Belize has some of the world's most rich and diverse wildlife. Belize's low population and small amount of industry make this possible. Since there is so little population and industry, so much of the country's land has remained untouched. The people of Belize are proud of the wildlife that their country has to offer and therefore they try to protect it. Although the country is pretty small, it still offers a wide variety of animal and plant life. The country offers savannahs, lowlands, forest, and mountainous regions. This variety in habitat is what allows for the great variety in animal and plant life.

Mammals
Belize is known for its cats, including the endangered nocturnal Jaguar; the beautiful striped and spotted ocelot; the Jaguarundi; the puma or mountain lion; and the margay, the smallest of the Belizean cats (weighing in at about 11 pounds).

In addition, you'll find monkeys such as the black howler monkey and the smaller spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), as well as the ant-eating tamandua, the omnivorous coati, and the piglike collared pecarry (Peccary angulatus).

Birds
With it's lush trees and brush, Belize is home to more exotic, rarely seen birds than almost any other location in Central America. From the spectacularlly hued keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) - the national bird of Belize - to the king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa), orinthologists and nature-lovers alike will thrill at the brilliant colors and diversity of birds in Belize.

Along the shores of South Water Caye you may spot the magnificent black frigate bird (Fregata magnificens) peacefully sharing nesting space with rare red-footed boobies (Sula sula) and other birds. In the jungles at Blue Creek the jabiru stork (Jabiru mycteria) and keel-billed toucan can be seen high up in the trees in open areas above the rainforest.

Insects & reptiles
The tropical jungles of Belize have literally tens of thousands of insects and arachnids. Throughout Belize there are many species of lizards, snakes, turtles and even crocodiles.

From beautiful moths and butterflies such as the blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) and the orange-barred sulphur (Phoebis philea) to interesting lizards such as the basilisk lizard (Basiliscus basiliscus) - also known as the "Jesus Christ lizard" for it's ability to run across swampy areas and creeks using its webbed hind feet - Belize will fascinate you with its colorful biodiversity.

Underwater Life

BIRDS
Belize has over 500 species of amazing birds. The national bird of Belize is the Keel-Billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus). If one is lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this beautiful bird, the most distinct characteristic is the bird's gorgeous red, green, black, yellow, and orange bill. This bird is typically found in lowland forest and forest borders. It feeds on fruits, insects, reptiles, and bird eggs.

Below is information on some other interesting birds of Belize:

Wood Stork. Standing five feet tall with a wingspan of up to eight feet, the Jabiru Stork is one of the largest birds in the New World. This bird is found in savannas along coastal lagoons and marshes. They typically feed on fish and reptiles. As mentioned earlier, the Jabiru is an endangered bird. Wildlife Sanctuaries (such as Crooked Tree) have been set up in attempt to protect this beautiful creature.

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao). This bird is arguably one of the most beautiful birds in the world. This bird is in the parrot family. It is generally found in tall deciduous trees where they feel on tropical forest fruits. Like the Jabiru stork, these birds are also endangered. The endangerment of these birds is a result of humans capturing them as pets. This picture was taken at the Belize Zoo.

Great Egret (Casmerodius Albus). The Great Egret is relatively common in Belize. We saw many of these birds during our expeditions. They are typically found in the marshlands where they feed on fish, aquatic invertebrates, and reptiles. They feed by using their long skinny neck to spear their prey.

Great Blue Herron (Ardea herodias). This bird is a long legged wading bird. It is one of the largest birds in the New World standing at four feet tall with a six foot wing span. It is the largest of North American egrets and herons. This bird typically feeds on turtles, frogs, snakes, lizards, and rodents. They use their long, pointed beaks for hunting.

 

Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra). The chances are good that you will hear a black howler monkey before you see one. These animals are well known for their distinct noises that they use to protect their territory from other troops. Black howlers are known in Belize as "baboon". This species is the largest monkey in Belize where they are relatively common. They are typically found in lowland forest where they feed on fruit, leaves, and flowers.

Coatimundi (Nasua narica).  This animal is a member of the raccoon family. These animals often travel in large packs. They are found in a wide variety of habitatas. Typically Coatimundi (or white-nosed Coati) feed on fruit, insects, and small animals.