efforts in the Chiquibul National Park. Students learned about FCD’s programs, conservation efforts, and the Chiquibul Cave System findings. FCD is committed to making a positive impact on the environment and the communities we serve.
FCD Newsletter Issue #45
FCD celebrated its 23rd Annual General Meeting on the 4th of December at San Ignacio Resort Hotel. This symbolized a return to a norm in terms of venue and participation of FCD members at the end of the year. Over 75 participants made it to the event, including the Minister responsible for protected areas, Honourable […]
FCD Annual Report 2022
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) has advanced more this year as it moved towards consolidating a landscape management program in the Chiquibul-Maya Mountains. This; however, would not have been possible without the support from the many donors and supporters of FCD. I would like to take this opportunity to […]
FCD Newsletter Issue #44
The 2022 Scarlet Macaw nesting season has ended with much success in the Chiquibul, thanks to a total of 13 volunteers that assisted in biomonitoring and the arduous work of the FCD Research Unit. By the end of the season, in September, a total of 24 macaws made it to the wild. With a population […]
FCD Newsletter Issue #43
The forest fires of this season were not as dramatic in the Chiquibul or Vaca compared to those of 2020; however, in the Baldy Beacon area, of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, where FCD Rangers are now based, the impacts of forest fires were high. During the month of May small fires were suppressed […]
FCD Newsletter Issue #42
With this new year came the new headquarters for FCD. It had been a long-standing dream for all of the staff that operated inside a fallen apart building. Two years earlier the stage was set for seeking the funds and making the construction possible. The elevated building constructed by Premier Homes located on the Spanish […]