Belize Jungle's Wild Residents

Belize is a nature lover's dream, with a rich concentration of wildlife. The country's rainforest covers half the country and most of it is under government protection. The country is home to a diverse range of animals, including jaguars, tapirs, crocodiles, keel-billed toucans, black howler monkeys, white-nosed coatis, sea turtles, manatees, whale sharks, rays, dolphins, reef fish, nurse sharks, stingrays, scarlet macaws, kinkajous, spider monkeys, and more.

Reptiles and amphibians

Belize is home to a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians. The country's unique position between North and South America, along with its diverse climates and habitats, make it an ideal place for these creatures to thrive. Here is a closer look at some of the remarkable reptiles and amphibians found in the Belize jungle:

Reptiles

Belize is known for its diverse population of reptiles, including lizards, snakes, crocodiles, and turtles. One of the most iconic reptiles in Belize is the green iguana (*Iguana iguana*), also known locally as "bamboo chicken". It is the largest lizard in Belize and one of the largest in the world, with males reaching nearly 7 feet in length, including their tails. Iguanas are often found perched on branches overhanging rivers and will plunge into the water when threatened. Their diet includes invertebrates, small mammals, and nestling birds.

Another notable reptile in Belize is the Morelet's crocodile (*Crocodylus moreletii*), a smaller species that typically grows up to 4 meters (13 feet) in length. These crocodiles are considered shy and timid but can be dangerous to humans. They are commonly found along the coast of Northern and Central Belize in freshwater habitats.

Belize is also home to several species of sea turtles, including the loggerhead, green sea turtle, and hawksbill turtle. The green sea turtle, in particular, is a migratory species that can be found in shallow coastal waters and is recognised by its bright green colour.

Various snake species can be found in Belize, including both venomous and non-venomous varieties. One of the most dangerous is the fer-de-lance (*Bothrops asper*), a pit viper that can grow up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) in length. Other snakes, such as the boa constrictor, are non-venomous but can still deliver a painful bite.

Amphibians

Belize is also rich in amphibian life, with many species of salamanders, toads, and frogs. One of the most famous amphibians in Belize is the red-eyed tree frog (*Agalychnis callidryas*), known for its slender build and brilliant green body with pale blue vertical bars on its sides. These frogs are dependent on water and are often found in the forests, resting underneath leaves to minimise water loss.

Another notable amphibian is the marine toad, which is the largest known toad species and can be commonly found in human settlements. It adapts well to human environments and will feed on cat or dog food.

Belize is also home to a variety of rain frogs, including the tiny Maya rain frog, which is about 2.5-3.5 cm (1 inch) in length, and the larger Central American rain frog, reaching 9 cm (3.5 inches) in length. These frogs are usually found on the forest floor or near bodies of water.

In conclusion, the Belize jungle is a haven for reptiles and amphibians, offering a diverse range of species that contribute to the country's rich wildlife. From colourful frogs to majestic crocodiles, each of these creatures plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of Belize's ecosystems.

The national animal of Belize

The Baird's Tapir is an intriguing creature. It has a distinctive short snout and stout body, often compared to a pig. It is a herbivore that spends most of its time foraging for food, feeding on fruits, berries, grasses, leaves, and aquatic vegetation. Baird's Tapirs are excellent swimmers and climbers, and despite their bulk, they are agile. They can grow up to 6 feet in length and weigh up to 500 or 600 pounds. They are rarely seen in the rainforests and jungles of Belize because they are only active at night and spend most of their lives alone.

The Tapir is a stoutly built animal with short legs, about the size of a donkey or a cow. Its general colour is dusty brown with a white fringe around the eyes and lips, white-tipped ears, and occasional white patches of fur on the throat and chest. The Baird's Tapir has a distinctive cream-coloured marking on its face and throat and a dark spot on each cheek. The rest of its hair is dark brown or greyish-brown.

The Tapir is protected under Belize's wildlife protection laws, and hunting them is illegal. They are the largest indigenous land mammal in Belize and are known as "mountain cows" by Belizeans. They are named after Spencer Fullerton Baird, an American naturalist who first observed them in Mexico in 1843.

The Tapir is an important part of Belize's ecosystem and culture, and its protection ensures that future generations can appreciate and study these fascinating creatures.

The Belize Zoo

The zoo is home to over 150 animals, representing 43 native species. The habitats designed for the animals reflect their natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors. The zoo is accessible to persons with physical disabilities and employs over 45 Belizeans.

The zoo is home to Belize's national animal, the Baird's tapir, as well as the five wildcat species found in Belize: jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis. Other mammals include white-tailed deer, red brocket deer, collared peccaries, white-lipped peccaries, Yucatan spider monkeys, black howler monkeys, Central American agoutis, lowland pacas, gray foxes, neotropical otters, coatis, kinkajous, and tayras.

Reptiles at the zoo include American crocodiles, Morelet's crocodiles, boa constrictors, fer-de-lance, green iguanas, and black spiny-tailed iguanas.

The zoo offers a unique opportunity to see Belize's diverse wildlife up close and personal, providing an educational and immersive experience for visitors.

Marine life

Belize is home to a diverse array of marine life, with its warm, tropical waters playing host to hundreds of species of fish and invertebrates. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, is a particularly rich ecosystem, teeming with life and colour.

The Belize Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef is a haven for marine biodiversity, boasting 70 hard coral species, 36 soft coral species, 500 species of fish, and hundreds of invertebrates. The reef runs parallel to the country's 240-mile coastline, providing a protective habitat for a multitude of species. The reef is formed by carnivorous coral polyps, which eat small fish and develop hard outer shells that interlink to create the intricate reef structure. Blue algae live among the coral, converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, further enriching the reef ecosystem.

Marine Species of Belize

Belize's coastal waters, inland swamps, and waterways are home to a variety of larger marine species, including manatees, crocodiles, whale sharks, turtles, and octopus. Manatees, the only vegetarian sea mammals, can be spotted in river mouths, coastal lagoons, and around the cayes. They are threatened by boat traffic and habitat erosion, with only a few hundred surviving in Belizean waters. Whale sharks, the world's largest fish, visit the reefs of Belize between March and June, especially during the 10 days after the full moon, to feed on spawn.

Turtles are another fascinating species found in Belize's waters. Sea turtles, such as the Green Sea Turtle, the Hawksbill Sea Turtle, and the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, are long-lived reptiles that only come ashore to lay eggs, spending most of their lives underwater. International agreements protect these endangered turtles, prohibiting any disturbance to them, their eggs, or their nests.

Belize is also home to several species of rays, including the southern stingray, spotted eagle ray, and manta ray. Rays, sometimes called the "birds of the sea," are disc-shaped creatures characterised by their spherical bodies, raised heads, and wing-like cephalic fins. The largest of these, the manta ray, can reach a wingspan of 20 feet and weigh up to 3,000 pounds, yet it is harmless to humans.

Dolphins are another beloved marine species in Belize, with the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin and the Spinner Dolphin being the most commonly sighted. These intelligent and agile creatures are known for their playful behaviour and impressive swimming and leaping abilities.

In addition to these iconic species, Belize's waters are also home to a variety of fish, such as barracuda, grouper, clownfish, mackerel, parrotfish, snapper, angelfish, as well as invertebrates like sponges and lobsters.

The Belize Barrier Reef

The reef is also a critical protective barrier for the Belize coastline, shielding it from the damaging effects of wave action, tropical storms, and hurricanes. Recognising its ecological importance, Belize has implemented several protective measures to preserve this natural wonder. In 2010, Belize became the first country to completely ban bottom trawling, and in 2015, it banned offshore oil drilling within 1 kilometre of the reef. Additionally, the country has established the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which includes seven marine reserves, 450 cayes, and three atolls, covering an area of 960 square kilometres (370 square miles).

Despite these efforts, the reef faces ongoing threats from oceanic pollution, uncontrolled tourism, shipping, and fishing. Climate change and the resulting increase in ocean temperatures have also led to coral bleaching, with scientists claiming that over 40% of Belize's coral reef has been damaged since 1998. Nevertheless, Belize continues to prioritise the conservation of this natural treasure, ensuring that it remains a vibrant ecosystem for generations to come.

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