Much of the land within the Belize Reserve will remain protected; in order to promote the rich bio-diversity that currently exists. The Belize Reserve borders the Tapir Mountain Nature reserve (TMNR), which is almost seven thousand acres of subtropical rainforest in addition to the Belize Reserve. Both reserves will ensure that the natural habitat remains for the numerous species of wildlife that live in the area, together with providing a vital base for research, conservation and education.
The Setting

Belize, bounded on the north by Mexico, on the west by Guatemala and on the east by the Caribbean Sea, boasts a range of forest ecosystems that cover an estimated 70 percent of the country’s total land area, providing habitat for many species endangered or extinct in the rest of Central America. There is also a significant coastal and marine ecosystem whose core is the Belize barrier reef; the second largest barrier reef in the world and a designated World Heritage Site.

Located in the foothills of the Maya Mountains TMNR has an area of 6750 acres. Its hilly karst topography is covered with subtropical moist forest. The reserve also contains cave systems, sinkholes and Maya Ruins. Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve serves both to conserve biodiversity and to provide a wide variety of research and educational opportunities.

The goals of the Reserve are:

• To retain in perpetuity a portion of the northern Maya Mountain foot-hills’ ecosystem.
• To provide opportunities for scientific studies.
• To protect the area’s biodiversity through community development program.

Wildlife

TMNR undoubtedly sustains a diverse resident and transient wildlife population. During the 1994 baseline survey the mammals reported in TMNR included the Baird’s tapir and white lipped peccary, anteater, paca (Gibnut), coati, gray fox, gray squirrel, four eyed opossum, white tail and brocket deer, puma, kinkajou, bats and armadillo. The northeast portion of TMNR was found to have relatively high biological integrity and is an important habitat for many wildlife especially migratory birds and Baird’s Tapir. The survey identified 129 species of migratory and resident birds, including the blue crown Motmot, a pair of spectacle owl and a great carrasow.