Wildlife Conservation Society biologists, Bruce and Carolyn Miller, have been resident in Belize since 1986 when they came for a one year project. They have been based at Gallon Jug since 1990 when they were invited by owner Barry Bowen, who gives infrastructure support to them, to base their conservation studies here.

Over the years, their conservation projects have focused on several themes at both regional and national levels (please see www.wcs.org/belize.com for more information). The Gallon Jug Estate is strategically located at the heart of La Selva Maya, the Maya Forest, the largest contiguous block of forest north of the Amazon. It is also an important link in the regional Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.

Bruce's research focuses on bats where he has pioneered the use of acoustic survey methods of Neotropical bats. Each species has a unique vocal signature and the acoustic survey methods provide information on not only species that are present, but also relatively abundant. The methods allow researches to survey high in the air over streams and into the forest canopy. Many species previously considered rare throughout the Selva Maya have been found to be relatively abundant in the Gallon Jug area. Gallon Jug provides a biodiverse rich venue for training field biologists from around Central and South America in the use of the acoustic methods. Curious about the bats? Checkout Info On Bats for details.