Environment

Belize has just under 150 identified species of mammals, ranging from the majestic jaguar to the rowdy howler monkey.

Jaguar

Scientific Name -- Panthera onca

Worth Noting -- This cat measures from 3 1/2 to 6 feet (1-1.8m) plus tail, and is distinguished by its tan/yellowish fur with black spots. As jaguars are protected by Belize's hunting ordinances, the country maintains one of the healthiest populations in Central America.

Prime Viewing -- Although they exist throughout mainland Belize, jaguars are extremely hard to see in the wild. The best places to spot them are in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Río Bravo Conservation Area.

Puma

Scientific Name -- Puma concolor

Worth Noting -- Nearly 5 feet (1.5m) long when fully grown, these feline predators are the largest unspotted cats in the region. Also known as a mountain lion, the puma is brownish, reddish-brown, or tawny in color with a white throat.

Prime Viewing -- Southeastern, western, and southern Belize in the lowland forests, and semi-open areas.

Jaguarundi

Scientific Name -- Herpailurus yaguarondi

Worth Noting -- This smallish to midsize cat, with a solid black, brown, or reddish coat, can occasionally be spotted in a clearing or climbing trees.

Prime Viewing -- Wet and dry forests throughout Belize.

Ocelot

Scientific Name -- Leopardus pardalis

Worth Noting -- The tail of the tiger cat (as it's called in Belize) is longer than its rear leg, which makes for easy identification. Ocelots are mostly nocturnal, and during the daytime they sleep in trees.

Prime Viewing -- Forests in all regions of Belize.

Margay

Scientific Name -- Leopardus wiedii

Worth Noting -- An endangered species, the margay is one of the smaller wild cats of the region, and is often found in trees like its cousin, the ocelot.

Prime Viewing -- Forests in all regions of Belize.

Gibnut

Scientific Name -- Agouti paca

Worth Noting -- This nocturnal rodent (also called a paca) inhabits the forest floor, feeding on fallen fruit, leaves, and some tubers dug from the ground.

Prime Viewing -- Most often found near water throughout many habitats of Belize, from river valleys to swamps to dense tropical forest. However, you're almost as likely to see gibnut on a restaurant menu as in the wild.

Neotropical Otter

Scientific Name -- Lutra longicaudis

Worth Noting -- The neotropical otter goes by many nicknames in Belize, including perro de agua (water dog) and lobito de río (little river wolf).

Prime Viewing -- In rivers and streams throughout the country.

Baird's Tapir

Scientific Name -- Tapirus bairdii

Worth Noting -- Known as the "mountain cow" in Belize, the tapir is active mostly at night, foraging along riverbanks, streams, and forest clearings.

Prime Viewing -- The Stann Creek and Toledo districts of southern Belize and the Cayo District of western Belize.

Coati-mundi

Scientific Name -- Nasua narica

Worth Noting -- This raccoonlike mammal is one of few with the ability to adapt to habitat disturbances. During the night, they tend to hunt along open trails; during the day, they stay hidden within the deeper bush.

Prime Viewing -- Found in a variety of habitats in Belize, from dry scrub to dense forests, on the mainland as well as some coastal islands.

Collared Peccary

Scientific Name -- Tayassu tajacu

Worth Noting -- These black or brown piglike animals travel in small groups (larger where populations are still numerous) and have a strong musk odor.

Prime Viewing -- Throughout most of Belize.

Anteater

Scientific Name -- Cyclopes didactylus

Worth Noting -- Also known as the pygmy anteater, this nocturnal creature grows up to 7 inches (18cm), not counting its thick tail (which is as long or longer than its body).

Prime Viewing -- Wet forests in all regions of Belize.

Armadillo

Scientific Name -- Dasypus novemcinctus

Worth Noting -- Also known as the dilly in Belize, these prehistoric-looking animals are nocturnal and terrestrial.

Prime Viewing -- All regions.

Kinkajou

Scientific Name -- Potos flavus

Worth Noting -- The nocturnal, tree-dwelling kinkajou is appropriately nicknamed "nightwalker" in Belize.

Prime Viewing -- Strictly nocturnal and extremely hard to see, the kinkajou nevertheless is found in forests throughout Belize.

Spider Monkey

Scientific Name -- Ateles geoffroyi

Worth Noting -- A large monkey (25 in./64cm) with brown or silvery fur, this creature is often hunted for its meat and is listed as endangered in some countries.

Prime Viewing -- The Orange Walk (northwestern), Cayo (western), and Toledo (southern) districts of Belize.

Howler Monkey

Scientific Name -- Alouatta pigra

Worth Noting -- Known locally as a baboon, this highly social creature grows to 22 inches (56cm) in size. As the species travel only from tree to tree (limiting their presence to dense jungle canopy), a community-based conservation organization protects the land along the Belize River for the howler monkey, ensuring that their food trees are not destroyed to make way for pasture.

Prime Viewing -- In the lowland forests that encompass Belize's mainland. Sightings are pretty much guaranteed at the Community Baboon Sanctuary.

Red Brocket Deer

Scientific Name -- Mazama americana

Worth Noting -- Also known as the antelope in Belize, these small animals measure 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 feet (1-1.4m). Small, straight antlers distinguish the male.

Prime Viewing -- Southern and southeastern Belize and some coastal islands.

Hairy-Legged Bat

Scientific Name -- Myotis keaysi

Worth Noting -- The hairy-legged bat grows to a whopping 2 inches (5.1cm) in length, not including the length of its tail.

Prime Viewing -- All regions of Belize, in forests, rock crevices, gardens, and buildings.