"Unlike many countries in Central America, Belize still has a huge proportion of unspoiled natural forest. These forests teem with wildlife and provide havens for many endangered species. Belize's coral reef, which stretches the entire length of the coastline, is second only to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia and is important for many marine species. Fortunately, appreciation of this natural wealth was achieved in time to conserve it. Following independence in 1981, both the Government of Belize and the increasingly active non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were able to develop an international respected network of national parks and protected areas. This relationship between the government and NGOs is unique, with the Belize Audubon Society administering several parks and protected areas on behalf of the Government of Belize." Belize Audubon Society

Belize protected areas include Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Blue Hole National Park, Blue Hole Natural Monument, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, Guanacaste National Park, Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and Victoria Peak Natural Monument, etc.

"The Government of Belize has fixed entrance fees for the parks. These fees are collected by the Belize Audubon Society, and are used towards the costs of maintaining and protecting these areas. The fees are discounted for Belizeans to encourage local people to visit the parks." http://www.belizeaudubon.org

To become a member of the Belize Audubon Society and pledge your support, fill out the Membership Form and email membership@belizeaudubon.org or fax the Audubon at: 501.223.4985, or send it to: Belize Audubon Society, P.O. Box 1001, Belize City, BELIZE, along with a check or money order payable to: Belize Audubon Society.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
"Located 33 miles northwest of Belize City and just 2 miles off the Northern Highway, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary provides an opportunity to view some of Belize's magnificent wildlife. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1984 for the protection of resident and migrant birds, the sanctuary consists of a network of inland lagoons, swamps and waterways. During the dry season, thousands of birds congregate here, taking advantage of the food resources, and migrants find a safe resting spot on their spring migration back to the north.

The variety of habitats in the Crooked Tree area provides food and homes for a diversity of fauna. Within the logwood swamps roost the nocturnal Boat-billed Herons as well as Chestnut-bellied Herons and Bare-throated Tiger-Herons. Our two species of ducks, the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck and the Muscovy, nest in trees along the swamps. Over the open water you will find many birds feeding on the abundant food resources the lagoons provide. Snail kites, feeding exclusively on apple snails, the beautiful Snowy and Great Egrets fishing along the shoreline , all five species of Kingfishers, as well as Ospreys and Black-collared Hawks diving toward the water's surface for a catch, are only a few of the birds that can be seen. Black Creek, with its large trees, provides a home for Black Howler Monkeys, Morelet's Crocodiles, Coatimundi and several species of turtles and iguanas.

Jabiru Storks, the largest flying birds in the New World with a wing span of 10-12 feet, also find a home at the sanctuary. Belize has the largest nesting population of these great birds in all of Central America. The storks arrive in November to nest in the lowland pine savannas. Two pairs are known to nest within the sanctuary. After the young fledge and during the months of April and May, the birds from the northern and central parts of Belize congregate at Crooked Tree and Mexico lagoons. When the rains come, the birds leave to return again the following November.

Within the sanctuary is the village of Crooked Tree, established during the logwood era in Belizean history. Because of its relatively easy accessibility by boat, Crooked Tree was one of the first inland villages. But until recently Crooked Tree was still only accessible by boats which traveled up the Belize River and Black Creek. A 3 1/2 mile causeway now connects the village with the Northern Highway. Crooked Tree village is famous for its large mango and cashew trees.

Visitors are asked to observe the following protective rules and regulations of Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary :

• All visitors are required to register at the Visitors Center.
• Collection of flora and fauna is prohibited.
• Hunting and fishing are not permitted.
• Please do not litter.
• Firearms are not to be taken into the sanctuary.

Tourism is the fastest growing industry in the Crooked Tree area. Today many of the villagers still engage in traditional small scale farming, livestock rearing, and subsistence farming but increased visitation to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and its visitors center has prompted some villagers to invest in the development of rustic touristic infrastructure and services. Bed and breakfast fast facilities can be made available upon request. The following resorts and lodges also offer excellent accommodations and meals : Crooked Tree Resort Ltd., Crooked Tree Lodge, Bird's-Eye View Lodge and Chau Hiix Lodge. Jex & Sons Boat Tours offer educational and entertaining trips in and around the sanctuary. The resorts offer guided tour services as well. The Belize Audubon Society.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
"Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1990 is world renowned for being the first jaguar reserve. This “one of a kind” reserve was established as a result of jaguar studies conducted in the area by Alan Rabinowitz. Besides being the home to Belize’s largest cat, the Sanctuary protects the headwaters of two major river systems and supports an abundance of hardwood vegetation types and a diverse faunal assemblage. Over 128,000 acres of lush jungle are ringed by the spectacular Cockscomb Mountains. The wonders and diversity are accessible to both the casual visitor and the serious naturalist through a series of nature trails. These trails vary in degrees of difficulty ranging from an easy hour-long stroll along the river to a four (4) day challenge of conquering Victoria Peak. The Victoria Peak trail is only accessible during the dry season and requires a permit and a tour guide (experienced guides can be hired from the local communities buffering the sanctuary).

The trail system within the sanctuary provides breathtaking views across the Basin and waterfalls abound. If the hiking is too much, relax with a swim or try tubing down the river.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to all five (5) of Belize’s cats: Jaguar, Puma, Margay, Jaguarundi and Ocelot. It is estimated that over 80 resident Jaguars are in the area. Belize’s national animal, the endangered Baird’s Tapir also inhabit the Basin and over 290 different species of birds have been recorded.

Location of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary:
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is located six (6) miles off the Southern highway, approximately 20 miles from Dangriga (the nearest town). The access road to the Sanctuary is located in the village of Maya Center where the Maya Center Women’s Group is responsible for the sale of entrance tickets. The entrance fee is US$5.00 and the tickets can be purchased at the Maya Center Women’s Group craft shop located at the head of the access road (immediately off the southern highway).

By private vehicle: The journey takes approximately 2 ½ hours from Belize City – take the Western highway out of Belize City, turn left into the Hummingbird Highway (follow sign to Belmopan and drive past Belmopan), then turn right onto the Southern Highway (follow sign to Punta Gorda). Drive approximately thirty-minutes down the Southern Highway to the village of Maya Center; turn right into the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary access road (signposted on the highway). Drive six miles on unpaved road to the visitor center.

By public transportation: The Southern transport bus line traveling from Belize City to Punta Gorda will stop at Maya Center if requested (approximately 3 ½ hours). From Maya Center, Cockscomb Basin is a six (6) mile hike, or a US$15.00 taxi journey.

By air: You can fly from Belize City to Dangriga via Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. The flight takes approximately 20 minutes. From Dangriga either take a taxi to cockscomb or take a bus to Punta Gorda and ask to stop at Maya Center. From Maya Center, Cockscomb Basin is a six (6) mile hike or a US$15.00 taxi journey.

Cockscomb Basin Accommodation
Cockscomb Basin wildlife Sanctuary offers basic overnight accommodations. It is not a jungle lodge but it provides comfortable lodging for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. Meals are self-catering – there is a communal kitchen with stoves and crockery and cooking utensils for rent. Visitors are required to bring their own food and water.

Private Cabin:
Private cabin boasts a spacious verandah, outdoor seating, wildlife views and a comfortable living area. It can sleep a maximum of six (6) people (one double bed and two bunk beds). Pillows and sheets are provided and lights are solar powered. The private bath has a cold-water shower and composting toilet. Price – US$53.50 per night for the cabin

Dormitory:
From its large verandah, the dormitory has relaxing views of the Outlier Peak and the jungle. It sleeps a maximum of 24 people in four (4) separate rooms. There are three bunk beds with pillows and sheets in each room. Lights are solar powered. Separate male and female bathrooms have cold-water showers and composting toilets. Price – US$18.20 per person per night

The White House:
This house provides secluded, self-contained accommodations at the entrance to the park. Backing onto the river and jungle, the wildlife is abundant – and easily viewed from the screened verandah. The house has its own kitchen and dining area, with refrigerator, stove, cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils. The two bedrooms both contain a double bed and a bunk bed each. The bathroom has flush toilet and cold-water shower. Price – US$53.50 per night for the house

Mujan Naj (Bird House): The newest cabin has an attractive screened living area with table and chairs – ideal for relaxing after a long day’s hiking. It sleeps a maximum of four (4) people. One bedroom has a double bed and the other bedroom has a bunk bed. It has a private bathroom with flush toilet and cold water shower. Price – US$53.50 per cabin per night

Rustic Cabin: Centrally located, this cabin accommodates a maximum of ten (10) persons, in bunk beds (pillows and sheets are provided) in a total of three (3) rooms. Bathroom facilities (cold water shower block and pit latrines) are shared.
Price – US$8.03 per person per night." The Belize Audubon Society.

Guanacaste National Park
"Guanacaste National Park (GNP) is a 50 acres protected area located roughly in the center of Belize, It is just north of the capital city Belmopan in the Northeast quadrant of the Cayo District. GNP was established as a Crown Reserve in 1973 and gained National Park Status in 1990.(Link National Park System Act- 1981). This 50 acre national park is a segment of protected secondary growth tropical forest. It is the most accessible of the Belize Audubon Society managed protected areas, located less than 2 miles from the capital city Belmopan at the intersection of the Hummingbird and Western Highways this makes the park easily accessed by private vehicles and bus. Here the whole family has the opportunity to experience the beauty of Belize’s world-renowned biodiversity only minutes from an urban setting. The proximity of the park to Belize’s major towns and cities makes it the perfect destination for an unforgettable day trip.

The park’s relatively small size allows our visitors to come face to face with the varied wildlife and lush vegetations at an amazingly short distance from the entrance from the entrance gates. To enhance your enjoyment, the park boast an education center with a gift shop, a beautifully, wooden observation deck overlooking the river, a refreshing swimming spot for any age and swimming experience. We also have to offer sheltered picnic areas and over 2 miles of maintained trails.

Guanacaste National Park Buffer Communities
Belmopan is the largest settlement (approximately 8000 residents- 2003) in GNP’s vicinity, with it northern outskirts of Belmopan extending almost to the GNP’S entrance. Just west of GNP is the village of Roaring Creek with approximately 6000 residents. Once a thriving junction town, its role at the center of the country was eclipsed with the construction of Belmopan City in 1970. Also located in the vicinity of GNP are the refugee communities of Salvapan and Las Flores. Populated mostly by Salvadoran and Guatemalan, these communities have grown significantly over the past 5 to 8 years.

The areas around GNP reflects the complex mix of Belizean ethnicity, the predominant group being Creole, but there are representatives of all of Belize’s ethnic group. English is the primary language but Spanish is widely spoken.

Guanacaste National Park Forest Cover
GNP’s forest is secondary growth, much of it recovering from former use as pasture. Most of the forest is in the middle stage of succession. The area’s dry season gives the forest cover a semi-deciduous quality.

There are two broad forest types in GNP: Cohune Palm forest and Broad leaf Hardwood forest. The Cohune palm and Broadleaf Hardwood types are often contiguous or intermixed, however in GNP the Cohune Palm forest type is more common. Within the Broadleaved Hardwood is the riparian forest association and these trees are found along GNP’s riverbanks and have adapted to periodic flooding.

Guanacaste National Park Plant Life
Within the boundaries of the park there is a tremendous range of plant life to be seen from the trails. It ranges from One of Belize’s national symbols, the exotic Black Orchid, is amongst the smallest and most respected to the colossal Guanacaste (Tubroos) tree from which the park takes its name. This tree is truly impressive sight with its diameter in excess of six feet and hundreds of the hanging vines and epiphytes suspended from the upper reaches of its branches. Between the branches there are Stinking Toe Bukuts, Strangler Figs and countless other species of trees. (Link- Plant Species List)

Guanacaste National Park Animals and Birds
The immense range of plants is mirrored in the animal community of Guanacaste. If luck is on your side, you might be able to see a Jaguarundi, Kinkajou, Paca, Nine-banded Armadillo, and White-tailed Deer along with many species of bats. There is no shortage of reptilian life, such as Iguanas up to four feet long that sun themselves in the canopy foliage.

Similarly there is plenty for the avid bird watchers to see, with over 120 speciesof birds have been spotted in the park. The majestic Blue Crown Motmot, can be seen along with the Black-faced Ant-trush, Belted Kingfisher, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Magnolia Warbler and Red-lored Parrot to name only a few. A birding deck and a handicap trail is proposed for this area and will be completed in 2004.

Guanacaste National Park Cultural
GNP has no major Mayan sites, but wardens while doing trail work have discovered pottery pieces and other artifacts. In addition, there is a suspected chultun, or Maya underground storage chamber, located in the north-central part of the park. To date there have been no investigations of this chamber by archeologist.

Guanacaste National Park Visitor’s Use and Park Rules.
GNP is a day use park. The entrance fee are BZ$1 for nationals and Bz$5 for non-nationals. The opening hours are 8:00am – 4:30pm.

To help the Belize Audubon Society to maintain the park’s pristine conditions we ask that all the visitors observe the following regulations:
• Please register at our Visitor Center
• Do not disturb, harm or capture any animals or birds
• No fishing or hunting is allowed
• Do not disturb, cut or remove any plants or trees
• Do not liter. Please place trash in bins provided
• Please do not bring pets into the park
• Overnight camping is not allowed
• Make use of the park’s restroom facilities]
• Please stay on the trails at all times
• Firearms are not to be taken into the park

• Recommendations
Bring sturdy shoes, long sleeved shirt, long pants, insect repellent, sunscreen and plenty of water.All school groups are welcome, please register with the Belize City office, prior to you visit." The Belize Audubon Society.

Blue Hole National Park
"This 575-acre Blue Hole National Park (BHNP) was established when S.I. No. 109 of 1986 was signed by Hon Dean Lindo, the Minister of Agriculture, on November 23rd, 1986. The BHNP has been managed by the Belize Audubon Society ever since and includes the Blue Hole, a sapphire-coloured natural swimming spring (Picture) and the almost half mile long St. Herman’s Cave. That same year a landscape a landscape artist from Pomona, sponsored by CATIE assisted in the design of the visitor used areas and a trail system for BHNP.In 1988 funds from the MacArthur Foundation were used to construct a retaining wall to prevent erosion around the concrete stair way. The first trail form the Blue Hole to the opening of the St. Herman’s Cave was also cleared. This trail is no longer in use. The visitor’s center was opened on May 8th 1996.

Blue Hole National Park Features
Refresh your mind and body in this unique park with a swim in the sapphire waters of the Blue Hole, a visit to the subterranean depths of St. Herman’s Cave or a hike on the nature trails with their breathtaking views. The park can be found 12 miles southeast of Belmopan on the Hummingbird Highway and encompasses 575 acres of riverine forest. The karst topography of the park is a source of wonder with numerous underground streams, sinkholes and extensive cave systems.

Above ground, we see a rugged landscape with heights in excess of 200 meters, supporting a myriad of plant and wildlife. The Blue Hole is a 25ft deep pool, (Picture 2) so named because of the color of the water. Changing facilities are close by, as is a scenic picnic area which is also a great spot for birding. Running through the jungle surrounding the Pool is the Hummingbird Loop, an attractive interpretive trail with accompanying guidebook. Unguided, the visitor is able to walk 300 yards into St Herman’s Cave to see the awesome stalactites, stalagmites and curious rock formations. Flashlights can be rented from the Visitor Center. There are over 5 miles of trails in the park –ranging easy to difficulty. There are also several picnic spots and a campsite for the more adventurous.

Blue Hole National Park Fauna and Flora
The Park is home to well over 200 species of birds and the park in ideal for birding with a variety of open spaces attracting a wide variety of bird life.

Three of the five species of wild cats found in Belize - The Jaguar, Ocelot and Jaguarondi, have been sighted in Blue Hole National Park. (Animal List) Several other resident mammals including the Baird’s Tapir and Nine Banded Armadillo have also been seen. The park is easily accessed by car since it is located only twelve (12) miles southeast of Belmopan on the Hummingbird Highway. The park has two entrances, one to the Visitor Center, St. Herman’s Cave, Camping Site, Observation Tower and the Crystal Cave. The other entrance leads to the Blue Hole, Picnic Area and Humming Bird Loop. A new trail has been opened, “the Dusky Ant bird Trail”, which allows visitors a picturesque, safe walk from the Visitor Center to the Blue Hole, without having to use the Highway.

The Crystalline Cave
The Crystalline Cave is located in the Blue Hole National Park. A guided exploration into this very spectacular cave system will take you miles through huge caverns that is adorned with spelotems and crystalline formation. Take a walk down the footpath and staircase of the Mayan shamans and priest as they journeyed into the underworld Xibalba (a place of fright) where they used the chambers deep within the cave for their ceremonies. See the artifacts of potteries, beads, obsidian knives, and human skeletons that have been calcified in the limestone floor that date back 2000 years.
It is unfortunate however, that while all these intricate cave formations have been known to take thousands of years to develop, and the historical remnants of the Mayan People hold the key to unraveling the past of this once flourishing civilization, they can be very easily destroyed. Once they are gone, you will never see them again.

To protect these treasures, the Belize Audubon Society has instituted the following guidelines:
• Person/s entering the cave MUST be accompanied by an approved guide, and in possession of a hardhat and a flashlight or headlight with two (2) changes of batteries at all times.
• A maximum of (5) five persons including the guide are allowed to enter the Crystal Cave at any one time.
• At all times stay on the designated path/s and keep voices to a minimum to avoid unnecessary impact or disturbance to the Protected Area
• Do Not Touching, Breaking or Leaning on any cave formation
• The lighting of Fires or Smoking of any form is strictly prohibited within the cave
• Take only pictures and memories of you visit inside the cave
• Leave nothing behind, but footprints

Safety Precautions:
• Read waiver form thoroughly and supply the guide with the necessary information or request clarification before signing form
• Keep your lights and hardhat on at all times, and stay together
• Watch your heads for low ceiling and hanging cave formations
• Avoid jumping, which may cause stones to roll
• Take plenty of water

Park Fees
Park Entrance Fee:
Foreigner - $4.00usd
Belizean - $1.00usd

Cave Entrance Fee:
Foreigner- 10.00usd
Local – 5.00usd
(Other fees applies for spelunking and other guided tours)

What to Bring
• Recommendations
Bring sturdy shoes, long sleeved shirt, long pants, flashlight, insect repellent, sunscreen and plenty of water. All school groups are welcome, please register with the Belize City office, prior to you visit." The Belize Audubon Society.

Blue Hole
"Only a short distance from Half Moon Caye is the Blue Hole - the diving trip of a lifetime. The Great Blue Hole lies within the Atoll’s lagoon about 8km north of Half Moon Caye Natural Monument. This large almost circular sinkhole has a diameter of approximately 318m and a maximum depth of 125m. Jacques Cousteau studied this underwater cave in the late 60’s.

This sinkhole has been for many years been a major attraction for scuba divers and is the most famous destination in Belize. The Blue Hole attracts expert divers enjoy diving among the stalactites; as well as beginners who are able to see the coral walls, the sharks, Pederson's Cleaner Shrimp, schools of Jacks, butterfly fishes or maybe even the rumored Giant Sea Serpent – spotted in the late 1960’s.

The Blue Hole has a unique geological history and formation, as a result, like Half Moon Caye the Blue Hole was inscribed upon the World Heritage Sites List in March 1996 and later declared a Natural Monument in February 1999.

Blue Hole Natural Monument covers an area of approximately 3,000 acres and consist of the Great Blue Hole, surrounding coral patch reef and shallow seagrass lagoon.

Like Half Moon Caye the Blue Hole is usually accessed by organized boat trips. Operators in San Pedro, Caye Caulker and Belize City operate snorkel or dive trips in this area. Scenic flights over the Blue Hole are also available.

Entrance Fees: Nationals - $2.50BZ and Non-nationals - $10 BZ or $5 US

Park Regulations:

• Register with the Park Wardens
• Please bring your own water
• Please do not disturb, collect or remove any shells, plants or trees.
• No fishing or hunting is allowed
• Do not litter. Please take litter with you when you leave.
• Cooking is only allowed in designated areas.
• Please do not bring pets onto the island.
• Stay on the trails when going on walks.
• No firearms are allowed." The Belize Audubon Society.

Half Moon Caye
"The crystal clear turquoise waters, abundant marine life and unspoiled coral reef make Half Moon Caye an ideal location for snorkeling and diving. The Caye is located at the southeast corner of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the outermost of Belize’s three coral atolls and some 50 miles south-east of Belize City. The 45 acres are divided into two distinct areas, the dense gauno-rich Ziricote forest and the “paradise island” coconut palm beach. The white sandy beaches where turtles come up to nest are the ultimate spot for soaking in the sun.

We maintain a Visitor’s Center on the island, a picnic area (perfect for lunch), and trails for nature walks through the forest.

Half Moon Caye was the first protected area in Belize and first marine protected area in Central America. A small area of the island was first established as a Crown Reserve in 1928 to protect the colony of Red-footed Boobies that nest on the island. An observation deck allows extraordinary views of both the Boobies (in the rare white phase) and the Magnificent Frigatebirds sitting on their nests.

The Magnificent Frigate Bird has a seven-foot wingspan. It is a poor diver and cannot land on water, so feeds by harassing the booby birds to make the drop their catch. It was this activity that inspired the Belize Audubon Society logo.

Besides the Booby and the Frigate Bird, other resident speices of birds on the island include; the Great-Tailed Grackel, Cinnamon Hummingbird and white crowned Pigeon, with Ospreys nesting on the old lighthouse.

In 1982 Half Moon Caye along with the surrounding reef and lagoon was declared a Natural Monument. Later Half Moon Caye was considered to be so valuable that in March 1996 it was declared a World Heritage Site.

The Monument also includes Half Moon Caye Wall which houses tunnels, canyons, corals, and is described by some as “6,000 feet of vertical abyss”. Included in this system of reefs are many varieties of fishes, mollusks, algae, invertebrates, and numerous species of sponges.

Half Moon Caye is easily accessible through organized boat trips. Boat operators in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Belize City operate snorkel trips to this area. There are also some boat operators who organize over night trips to Half Moon Caye." The Belize Audubon Society.

Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve
"Located in the foothills of the Maya Mountains about eighteen kilometers (11miles) southeast of Belize’s capital, Belmopan, TMNR has an area of 6750 acres. Its hilly karst topography is covered with subtropical moist forest, largely intact. The reserve also contains cave systems, sinkholes and Maya Ruins.

Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve serves both to conserve biodiversity and to provide a wide variety of research and educational opportunities. The first biological research to collect baseline data on flora and fauna was conducted by Bruce and Carolyn Miller and Jan Meerman and Tineke Boomsma. This Nature Reserve is NOT open to the public.

Tapir Mountain Reserve History
TMNR, Formally known as Society Hall Nature Reserve, was donated to the Government of Belize in 1975, then leased back to its former owners, Svea and Thomas Dietrich who managed TMNR on behalf of the government of Belize. Svea Ditrich-Ward devoted much of her own time and money in a virtual single handed effort to keep TMNR viable. Boundary lines were demarcated, warning signs were posted and incursions kept to a minimum. Some interest on the part of international donors was generated. Largely due to the lobbing efforts of Svea Dietrich Ward, TMNR was officially declared a Nature Reserve under the National Park System Act (NPSA) in 1986.

In August of 1990, at the request of Svea Dietrich-Ward, GOB leased TMNR to the Belize Audubon Society, the present manager. This lease is for 99 years (back dated to 1975)

The goals of the Reserve are:
• To retain in perpetuity a portion of the northern Maya Mountain
foot-hills ecosystem.
• To provide opportunities for scientific studies.
• To protect the area’s biodiversity through community development program.

Tapir Mountrain Reserve Geology and Soil
The northern half of Belize which includes TMNR, rests on the Yucatan platform, a tectonically stable limestone shelf of chalk, marl and other sedimentary layers. The limestone of Belize range in age from 135 million to less than 2 million years old. TMNR has principally cetaceous and dolomitic limestone geology. In the upland sections of TMNR, soils are shallow and poor. There are some deposition of alluvial soil along Barton and Roaring Creeks.

Tapir Mountrain Reserve Wildlife
TMNR undoubtedly sustains a diverse resident and transient wildlife population. During the 1994 baseline survey the mammals reported in TMNR included the Baird’s tapir and white lipped peccary, anteater, paca (Gibnut), coati, gray fox, gray squirrel, four eyed opossum, white tail and brocket deer, puma, kinkajou, bats and armadillo. The northeast portion of TMNR was found to have relatively high biological integrity and is an important habitat for many wildlife especially migratory birds and Baird’s Tapir. The survey identified 129 species of migratory and resident birds, including the blue crown Motmot, a pair of spectacle owl and a great carrasow. Reptiles includes the iguana, gree snake, blacktail indigo, a large increase in fer-de-lance, coral snakes and boa constrictors." The Belize Audubon Society.

To become a member and pledge your support fill out the Membership Form and email membership@belizeaudubon.org or fax the Audubon at: 501.223.4985, or send it to: Belize Audubon Society, P.O. Box 1001, Belize City, BELIZE, along with a check or money order payable to: Belize Audubon Society