Concerned residents on Ambergris Caye have reported numerous cases of irregular hunting in the northern-most tip of the island. This area is known for its wildlife, such as peccaries, deer, and even jaguar and puma. According to recent unofficial reports, the increase in illegal hunting activities is not only threatening the local wildlife but apparently, a jaguar was shot and killed a couple of weeks ago. According to a witness, they have noticed groups of hunters heading north to hunt game. In the case of the alleged killing of a jaguar, the purpose is believed to be to supply the black market with the animal’s head for display. Jaguars are protected species in Belize, and the public is advised that poaching these animals is a punishable offense under the wildlife laws of Belize. Hunting, killing, injuring, trapping, or harassment of jaguar and other endangered wildlife is illegal.

Another concern is that many of these persons apparently do not hold a license for hunting and are breaking the law. To find out more about people licensed to hunt on Ambergris Caye, the wildlife unit within the Forest Department was contacted. Apparently, no hunting should be taking place, and it seems that only one person on the island has been issued a hunting license. A senior officer at the San Pedro Police Station told The Sun that such activities can be reported. Anyone with information regarding illegal hunting is asked to call phone number 206-2022 or make their reports in person at the police station on Pescador Drive.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

In a joint statement, the Ministries of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management and the Blue Economy spoke of “relentless encroachers [continuing] to raid the resources” of the area, mentioning hunting and trading of game species and clearing of vegetation in the protected area.

Land and Sea Threats To Bacalar Chico

The Ministries of the Blue Economy and Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management are reporting tonight that the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve are under sustained attack by relentless encroachers who are engaging in illegal activity.

Several species of game have been hunted and traded, more vegetation has been cleared. The Government is reminding the public that according to the National Protect Areas System Act, the Wildlife Protection Act, the Forest Act, and the Fisheries Act, activities such as hunting, fishing, and land clearings should NOT take place within the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve. Persons caught engaging in these illegal activities are risking a court fine which can be increased to a maximum of $20,000 and imprisonment of up to 2 years. Any illegal activity discovered inside the Marine Reserve itself attracts a fine of up to $5,000.

The Government is saluting those concerned citizens in San Pedro who alerted the relevant authorities to these ongoing illegal activities.

Channel 7

Minister Andre Perez joins the Forestry Department and the concerned citizens of San Pedro in condemning the illegal hunting activity taking place in the northern part of Ambergris Caye in the vicinity of Bacalar Chico National Park.

With the responsibility of safeguarding these protected areas, the Minister warns all those involved that heavy fines will be imposed on all those responsible for pillaging our National protected areas both terrestrial and aquatic.

The Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation thanks all concerned citizens for continuously working with us as important partners in the protection and conservation of our natural resources.

Government calls out irregular hunting activities in northern Ambergris Caye; locals say hunting continues

According to witnesses, they continue noticing groups of hunters heading north to hunt game. Over the past weeks, a jaguar was reportedly shot and killed to supply the black market with the animal’s head for display. When the Forest Department’s wildlife unit was made aware of the situation, they indicated that no such hunting should be taking place in this area. Apparently, only one person in Ambergris Caye has been issued a hunting license. According to the National Protected Areas System Act, the Wildlife Protection Act, the Forest Act, and Fisheries Act, activities such as hunting, fishing, and clearing of land should not occur within the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve.

Persons conducting illegal activities (hunting) in this area north of the island could be fined a maximum of $20,000 and/or sentenced to two years imprisonment. For other offenses relating to the marine reserve, the penalties are up to a $5,000 fine and/or imprisonment. The public is asked to contact the Forest Department at 822-1524 or the Fisheries Department at 224-4552 to report any illegal activities in these areas of Ambergris Caye.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

Who is the one person?

What are the boundaries of the reserve? Just saying up north is not very definitive.