Belizean Wildlife Archives - My Beautiful Belize

Belizean Wildlife

Discover the Wonders of Birding at the 4th Annual Belize Birding Festival!

Did you know Belize has 585 bird species? The Belize Birding Festival celebrates our unique avian treasures with an annual event honoring our diverse and rich birdlife, attracting bird watchers, nature enthusiasts, and ornithologists worldwide. The festival typically takes place in October, and this year, the highly anticipated event will be held on October 5th at the Countryside Park in Spanish Lookout, Cayo District.

Make what you read a reality in Belize

There’s nothing more exciting than experiencing wildlife in Belize, especially if you’ve just read or are reading about it! Here are a few ways to safely and respectfully get up close and personal with our wild royalty.

The charismatic national bird of Belize – the Keel-Billed Toucan

Regardless of whether you are a bona fide birder or just someone who enjoys nature, there’s no doubt that spotting our national bird, the Keel-Billed Toucan, when visiting Belize is always a treat! Although some people associate this beauty with the goofy “Toucan Sam” caricature seen on the popular Fruit Loops cereal box, let me tell you, these birds are sophisticated and worthy of great respect. For one thing, Mr. Keel-Billed would never be caught eating cereal for breakfast! A nice bowl of fruit, along with some insects and perhaps a lizard on the side, would be more like it!

The Tropical Education Center: A Hidden Conservation Oasis

Nestled in the lowland savanna of the Maya Forest Corridor is a wonderful lodge called the Tropical Education Center (TEC). Popularly known as the “Zoo Lodge,” the TEC is the sister site to the world-famous Belize Zoo and was added in 1991 to promote immersive exploration and appreciation of the natural world.

Belize Barrier Reef Watch

Many who enjoy the underwater experience, be it diving or snorkeling, are eager to learn more about this submerged world of beauty and be a part of protecting it. Here’s one way to help: be a Belize Barrier Reef Watch Citizen Scientist by documenting reef health and diversity!

Building on Legacy of World’s Most Influential Jaguar Scientist, Leaders Inaugurate the Dr. Alan Rabinowitz Research Centre in Belize

Known as the “Indiana Jones of Wildlife Protection,” Dr. Rabinowitz helped establish Belize’s Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary as the world’s first jaguar preserve. Cockscomb initiative has monitored approximately 200 jaguars, serves as longest-term jaguar monitoring project in the world.

The Belize Zoo at 40! A Reflection on Four Decades of Wildlife Conservation

Sharon Matola founded the Belize Zoo (TBZ) after caring for a handful of wild animals that had been part of a natural history documentary. In 1983,…

Wild creatures in need get a second chance at Aces Wildlife Rescue

Aces Wildlife Rescue is a 24/7 emergency wildlife response team, rehabilitation facility, and sanctuary nestled in the heart of Ambergris Caye. Originally centered on crocodile conservation, the organization has undergone a remarkable transformation to meet the growing demand for general wildlife assistance on the island. By expanding their skills, knowledge base, and qualifications, they have committed themselves to serving their community and the various wildlife species of the Cayes.

How to track animal of legend? Look for the poop!

A team of researchers led by the University of Cincinnati applied genetic and isotopic analyses to jaguar scat to investigate the habitat needs of the big cats in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Preserve of Belize in Central America. The study demonstrates a novel and noninvasive technique for identifying the landscape use and conservation needs of elusive wildlife.

Human Resources, Capacity-building, and Research Can Ensure Sustainable Forests in Belize

Belize has amazing examples of sustainable forest practices. Some recent successful forest management initiatives have occurred within the Maya Forest Corridor (MFC). A combination of human resources, capacity-building, and research is used as a step forward to achieve sustainability in this landscape. For example, science researchers and biologists from several organizations have monitored jaguars in the MFC using cameras and collaborated with students from universities in the United Kingdom and our very own University of Belize.

Happiness is a day sailing with Xsite Belize

You can’t fully appreciate the Caribbean Sea without a day sailing on it. In Belize, our waters are clear and gloriously blue, and as you tack along the ribbon of our Belize Barrier Reef with your sails full of warm tropical air, you can’t help but feel at peace.

Wildtracks Celebrates Thirty Years of Habitat Conservation and Threatened Species Rescue and Rehab

Who doesn’t love monkeys and manatees? The two creatures are synonymous when conjuring up images of wild Belize, and both are in dire need of protection.Our country is fortunate to have many individuals and non-profit organizations dedicated to protecting and preserving their vital habitats, with one, who for the last 30 years, also caring for them when injured or orphaned.

Heavenly Hiking in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

If you really want to immerse yourself in all that is Belize, hiking is fantastic! One place that is the ultimate experience is the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, with its variety of trails and waterfalls, hidden gems and wildlife.

Flying to and around Belize

When the New Year hits, we often find ourselves making plans and promises – resolutions if you will. It seems the biggest one is to ‘Travel More,’ and we agree! Even here in Belize, we promise to get out and explore more of what the jewel has to offer.

The Three Seasons of Belize

In early October, our friend (and scientist extraordinaire) Valentine Rosado lamented that in the last month of our rainy season, we were already getting our first “Norte” in Belize.

Iguana love you!

In Belize, I liken the iguana to our cute but pesky squirrel.Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and yes, I think iguanas are cute, even when they eat my flowers! And similarly, they have been and still are hunted and consumed by indigenous populations and remain a part of our cultural cuisine.Considered a delicacy, especially the developing eggs the female carries in March and April, the hunting season for iguanas is closed from February to June of each year as this is their breeding season.

Manatee Fun for Kids in Action in Caye Caulker

The chance to snorkel and swim with gentle manatees in their natural habitat can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Belize. Kids In Action members had that chance to do so in Caye Caulker on fine Sunday, and their appreciation for the endangered creatures increased.