10 Wild Things
to Watch Out For# 1 Jaguar
Panthera onca, often called tiger by Belizeans, is the largest cat in the Western Hemisphere. Both the spotted jaguar and the black jaguar are the same species. Although there may be more than 1,000 jaguars in Belize, you would have incredible luck to see one of these incredibly beautiful nocturnal animals, except at the Belize Zoo, which has both spotted and black jaguars. Belize also has four other species of wild cats.
# 2 Mountain Cow
The tapir, or mountain cow, the national animal of Belize, though large, eats only veggies and is shy and nonaggressive.
# 3 Jaiburu Stork
This is the largest bird in the New World, which can grow to a height of five feet with a wingspan of 12 feet. It can be seen at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and the Southern Lagoon.
# 4 Manatee
The West Indian Manatee, a distant relative of the elephant, is a gentle herbivore. It is an endangered species, but there have been recent reports of the slaughter of families of manatees in Toledo District by Guatemalan fishermen. Manatees can be seen in the Southern Lagoon and along the coast and lagoons near Placencia, Hopkins, Punta Gorda, and elsewhere.
# 5 Black Howler Monkey
Howlers, sometimes called baboons in Belize, are rare, found only in parts of Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. Almost wiped out by disease in the 1950s, they are making a comeback in Belize, thanks to efforts at protection, such as at Community Baboon Sanctuary, and through reintroduction in Cayo and Stann Creek districts and elsewhere.
# 6 Blue Morpho Butterfly
Belize has thousands of types of butterflies and months, but the Blue Morpho is perhaps the most beautiful.
# 7 Keel-billed Toucan
This is the national bird of Belize and, like the jaguar, appears on T-shirts and hotel logos everywhere. You can spot it in the wild in many parts of the country.
# 8 Iguanas
Several species of iguanas make their home in Belize. An effort is underway now to promote the raising of green iguanas, locally prized as a chicken-like dish. The "Jesus Christ Lizard," a basilisk, is so called because it can literally walk on water.
# 9 Ocellated Turkey
This rare bird, one of more than 500 birds spotted in Belize, can be seen around Chan Chich Lodge, on Programme for Belize Lands, near Caracol, and elsewhere.
# 10 Quash
Coatimundis, relatives of the racoon, are cute as the devil. They're smart and have a keen sense of smell.
10 Wild Things
to Watch Out For
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