The Belize Jaguar Reserve is the world’s only jaguar preserve. Located in Cockscomb Basin, it is home to jaguars, parrots, black howler monkeys, toucans and a host of other species found only in the tropical forests of Central America. It covers 102,000 acres of lush rain forest in the Maya Mountains of southern Belize.
The reserve has Belize’s best-maintained system of jungle and mountain trails, and they are alive with endangered flora and fauna. The mighty jaguar, once the undisputed king of the Central and South American jungles, has a haven in this sanctuary. Although the basin is home to a strong population of jaguars, the chance of actually seeing an elusive jungle cat is pretty slim.
The forest is home to a sizable percentage of Belize’s plant and animal species. It is an ideal environment for plant spotting, serious birding or seeking out wildlife. Special trails have been cut to give visitors a taste of the area’s bio-diversity.
Almost 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area. These include the endangered Scarlet Macaw, Keel Billed Toucan, Emerald Toucanet, and the King Vulture. The reserve is also home to an abundance of amphibians and reptiles, including the Red-Eyed Tree Frog. Among the mammals are coatis, tapirs, deer, otters, anteaters, armadillos, and of course jaguars.
The forest itself is made up of a wide range of plant species. These include some large trees such as Ceiba, Mahogany, and Santa Maria. A large number of orchids and bromeliads can also be found here.
We will spend the morning birding in the Jaguar reserve. Some of the birds we hope to see include Crested Guans, Great Curassow, Ruddy Quail-Dove, Slaty breasted Tinamou, Great Tinamou, White-collared Manakins, Passerinis Tanagers, Dot-winged Antwrens, Chestnut headed Oropendola the occasional Scarlet Macaw a number of Ant-wrens etc.
