Waterfalls, Flora & Fauna

The relatively newly formed Challilo lake on the Southern side of the Mountain Pine Ridge appears to be luring unusual species to Hidden Valley. For example, a brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) has been seen on Lake Lolly Folly, probably resting on its way to the larger southern lake.

A Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) was seen by one the Inn's visitor and recorded in the sightings book, which is believed to be only the second sighting of the species in Belize. This also highlights the importance of guest sightings, especially when they are from avid birders or interest groups in other fields.

According to Marcello Windsor, the Deputy Chief Forest Officer, there were Yellow headed parrots within the Mountain Pine Ridge in the past. This species is now listed as being ‘Endangered' by IUCN (2010), and as such further validation of this belief would be merited in order for potential reintroduction programmes to be implemented.

Fish
Prior to becoming a protected area, two non-native fish species were stocked in Lake Lolly Folly: Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) & Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), primarily for game fishing purposes. It should be noted that whilst not native to Belize, neither of these species has managed to escape since introduction as they have not been found elsewhere in Belize, despite extensive surveying (Peter Essleman, Perr. Comm.).

The only confirmed native species in the area is that of the twospot livebearer (Heterandria bimaculata). However, based on local records there could be additional nine species present within the reserve. These include one of two endemic fish species to Belize, the Mountain Molly (Poecilia teresae) which is fairly common within the Mountain Pine Ridge, a species that probably arose from being ecologically isolated by the Ridge's steep slopes.

Mammals
In total, Hidden Valley provides habitat for over 40% of Belize's non-marine mammal species. This includes all five species of wild cat found in Belize: jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis pardalis), jaguarondi (Puma yagouaroundi fossata) and margay (Leopardus wiedii yucatanicus). Indeed these top predators appear to be in relatively high abundances, indicating a healthy prey base, which includes tapirs, the national animal and a globally Endangered species as well as a host of smaller animals. Interestingly, the Endangered black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) have been seen from time to time above the Escarpment on the Frazier line, indicating that the steep and high climb does not appear to be a barrier to the species' movement.

Reptiles
The pine savannahs in particular, appear to support a fairly large number of reptiles, with almost half of Belize's species being found in Hidden Valley.

Invertebrates
Whilst studies have been conducted on only a few groups, these have again demonstrated the fairly high species richness of the area. For example, 49 species of Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) have been found within the area, but based on local records, a total of 79 species are likely to be present. Notably, during a Rapid Ecological Assessment conducted in Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve to the north, 2 new species were recorded for Belize (Meerman & Boomsma, 1994).

For Odonata (Dragonflies and damselflies), a total of 38 species were found within Hidden Valley whilst a total of 53 species are likely to be present. Notably, the data deficient Williamson's Darner (Aeshna williamsoniana) was found in the area by Meerman & Boomsma (1993).Studies have been conducted on tarantulas within Hidden Valley, however results could not be obtained.

Past and Present Research
Compared to many protected areas, there has been a large amount of research conducted in and around Hidden Valley. A summary of research initiatives is presented in Table 8. The most comprehensive work conducted on the area was in 1997 when Means conducted a six week study into the natural history of the property of Bull Run Overseas Ltd.

Several research initiatives are currently ongoing, such as that of the Peregrine fund who are monitoring Orange Breasted Falcons at the King Vulture falls as well as Black and white Eagles on the property and elsewhere in Belize. Marcella Kelly of Virginia Technical University runs a grid of camera traps throughout the area.

Overall, for researchers working in a number of fields, Hidden Valley provides a number of important opportunities. The pristine riparian forests and rivers, regionally unique submontane pine forests, cliff faces, and sharp altitudinal gradient as well as a charismatic array of fauna provide unique research opportunities, especially when combined with much baseline work being done and yet a deficit of knowledge still occurring in many fields. Moreover, it is an especially attractive site to conduct research in due to its safety and the easy access that can be gained to most areas from its network of road and trails.

Conservation Planning

Conservation planning is important for developing a strategic and comprehensive approach to conservation. Moreover, it assists in ensuring that development has a minimal impact to the area's natural resources and consideration is given to long term factors that may influence natural resources and in turn income generation activities.

A comprehensive explanation of the conservation planning process is presented within the national ‘Guidelines for developing a management plan - level two' (Wildtracks, 2005). Generally, this process consists of three steps:

1. Selection of conservation targets
2. Identification of threats
3. Development of strategies and objectives

Throughout all of these, measures of success are determined to ensure that progress can be clearly ascertained. In this chapter, a summary of the conservation planning that was conducted is presented, for more detailed information can be found in the conservation planning document (Volume 2, Appendix 5).

Conservation Targets
It is often impossible to conserve everything within an area, and therefore conservation targets are often chosen to focus efforts on the most important factors. These can be either socio-cultural factors (e.g. aesthetic landscapes or cultural resource) or for biodiversity can be populations, key species, ecosystems or groups of these. These targets should be representative of the area's importance and of the main threats affecting area.

Identification of Conservation Targets
During a planning workshop, the following six conservation targets were selected:

1. Ecosystem level
   Pine ecosystems
2. Riparian and riverine ecosystems
3. Broadleaf forest ecosystem
4. Species assemblages
   Orchids and endemic plant species
5. Avifauna
6. Felidae