Belizean reef mangroves

The disconnected units of the ecoregion extend from the Mexico-Belize border in the north, to Amatique Bay on the southern coast of Guatemala. There are different types of mangrove swamps, depending on the site characteristics: river estuary (such as the Monkey River), lagoons, island atolls, and coastal forest. Technically, Belize City itself is in a mangrove area.

Offshore islands supporting mangroves include Ambergris Caye, the largest island of Belize, and the atoll reefs of Banco Chinchorro[3] and Turneffe Atoll.

The climate of the ecoregion is Tropical savanna climate - dry winter (Köppen climate classification (Aw)). This climate is characterized by relatively even temperatures throughout the year, and a pronounced dry season. The driest month has less than 60 mm of precipitation, and is drier than the average month.[4][5] Precipitation ranges from 1,400 mm/year in the north to over 4,000 mm/year in the south.[1]

The common mangrove tree species of the ecoregion are white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa (generally closest to the ocean), red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), and black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) (farther inland or upland). Also characteristic of the area, but not specifically to mangroves, is the buttonwood tree (Conocarpus erectus).[1]

Mammals of conservation interest include the near-threatened black howler monkey (Alouatta caraya), the critically endangered Hickatee turtle (Dermatemys mawii ), the tapir (Tapirus bairdii), the vulnerable West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), and Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii).[6]

Protected areas of the ecoregion include:

• Shipstern Conservation & Management Area, in Corozal District of Belize
• Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, on the northern part of Ambergris Island, in Belize District of Belize
• Payne's Creek National Park, in the Toledo District of southern Belize
• Sarstoon-Temash National Park,[6] in the Toledo District of southern Belize