In search of jaguars
With 60% of its continental territory covered by vegetation, jaguars can travel from north to south of Belize through the deciduous jungle, almost undisturbed. The magnificent and mysterious jaguar occupies a special place in Belize's history and culture. The ancient Mayans revered jaguars and used them as symbols of strength. In fact, a jaguar adorns Belize's currency. Belize created the world's first and only jungle sanctuary and has one of the healthiest jaguar populations in Central America.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. The world's only jaguar sanctuary. Managed by the Belize Audubon Society, this amazing reserve protects over 50,000 hectares of land. The reserve has well-marked hiking trails, many of which lead to waterfalls in which you can even swim. It's also a sanctuary for hundreds of species of birds and other exotic Belizean animals. If you want to have a chance of seeing a jaguar, take a guide and visit the reserve at night! But be warned, this is a very rare experience...
A botanist's delight
Belize's first European settlers came to the country because of its rich variety of precious hardwoods, notably mahogany, and chicle, which produces a gum that was used as chewing gum by the early Mayans. Belize's national tree is mahogany, and the country's flag depicts a lumberjack. Today, Belize has implemented strong conservation measures to protect its forests, including huge parks such as Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and others listed below. Belize's national flower is the black orchid, and the country is home to over 250 species of orchids and bromeliads. Belize also has a strong tradition of using indigenous plants for medicinal purposes, including recipes developed by the ancient Mayans over 2,000 years ago.
Belize's national parks
Since its independence in 1981, Belize has put in place numerous laws and statutes to protect its natural and cultural treasures. Today, over a quarter of Belize's territory is protected by 95 well-defined zones. The total protected land area is 769,093 hectares, and the total protected sea area is 159,030 hectares. There are several types of protected area: archaeological reserve, forest reserve, marine reserve, national park, natural monument, nature reserve, wildlife park and private reserve. The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment is responsible for managing and protecting these areas, assisted in some cases by non-governmental organizations such as the Audubon Society. There are 17 national parks, 5 natural monuments, 3 nature reserves, 7 wildlife parks, 16 forest reserves and 8 marine reserves. These areas are considered both as conservation areas for animal and plant species, and as places for responsible tourism. There are also 8 private reserves, managed by individual initiatives and currently covering an area of around 130,000 km². Here is a non-exhaustive list of the most interesting parks to visit in the country.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Dating back to 1987, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is now one of the country's most visited reserves. Thanks to the work carried out by the government and international organizations to protect this area, the biodiversity that can be observed is exceptional. Ho Chan Marine Reserve, located near Ambergris Caye, covers around 8 km² and is divided into 4 zones: the coral reef, marine plants, mangroves and the "Shark Ray Alley" area. The two most visited areas of the reserve are undoubtedly the Barrier Reef and Shark Ray Alley.
Half Moon Caye National Monument. Located to the south-east of Lighthouse Reef, on both land and sea, this island is home to extraordinary Caribbean scenery and is famous as a breeding ground for loggerhead and hawksbill turtles and the red-footed booby. Numerous lizards and geckos can also be seen. Camping is also possible. The best time to visit is from December to May.
Bacalar Chico National Park & Marine Reserve. Located on the island of Ambergris Caye, this park is only accessible by boat. You'll come across crocodiles, egg-laying turtles and numerous species of birds. Diving in the park's waters is exceptional, given the color of the coral and the diversity of the fish specimens encountered. Depending on the wind, you can also go to "Rocky Point", the only place in Belize where the coral reef meets the coastline!
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. This national park is located in the Stann Creek District and covers over 400 km². Founded in the 1990s, it is the world's first and largest jaguar reserve. The park is also famous for its magnificent waterfalls, views of the Mayan Mountains, hiking trails and the diversity of tropical birds that can be seen.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Crooked Tree became a reserve in 1984 thanks to the Belize Audubon Society. The country's first nature reserve, Crooked Tree is particularly famous for its submerged lands and its large population of Mexican Jacana and Grebifoulque. The reserve also boasts the largest population of African Jabiru in Central America.
Rio Bravo Conservation Area. Created in 1998, this conservation area is located in the north-west of Belize, not far from the border with Guatemala. Various studies have identified more than 390 animal species living in the area - the vast majority of which are bats - and 70 bird species. The area boasts a variety of landscapes: pine forests, palm forests, swamp forests and freshwater lagoons.
Blue Hole National Park. Literally "the blue hole national park", not to be confused with the Great Blue Hole on the Barrier Reef! This park is located near the capital Belmopan and takes its name from a natural crystal-blue swimming pool. There's also a cave to explore, and various hiking trails to discover the region's flora and fauna.
