BELIZE ZOO - Mammals
Mammals are a group of animals with backbones, bodies covered by hair, nurse their young with milk, and have a unique jaw articulation. Mammals are also the group of animals to which humans belong.
Belize has approximately 145 mammal species living within its boundaries. Mammals exist within all the different habitats of Belize, from the manatee and dolphins of the coastal zone, to the 5 different species of wildcat which live deep within the rain forests of the Maya Mountains.
The rain forest mammals of Belize tend to be very secretive and mostly nocturnal. This makes them extremely difficult to see. They usually see, hear, smell, or feel you long before you them. Rain forest mammals do not stand out in the open for easy viewing, but instead climb through the canopy or scurry over the forest floor well ahead of you. That is one reason the Belize Zoo is such a special place. Here you can see many of the rain forest species of Belize easily.
A visit to the zoo is the best way to get an introduction to the animals of Belize, and to understand why it is important to protect the habitats that sustain them. We hope this website will be the next best thing to visiting us in person. Mammals included at the zoo are as follows: Jaguar, Margay, Ocelot, Coati, Gibut, Howler Monkey, Kinkanjou, Tapir.
Belize has approximately 145 mammal species living within its boundaries. Mammals exist within all the different habitats of Belize, from the manatee and dolphins of the coastal zone, to the 5 different species of wildcat which live deep within the rain forests of the Maya Mountains.
The rain forest mammals of Belize tend to be very secretive and mostly nocturnal. This makes them extremely difficult to see. They usually see, hear, smell, or feel you long before you them. Rain forest mammals do not stand out in the open for easy viewing, but instead climb through the canopy or scurry over the forest floor well ahead of you. That is one reason the Belize Zoo is such a special place. Here you can see many of the rain forest species of Belize easily.
A visit to the zoo is the best way to get an introduction to the animals of Belize, and to understand why it is important to protect the habitats that sustain them. We hope this website will be the next best thing to visiting us in person. Mammals included at the zoo are as follows: Jaguar, Margay, Ocelot, Coati, Gibut, Howler Monkey, Kinkanjou, Tapir.
For those of you who would like to read about your tour prior to taking it, we have provided the following information for you to review. This is an excellent way to help children explore the wonderful world of Belize. Take time to sit down with your children and read to them, what they are about to see. Feel free to download and print these notes provided in the PDF file below. We recommend taking these notes with you on your tour, as they will assist you in reinforcing important points in the minds of your children.
JAGUAR
SIZE
Length 6 feet + 30" tail Weight: 100 - 250 lbs. |
BREEDING
Reach maturity at 3 years Mating: Non-seasonal Gestation: -100 days No. of Young: 1-4 cubs |
LIFESTYLE
Habitat: Lowland Forest Solitary Food: Ground living mammals, fish, frogs, turles Lifespan: 22 years ?? |
Biggest cat in the country of Belize, locally, it is "El Tigre" in Spanish, "Tiger". Large tracks have rounded toe and foot pads. Jaguars are largely solitary, and prefer the dense rain forest as their habitat. Jaguars size and weight vary significantly, but males are generally about 124-211 pounds. It may travel alone or in pairs and is most active at night, as the jaguar is often described as a nocturnal animal. It eats mammals, birds, reptiles or fish, depending on availability. The jaguar's elusive nature and the inaccessibility of much of its preferred habitat make it a difficult animal to sight, let alone study. Jaguars are rarely seen by humans. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (Jaguar Reserve) was established specifically to protect this cat.
Jaguars are found throughout Belize in the lowland forests and along the coasts. Adult jaguars are solitary and only come together for a short time to breed. The size of a jaguars territory depends on food availability. In a forest such as the Cockscomb Basin, a jaguar will roam over a territory of about 20 square kilometers.
Jaguars hunt mainly on the ground and mainly at night. Its food consists of everything from mice to birds to tapir. Its favorite food in Belize is probably the warrie, which lives in abundance throughout the Jaguar's habitat. Jaguars once lived throughout the Americas, from Arizona to the north of Argentina in the south. But hunting and forest clearing has reduced their numbers and forced them out of their habitat into interaction with man. Belize has one of the healthiest populations in Central America, and the jaguar is protected from hunting throughout Belize.
Jaguars are found throughout Belize in the lowland forests and along the coasts. Adult jaguars are solitary and only come together for a short time to breed. The size of a jaguars territory depends on food availability. In a forest such as the Cockscomb Basin, a jaguar will roam over a territory of about 20 square kilometers.
Jaguars hunt mainly on the ground and mainly at night. Its food consists of everything from mice to birds to tapir. Its favorite food in Belize is probably the warrie, which lives in abundance throughout the Jaguar's habitat. Jaguars once lived throughout the Americas, from Arizona to the north of Argentina in the south. But hunting and forest clearing has reduced their numbers and forced them out of their habitat into interaction with man. Belize has one of the healthiest populations in Central America, and the jaguar is protected from hunting throughout Belize.
MARGAY
SIZE
Length: 2 feet + 18" tall Weight: 20 lbs. |
BREEDING
Reach Maturity: ? Mating: Non-seasonal Gestation: ? No. of Young: 1-2 cubs |
LIFESTYLE
Habitat: Mature forests. Solitary. Food: Arboreal animals, birds, reptiles, insects Lifespan: ? |
This species and the Ocelot are called "Tiger Cat" locally. The Margay is rather small and slim; the bushy tail is longer than the hind legs. Front and hind tracks are about the same size. This species is more arboreal than other cats and is found only in well forested regions. It east small climbing mammals and is most active at night. IT is seldom seen.
Margays are probably the most nocturnal of all the cats of Belize. Known as the "tiger cat" in Belize, the Margay lives most of its life in the canopy of the tropical forests. This small cat is perfectly adaptedfor life in the trees - it is the only cat with ankle joints that can rotate sufficiently for it to climb headfirst down vertical trees.
Being an excellent climber, the margay feeds on arboreal prey such as rats, squirrels, opossums, monkeys and birds. The margays are very secretive, and prefer the more remote and dense sections of forests in Belize. Because of this, margays are rarely seen.
Margays do not adapt well to human disturbance of its habitat. This cat is listed as an endangered animal, though the status of its population throughout its range from Mexico to Argentina is unknown. Belize is thought to have one of the healthier populations of Margays in Central America.
Margays are probably the most nocturnal of all the cats of Belize. Known as the "tiger cat" in Belize, the Margay lives most of its life in the canopy of the tropical forests. This small cat is perfectly adaptedfor life in the trees - it is the only cat with ankle joints that can rotate sufficiently for it to climb headfirst down vertical trees.
Being an excellent climber, the margay feeds on arboreal prey such as rats, squirrels, opossums, monkeys and birds. The margays are very secretive, and prefer the more remote and dense sections of forests in Belize. Because of this, margays are rarely seen.
Margays do not adapt well to human disturbance of its habitat. This cat is listed as an endangered animal, though the status of its population throughout its range from Mexico to Argentina is unknown. Belize is thought to have one of the healthier populations of Margays in Central America.
OCELOT
SIZE
Lenght: 3 feet + 15" tal Weight: 35 lbs. |
BREEDING
Reach Maturity: ? Mating: Non-seasonal Gestation: 70 days No. of Young: 2-4 cubs |
LIFESTYLE
Habitat: Tropical forests. Solitary. Food: Ground-living mammals, fish, frogs, turtles Lifespan: ? |
Large and stockier than a Margay; the narrow tail is shorter than the hind legs. Front tracks are broader than hind. This cat is mainly active at night but may be seen at dusk or dawn. It climbs well but hunts on the ground. Opossums and armadillos are its preferred foods in Belize. It favors forest but also enters open areas with some cover. It is the most commonly seen spotted cat.
Ocelots are nocturnal and diurnal, feeding mainly on the ground. Found in all tropical forests, rarely does the ocelot climb trees though. It is an excellent climber. During the night, they tend to hunt along open trails, while during the day, they stay hidden within the deeper bush. This is the most commonly seen of all the cats in Belize.
Ocelots feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. The Belizean name for the ocelot is the same as the margay "tiger cat". The name Ocelot, comes from the Mexican Aztec word "ocelot", meaning field tiger. Ocelots appear to be better adapted to habitat disturbance and can live in disturbed forest. But they can be found in a variety of habitats in Belize, from dry scrub to the dense forests.
The ocelots are endangered species throughout their range from the extreme southern United States to Argentina. The ocelot's fur is very beautiful and has been long sought after for fur coats. Fortunately, the United States banned importation of ocelot pelts in 1972.
Ocelots are nocturnal and diurnal, feeding mainly on the ground. Found in all tropical forests, rarely does the ocelot climb trees though. It is an excellent climber. During the night, they tend to hunt along open trails, while during the day, they stay hidden within the deeper bush. This is the most commonly seen of all the cats in Belize.
Ocelots feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. The Belizean name for the ocelot is the same as the margay "tiger cat". The name Ocelot, comes from the Mexican Aztec word "ocelot", meaning field tiger. Ocelots appear to be better adapted to habitat disturbance and can live in disturbed forest. But they can be found in a variety of habitats in Belize, from dry scrub to the dense forests.
The ocelots are endangered species throughout their range from the extreme southern United States to Argentina. The ocelot's fur is very beautiful and has been long sought after for fur coats. Fortunately, the United States banned importation of ocelot pelts in 1972.
COATIMUNDI
SIZE
Length: 2 feet + 24" tall Weight: 9 lbs. |
BREEDING
Reach Maturity: ? Mating: Non-seasonal Gestation: 77 days No. of Young: 3-5 young |
LIFESTYLE
Habitat: Wide-ranging Lifestyle: Groups of 5-12 Food: fruit, insects, small animals Lifespan: 7 years |
Long flexible muzzle and very long tail define the Coati or "Quash", a relative of the Raccoon. This species is diurnal and social, living in stable groups of 10-40 females and young. Males are solitary. Slowly waving tails are often one's first glimpse of Coatis feeding on the forest floor. If disturbed, one animal will give an alarm bark that causes the group to rush to the safety of nearby trees. They climb well and usually sleep on high branches. Fairly common and easily seen.
The coatimundi, also known as the White-nosed Coati, is diurnal, living both on the ground and in the trees. This member of the racoon family is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, invertebrates, and other small animals. They feed by using their long noses, poking them under rocks and into crevices, and using their long claws to dig holes or tear apart rotting logs.
The coaiti often is seen in large groups of up to 30 individuals. When surprised, the entire group will leap into the trees while emitting clicking and explosive "woofs" type of sounds. During the night, coatis sleep in the tree tops in nests of leaves and branches.
Coatimundis are found throughout Belize, from the mangrove forests of the coasts, the savannas of the lowlands, the dense tropical forest of the interior. They range all through Central America and are quite common in Belize. Locally in Belize, the coaiti is known as "quash".
The coatimundi, also known as the White-nosed Coati, is diurnal, living both on the ground and in the trees. This member of the racoon family is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, invertebrates, and other small animals. They feed by using their long noses, poking them under rocks and into crevices, and using their long claws to dig holes or tear apart rotting logs.
The coaiti often is seen in large groups of up to 30 individuals. When surprised, the entire group will leap into the trees while emitting clicking and explosive "woofs" type of sounds. During the night, coatis sleep in the tree tops in nests of leaves and branches.
Coatimundis are found throughout Belize, from the mangrove forests of the coasts, the savannas of the lowlands, the dense tropical forest of the interior. They range all through Central America and are quite common in Belize. Locally in Belize, the coaiti is known as "quash".
PACA
SIZE
Length: 2 feet Weight: 22 lbs. |
BREEDING
Reach Maturity: ? Mating: ? Gestation: ? No. of Young: ? |
LIFESTYLE
Habitat: Widespread, monogamous Food: Ground feeds fruits, leaves Lifespan: ? |
Large stocky and spotted, it is called "Gibnut" locally. It is strictly nocturnal and will freeze in a flashlight, its eyes reflecting a bright orange color. Found in most types of forest, it is usually seen near water or under fruiting trees. The Paca has specialized cheek bones that enable it to produce very loud, deep barks. By day it rests in burrows excavated in banks. Scarce and shy where hunted, it is common in many protected areas.
The gibnut is the most prized game animal of Belize and the Neotropics. They are easily hunted by day with dogs which can sniff out the paca's dens, or during the night with headlamps while they feed. While thriving in Belize's many protected areas, the paca has been hunted to extinction in many parts of its range from Mexico to Southern Brazil.
In many of Eblize's protected areas, gibnut can be heard and see at night. The large rodent makes lots of noise while walking through the dry leaves of the forest or while chewing on the hard shells of the cohune nut, one of its favorite foods. The gibnut also produces a hoarse bark or a deep rumbing when disturbed.
The gibnut is the most prized game animal of Belize and the Neotropics. They are easily hunted by day with dogs which can sniff out the paca's dens, or during the night with headlamps while they feed. While thriving in Belize's many protected areas, the paca has been hunted to extinction in many parts of its range from Mexico to Southern Brazil.
In many of Eblize's protected areas, gibnut can be heard and see at night. The large rodent makes lots of noise while walking through the dry leaves of the forest or while chewing on the hard shells of the cohune nut, one of its favorite foods. The gibnut also produces a hoarse bark or a deep rumbing when disturbed.
HOWLER MONKEYS
SIZE
Length: 2 feet + 30" tail Weight: 15 lbs. |
BREEDING
Reach Maturity: 4 years Mating: Non-seasonal Gestation: -180 days No. of Young: 1 infant |
LIFESTYLE
Habitat: Lowland forests, social Food: Fruit, leaves, flowers Lifespan: 20 years |
Fur entirely black, with a glossy blue sheen. The bearded male is larger than the female, This monkey is stocky and slow-moving. It lives in small groups of 2-6, eating fruit and leaves. Loud, rumbling calls are given by males mainly at dawn or dusk. Found throughout Belize, it is numerous and easily seen at the Community Baboon Sanctuary (its local name is "Baboon"), near Bermudian Landing, also at some Maya sites such as Lamanai.
The Black Howler Monkey, known as the "baboon" in Belize, is the largest monkey in Belize and one of the largest in the Americas. Throughout most of its range, the Howler Monkey is endangered from hunting and habitat destruction. Fortunately, Belize has a healthy population of these loudest of primates. Black Howler Monkeys live in troops of between 4 and 8 members. Each troop has its own territory in which it feeds and lives. The size of the territory depends on the size of the troop, ranging from 3 to 25 acres. Baboons defend this territory from other troops through the use of their voices. The howling is one of the loudest animal sounds in the tropical forest of Belize.
Howler monkeys are vegetarians, feeding on flowers, fruits, and leaves. Within Belize, a special community based conservation organization has protected land along the Belize River for the Howler, ensuring that their food trees are not destroyed to make way for pasture. This "Community Baboon Sanctuary" has supplied numerous animals for translocation throughout Belize, most successfully within the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Black Howler Monkey, known as the "baboon" in Belize, is the largest monkey in Belize and one of the largest in the Americas. Throughout most of its range, the Howler Monkey is endangered from hunting and habitat destruction. Fortunately, Belize has a healthy population of these loudest of primates. Black Howler Monkeys live in troops of between 4 and 8 members. Each troop has its own territory in which it feeds and lives. The size of the territory depends on the size of the troop, ranging from 3 to 25 acres. Baboons defend this territory from other troops through the use of their voices. The howling is one of the loudest animal sounds in the tropical forest of Belize.
Howler monkeys are vegetarians, feeding on flowers, fruits, and leaves. Within Belize, a special community based conservation organization has protected land along the Belize River for the Howler, ensuring that their food trees are not destroyed to make way for pasture. This "Community Baboon Sanctuary" has supplied numerous animals for translocation throughout Belize, most successfully within the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
KINKAJOU
SIZE
Length: 1.5 feet + 18" tail Weight: 6.5 lbs. |
BREEDING
Reach Maturity: ? Mating: Non-seasonal Gestation: ? No. of Young: 1 young |
LIFESTYLE
Habitat: Lowland forests Lifestyle: solitary & pairs Food: fruit, insects, flowers Lifespan: 23 years |
The kinkajous may be mistaken for ferrets or monkeys, but are not related. There are not endangered, though it is seldom seen by people because of its strict nocturnal habits. On average an adult male can weight between 4-7 pounds. Although the kinkajou is classified as a carnivore, with its sharp teeth, its omnivorous diet consists mainly of fruit (particularly wild figs). Some species will avidly eat honey, (hence the name "honey bear"). Scent glands near the mouth, on the throat, and on the belly, allow kinkajous to mark their territory and travel routes. Kinkajous sleep in family units and groom one another.
While they are usually solitary when foraging, they occasionally forage in small groups, and sometimes associate with olingos. The kinjajou is a nocturnal animal, with most of its activity between 7:00 p.m. and midnight. Kinjajous breed throughout the year, giving birth to one or occasionally two small babies, after a gestation period of 112 to 118 days. Kinkajous are golden or gray-brown in color, with a prehensile tail. This is the most commonly seen nocturnal arboreal mammal in the area. It also carries the local name "Night Walker" for this reason. Its eyes reflect a bright orange in a flashlight, and it often sits and stares down at an observer. It has several calls including a fast, yapping bark in alarm.
The kinkajou, known as the "honey bear" or "night walker" in Belize, is a nocturnal animal which lives among the upper canopy of the tropical forest. They feed mainly on fruits and insects. In the dry season of Belize, they often eat flowers for their nectar. The kinkajou is extremely agile and fast, traveling quickly along the tree tops, jumping noisily from tree to tree. The long prehensile tails is used to balance and hold on while traveling among the tree tops. The kinkajou is one of the most commonly seen tropical forest animals. A strong flashlight shined into the canopy will often reveal the kinkajou by its tremendous eye shine which can be seen from a great distance. The knkajoy ranges from Southern Mexico to Southern Brazil. They are found in a variety of habitats, from mature tropical forest to heavily disturbed and secondary forests. It is sometimes hunted for its meat and fur.
While they are usually solitary when foraging, they occasionally forage in small groups, and sometimes associate with olingos. The kinjajou is a nocturnal animal, with most of its activity between 7:00 p.m. and midnight. Kinjajous breed throughout the year, giving birth to one or occasionally two small babies, after a gestation period of 112 to 118 days. Kinkajous are golden or gray-brown in color, with a prehensile tail. This is the most commonly seen nocturnal arboreal mammal in the area. It also carries the local name "Night Walker" for this reason. Its eyes reflect a bright orange in a flashlight, and it often sits and stares down at an observer. It has several calls including a fast, yapping bark in alarm.
The kinkajou, known as the "honey bear" or "night walker" in Belize, is a nocturnal animal which lives among the upper canopy of the tropical forest. They feed mainly on fruits and insects. In the dry season of Belize, they often eat flowers for their nectar. The kinkajou is extremely agile and fast, traveling quickly along the tree tops, jumping noisily from tree to tree. The long prehensile tails is used to balance and hold on while traveling among the tree tops. The kinkajou is one of the most commonly seen tropical forest animals. A strong flashlight shined into the canopy will often reveal the kinkajou by its tremendous eye shine which can be seen from a great distance. The knkajoy ranges from Southern Mexico to Southern Brazil. They are found in a variety of habitats, from mature tropical forest to heavily disturbed and secondary forests. It is sometimes hunted for its meat and fur.
TAPIR
SIZE
Length: 6 feet Weight: 300-500 lbs. |
BREEDING
Reach Maturity: 3 years Mating: Non-seasonal Gestation: 13 months No. of Young: 1 |
LIFESTYLE
Habitat: Riverine forest Food: Riparian vegetation Lifespan: 22 years |
The Tapir is the national animal of Belize. It is native to Central America. It is related to horses and rhinos, and is called locally, the "Mountain Cow". They are very large, with a trunk like noses. Tapir's usually grow to 6 feet in length and about 4 feet in height. Adults can weight up to 530-880 in pounds. They have four toes on each front foot and three toes on each back foot. The gestation period is approximately 400 days, after which one offspring is born. Tapirs can be active all hours, but is primarily nocturnal. The animal usually stays close to water and enjoys swimming and wading (especially on hot days) in and around watering holes. Tapirs lead generally a solitary life, and feed in groups of those of different ages. The animals communicate with one another through shrill whistles and squeaks. Tapir's were in danger of extinction in 1996, when it was officially classified as "Vulnerable". Hunting a Tapir in Belize is illegal. It browses on shrubs and low trees, often feeding along streams or rivers. It may be active by day or night, but avoids people and is hard to see, although the large tracks are conspicuous.
They feed on grasses, aquatic vegetation, leaves, buds, and fruits of the low-growing shrubs. They sometime run afoul of man when they cause damage to corn fields and other crops. Tapirs are usually solitary except when mothers have young. They range over large territories and are excellent swimmers spending a fair amount of time in forest rivers. They are also agile climbers, crashing up steep hillsides and river banks with apparent ease. When surprised, tapirs generally head for water, but will sometimes stamp their feet loudly and sometimes whistle. The Bairds Tapir ranges from Southern Mexico to Northern Columbia and are endangered throughout their range. The main treats to the tapir survival is hunting and deforestation.
They feed on grasses, aquatic vegetation, leaves, buds, and fruits of the low-growing shrubs. They sometime run afoul of man when they cause damage to corn fields and other crops. Tapirs are usually solitary except when mothers have young. They range over large territories and are excellent swimmers spending a fair amount of time in forest rivers. They are also agile climbers, crashing up steep hillsides and river banks with apparent ease. When surprised, tapirs generally head for water, but will sometimes stamp their feet loudly and sometimes whistle. The Bairds Tapir ranges from Southern Mexico to Northern Columbia and are endangered throughout their range. The main treats to the tapir survival is hunting and deforestation.