The Wildlife of Belize

Although Belize is a relatively small country, it has an amazing variety of wildlife living in a wide range of habitats. The country's savannas and lowlands are home to rare waterfowl, its forests provide a refuge for tapirs, pumas and numerous tropical birds, while the mountainous regions ensure a niche for elusive jaguars and other beautiful cats.

There are approximately 145 species of mammals living in Belize. There are 139 species of reptiles and amphibians that have so far been identified in Belize, including 56+ species of snakes. Belize is also a birder’s paradise, with over 500 species of rare and beautiful birds thriving in its many distinct habitats.

Our classifications are base on what the animals actually eat and are not always scientifically accurate. Carnivores eat other animals, Insectivores eat only insects, Omnivores eat plants and animals and Herbivores eat only plants. And Bats are Bats. This is the way they are listed on this web site.

Dangerous Snakes

Among 56+ species of snakes found in Belize, only 8 are considered dangerous to humans.

The Big Cats:

There are 5 native specie of cats in Belize.

Other Carnivores

There are at least 66 carnivore species in Central American. 20 of them, including the Cats, are found in Belize.

Omnivores Insectivores

Asmall sampling of the many omnivores  and the 3 insectivors found in Belize.

Herbivores

A small sampling of the herbivore population of Belize.

Bats

There are more bats in Belize than all other mammals combined.

Birds of Consejo

The pictures on this page are of birds that we have actually observed while walking around in Consejo Shores.