Mammals from British Honduras, Mexico, Jamaica and Haiti

Abstract

Substantial advances in our knowledge of the fauna of the Caribbean area are direct results of studies and collections made by Ivan T. Sanderson, capably assisted by his wife, Alma. The Sandersons sailed for the West Indies in July, 1939. Their collections and observations of animals began in Jamaica. Some bats, to mention only mammals were taken here. In early September the party moved to Haiti, where more bats and a feral horse were secured. Later in the same month, work was continued in Belize, British Honduras. The next six months were devoted to studies covering the coast of British Honduras from Punta Gorda in the south to the Bahia de Chetumal on the northern border. The specimens preserved include the largest and most representative collection ever made of the mammals of British Honduras. Unfortunately, the rodents, held for shipment after the war, were destroyed by a hurricane. In March, 1940, the Sandersons crossed over into Mexico, continuing their studies in Quintana Roo, Yucatan, and Chiapas until October of the same year. The Sandersons preserved and entered in their field catalogue a total of 683 mammals from the Caribbean area and 336 specimens reach Chicago Natural History Museum for deposit until they could be safely transshipped to England.