COCKSCOMB BASIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Established in 1984, and declared a reserve in 1986.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
This unique sanctuary in southern Belize covers an area of about 250,000 acres or 150 square miles of tropical forest, and is the world's only Jaguar Preserve. Declared a Forest Preserve in 1984 and finally a Jaguar Preserve in 1986, the park is the culmination of many years of work and perseverance by individuals and national and international organizations. The park area is a natural wonderland, richly endowed with breathtaking waterfalls, mountains, nature trails and rivers, creating the perfect environment for species to thrive in harmony. As the only jaguar reserve on the planet, these cats keep company with hundreds of neo-tropical birds, other wildcats, deer, tapir, reptiles, insects, amphibians and all manner of other sanctuary inhabitants. You might not see all of them but you could spot their tracks on trails and river banks.
The park area is rich in beauty, wildlife and even Maya culture; a well concealed minor Maya ceremonial site known as Chucil Baluum is typical of the Classic Period. The Cockscomb Mountain Range towers over the basin to the north. The highest mountain in Belize, Victoria Peak at 3,675 feet presides over the range and offers, in its largely unexplored reaches, chances for unrivaled exploration and adventure. The fine and abundant stands of mahogany and cedar have historically been in demand throughout this area and logging here provided a staple of Belize's economy for many years.
The government has set aside 150 square miles of rain forest in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve, which currently provides a protected environment for around 200 jaguars, the largest concentration of the wild cats species in the world. The most important feature about Cockscomb though, is its trail network, the most extensive of any reserve in the country. The River Overlook and Warrie Trails are usually the best for wildlife. From the Rubber Tree Trail, there's also the small chance of seeing the secretive Agami Heron on the banks of the South Stann Creek. The Jaguars use the trails too, as an easy way through the forest, so keep an eye out for footprints.
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS), has been called by many one of the best examples of an animal refuge on earth. This expansive sanctuary is home to birds, plants and creatures of the earth.
This unique sanctuary in southern Belize covers an area of about 250,000 acres or 150 square miles of tropical forest, and is the world's only Jaguar Preserve. Declared a Forest Preserve in 1984 and finally a Jaguar Preserve in 1986, the park is the culmination of many years of work and perseverance by individuals and national and international organizations. The park area is a natural wonderland, richly endowed with breathtaking waterfalls, mountains, nature trails and rivers, creating the perfect environment for species to thrive in harmony. As the only jaguar reserve on the planet, these cats keep company with hundreds of neo-tropical birds, other wildcats, deer, tapir, reptiles, insects, amphibians and all manner of other sanctuary inhabitants. You might not see all of them but you could spot their tracks on trails and river banks.
The park area is rich in beauty, wildlife and even Maya culture; a well concealed minor Maya ceremonial site known as Chucil Baluum is typical of the Classic Period. The Cockscomb Mountain Range towers over the basin to the north. The highest mountain in Belize, Victoria Peak at 3,675 feet presides over the range and offers, in its largely unexplored reaches, chances for unrivaled exploration and adventure. The fine and abundant stands of mahogany and cedar have historically been in demand throughout this area and logging here provided a staple of Belize's economy for many years.
The government has set aside 150 square miles of rain forest in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve, which currently provides a protected environment for around 200 jaguars, the largest concentration of the wild cats species in the world. The most important feature about Cockscomb though, is its trail network, the most extensive of any reserve in the country. The River Overlook and Warrie Trails are usually the best for wildlife. From the Rubber Tree Trail, there's also the small chance of seeing the secretive Agami Heron on the banks of the South Stann Creek. The Jaguars use the trails too, as an easy way through the forest, so keep an eye out for footprints.
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS), has been called by many one of the best examples of an animal refuge on earth. This expansive sanctuary is home to birds, plants and creatures of the earth.
CURRENT AREA - When calculating the sanctuary area 3 points have to be considered:
Its western boundary is defined by the Maya Mountain Divide. This is not clearly defined all the way along its length which causes some imprecision. Part of its southern boundary is also defined by mountain ridges, which again are not precisely known.
The area was designated to protect an area of high jaguar density, and also to protect the watersheds of important rivers. It was also promoted on the basis of its educational and eco-tourism potential.
HABITATS - Broadleaf forest
HOLDRIDGE LIFE ZONE - Mainly subtrocial wet with some subtropical lower Montane wet to the west and tropical moist to the east.
Its western boundary is defined by the Maya Mountain Divide. This is not clearly defined all the way along its length which causes some imprecision. Part of its southern boundary is also defined by mountain ridges, which again are not precisely known.
- It does not include the area often labelled on maps as the Victoria Peak National Park, which approximately
- covers 5104 acres.The original SI designating the forest reserve gives an estimated area of 98560 acres. The area subsequently designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary by in the most recent SI is 102400 acres (but is grossly inaccurate). When calculated on GIS, the current wildlife: sanctuary is 86929 acres.
The area was designated to protect an area of high jaguar density, and also to protect the watersheds of important rivers. It was also promoted on the basis of its educational and eco-tourism potential.
HABITATS - Broadleaf forest
HOLDRIDGE LIFE ZONE - Mainly subtrocial wet with some subtropical lower Montane wet to the west and tropical moist to the east.
Logging and periodic hurricane damage have left their almost indelible marks on the lush but vulnerable forests of southern Belize. Dense secondary growth is interspersed with the more mature stands of trees where the forest floor is relatively clear and the canopy ranges in height from 40 to 120 feet.Rainfall is from 100 to 180 inches annually here and most of this falls in the rainy season, which occurs from June to January. The soil, as is normal in tropical forests, is extremely poor with all the system's nutrients being contained in the vegetation. It is vital that the lush growth be allowed to remain in order to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, which can transform a cut rainforest into a useless wasteland in a very short time. The water runoff from the surrounding mountains provides the Cockscomb Basin with a plethora of creeks and streams. These come together to form the headwaters of some of southern Belize's major rivers such as the Swasey, the Sittee and South Stann Creek.
The Jaguar (Panthera onca) is the third largest member of the cat family and endangered in most of its range. Here at Cockscomb, the Jaguar is doing quite well and is by no means the only beneficiary of the safety of the preserve.
Please note that a visit to the Jaguar Preserve may likely provide you with signs of recent Jaguar activity, but it is highly unlikely that an actual Jaguar sighting will occur. These wonderful animals are masters of stealth and their very existence is based on their seeing, but not being seen. Other cats such as the Puma, Ocelot, Jaguarundi and Margay, as well as Peccary, Paca, Brocket Deer, Tayra, Otter and Coatimundi, enjoy a population density difficult to achieve in most locations.
Cockscomb is also renowned for its bird populations and boasts up to 300 recorded species. These include Macaw, the Great Curossow and Keel-billed Toucan. Impressive numbers and variety are also found in the herptofauna and in the flora of the basin.
The lower forest and the re-growth around the sanctuary head quarters (the old logging camp) are good for birds. For those who fancy a challenge, there's an over-abundance of very similar flycatchers right around this area. More obvious are Clay-coloured Robins, Social Flycatchers, Collared-seed Eaters, Crimson Collared and Masked Tanagers, and a pair of Bat Falcons. While overhead the most ridiculous sounding Montezuma's Oropendola makes its presence known. As it calls, it goes through the most acrobatic- looking spasms, gripping onto the branch, leaning back, and then throwing its head forward as it screeches, clucks, and pops, sticking its tail in the air at the same time.
Deeper in the forest, there's another strange bird to listen out for. The White- collared Manakin gives a clicking sound like two stones being banged together, and judders along its perch in fits of hyper-activity. If you hear these two, you'll have witnessed some of the strangest bird calls in the world! Of the plants, the Hot Lips bush can often be seen along the edges of trails, with its special pouting red flower. In the distance, on clearer days, you may also be able to see Belize's second highest mountain. Part of the Cockscomb Range, the Victoria Peak marks the northern boundary of the sanctuary.
The other feature of Cockscomb is that it offers the chance to overnight in the deep isolation of the Basin's forest, surrounded by the calls of Paraque (sounds like 'hoo-yoo'), the Slaty-breasted Tinimou, screeching insects and the gentle wind through the tree tops. It's not everyone's idea of a good night out, but for people who love the outdoors, its a magical experience.
The Jaguar (Panthera onca) is the third largest member of the cat family and endangered in most of its range. Here at Cockscomb, the Jaguar is doing quite well and is by no means the only beneficiary of the safety of the preserve.
Please note that a visit to the Jaguar Preserve may likely provide you with signs of recent Jaguar activity, but it is highly unlikely that an actual Jaguar sighting will occur. These wonderful animals are masters of stealth and their very existence is based on their seeing, but not being seen. Other cats such as the Puma, Ocelot, Jaguarundi and Margay, as well as Peccary, Paca, Brocket Deer, Tayra, Otter and Coatimundi, enjoy a population density difficult to achieve in most locations.
Cockscomb is also renowned for its bird populations and boasts up to 300 recorded species. These include Macaw, the Great Curossow and Keel-billed Toucan. Impressive numbers and variety are also found in the herptofauna and in the flora of the basin.
The lower forest and the re-growth around the sanctuary head quarters (the old logging camp) are good for birds. For those who fancy a challenge, there's an over-abundance of very similar flycatchers right around this area. More obvious are Clay-coloured Robins, Social Flycatchers, Collared-seed Eaters, Crimson Collared and Masked Tanagers, and a pair of Bat Falcons. While overhead the most ridiculous sounding Montezuma's Oropendola makes its presence known. As it calls, it goes through the most acrobatic- looking spasms, gripping onto the branch, leaning back, and then throwing its head forward as it screeches, clucks, and pops, sticking its tail in the air at the same time.
Deeper in the forest, there's another strange bird to listen out for. The White- collared Manakin gives a clicking sound like two stones being banged together, and judders along its perch in fits of hyper-activity. If you hear these two, you'll have witnessed some of the strangest bird calls in the world! Of the plants, the Hot Lips bush can often be seen along the edges of trails, with its special pouting red flower. In the distance, on clearer days, you may also be able to see Belize's second highest mountain. Part of the Cockscomb Range, the Victoria Peak marks the northern boundary of the sanctuary.
The other feature of Cockscomb is that it offers the chance to overnight in the deep isolation of the Basin's forest, surrounded by the calls of Paraque (sounds like 'hoo-yoo'), the Slaty-breasted Tinimou, screeching insects and the gentle wind through the tree tops. It's not everyone's idea of a good night out, but for people who love the outdoors, its a magical experience.
VISITING COCKSCOMB BASIN
Why should you visit the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary?
There’s nothing in the Caribbean that matches the bio-diversity found in this expansive, lush corner of Belize. The CBWS preserve is home to mile-upon-mile of indigenous flowers, trees and plants in an environment that is so hospitable the region even has its own “moisture regulation” system that’s a perfect mix of rain, temperature and slight winds. Since tropical rainforests like this one are disappearing at alarming rates, a visit here gives you opportunities to see nature as it was thousands of years ago - perhaps before mankind roamed the earth.
What is there to see? - No, not jaguars. They are there of course, but the chances of seeing one is about seventeen thousand to one. Having said that, people do occasionally catch glimpses of these stealthy carnivores, but much more likely, especially in the rainy season, is finding the pug marks along the muddier stretches of the trails. Jaguars are in fact found in all of Belize's reserves. The terrain is dense tropical rainforest with well maintained trails, jungle canopy to 120'. Wildlife to see includes jaguar, jaguarundi, peccary, howler monkey, gibnut, agouti, snakes, coatamundi, over 300 bird species.
There’s nothing in the Caribbean that matches the bio-diversity found in this expansive, lush corner of Belize. The CBWS preserve is home to mile-upon-mile of indigenous flowers, trees and plants in an environment that is so hospitable the region even has its own “moisture regulation” system that’s a perfect mix of rain, temperature and slight winds. Since tropical rainforests like this one are disappearing at alarming rates, a visit here gives you opportunities to see nature as it was thousands of years ago - perhaps before mankind roamed the earth.
What is there to see? - No, not jaguars. They are there of course, but the chances of seeing one is about seventeen thousand to one. Having said that, people do occasionally catch glimpses of these stealthy carnivores, but much more likely, especially in the rainy season, is finding the pug marks along the muddier stretches of the trails. Jaguars are in fact found in all of Belize's reserves. The terrain is dense tropical rainforest with well maintained trails, jungle canopy to 120'. Wildlife to see includes jaguar, jaguarundi, peccary, howler monkey, gibnut, agouti, snakes, coatamundi, over 300 bird species.
When is the best time to go Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary?
If you’re a birding fanatic, migrant birds are best observed in December when it’s high season in Belize. The Sanctuary’s animals are more likely to be sighted in June and July because the rains tend to bring them out. If you don’t have a seasonal preference or if finances aren’t governing your visit, all creatures of the CBWS are happy to welcome you year round, but don’t attempt the 17-mile Victoria Peak climb unless it’s dry season for safety reasons. What is the best way to experience Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary? First, the ideal way to experience this wildlife paradise is to book accommodations on premises rather than staying elsewhere so you’re in the midst of the action. Housing is rather primitive (think summer camp as a kid). The facility sleeps 24 people and has toilet facilities. Alternately, bring camping gear and a camping permit. During your visit, see Chucil Baluum, a Classic Period Mayan ceremonial site, Victoria Peak at an elevation of 3,675 feet and as many trails as time allows. Include visits to swimming areas, waterfalls, pine forests and the newest trail of all: The Outlier. The right guide can morph an already fascinating visit into an extraordinary one. |
Where is Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary located?
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 20 miles south of Dangriga on the Southern Highway. Once you reach the Maya Center Village, it's about a five (5) miles walk to the reserve headquarters. How to get to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary? The dirt road from the Southern Highway extends for six miles isn’t paved, so if you drive, you’ll need a car capable of tackling rugged terrain. Use public transport if you can. Buses from Belize City and Dangriga Town get you to Punta Gorda Town and the Maya Village Center, then hike into the park. If you’re coming from a distance, grab a Maya Island Air or Tropic Air flight for the 20-minute trip to Dangriga. Taxis and tour companies are also viable options. |
VISITOR'S CENTER
VISITOR CENTER
Just past the entrance gate into the park is a gift shop and office where you'll be asked to sign in. Hours - 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fees - $5.00 USD Belizeans $10.00 Foreigners Camping Fees - Overnight is extra Reminders - All visitors are reminded of the importance of the reserve, the need to respect its facilities and wildlife, to quietly enjoy the area and to take out all garbage. If you are camping you are advised to treat river water all year round before drinking, and not to light camp fires. |
Visitor facilities include a small museum, picnic area, and outhouse. You'll also find an "office" of the World Wildlife Fund, along with the Belize Audubon Society and the government, who manage the protected area.
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VISITOR FACILITIES
Cockscomb is run by the Belize Audubon Society. It has the best facilities of any national reserve in the country, and they are still being developed. There are trails of all kinds, starting with a self-guided walk. Other short tracks of under a mile cut through the different habitats around the main center.
Progressively more demanding paths reach out to swimming areas, waterfalls, and up to the pine forests of the basin's rim. A new trail climbs The Outlier, visible from the sanctuary headquarters, and takes a day. Ultimately, and only for the extremely fit and determined, there is the 17 miles to Victoria Peak, climbable only in the dry season, with a guide. Be warned, it takes 4 days, and has turned grown men into gibbering wrecks. You also need a camping permit from the Conservation Unit of the Forest Department.
If time allows, the wardens can provide a slide show on the sanctuary for a small fee. Inner tubes can be hired for river trips. There's a visitor center and there are swimming areas and various types of accommodations in the sanctuary. At the time of writing there are a campsite bunkhouse and a two- person cottage around the headquarters area. New outlying campsites are being set up this year (1996) for those wanting to stay deeper in the forest, and more comfortable guest houses are being put up in the headquarters grounds. To fully explore the trail system takes two to three days.
The sanctuary headquarters occupies the site of the old logging camp at Quarn Bank. Facilities in place are dormitory-style lodging for 24 people, a kitchen area, visitor centre and common room for slide shows, a gift shop, campground and equipment rental outlet, and freshwater and toilet facilities. 2 backcountry campsites are also in place. The road to the centre is not paved, although its improvement is imminent and there is parking on site. Approximately 12 miles of nature trails have been cut through a variety of low scrub and forest areas immediately around Qum Bank. The longest trail is to The Outlier (4 miles) and takes a day to walk, although there is a 17 mile (4 day) walk to Victoria Peak, but its use is discouraged because of the potential hazard, lack of emergency facilities and previous abuse by past climbers.
The Belize Jaguar Reserve is the world's only jaguar Preserve. Located in Cockscomb Basin, it is home to: jaguars, parrots, black howler monkeys, toucans and a host of other species found only in the tropical forests of South America. This natural habitat was set aside by the Belizean government.This preserve is open to the public and is a wonderful stop on the tour.
Cockscomb is run by the Belize Audubon Society. It has the best facilities of any national reserve in the country, and they are still being developed. There are trails of all kinds, starting with a self-guided walk. Other short tracks of under a mile cut through the different habitats around the main center.
Progressively more demanding paths reach out to swimming areas, waterfalls, and up to the pine forests of the basin's rim. A new trail climbs The Outlier, visible from the sanctuary headquarters, and takes a day. Ultimately, and only for the extremely fit and determined, there is the 17 miles to Victoria Peak, climbable only in the dry season, with a guide. Be warned, it takes 4 days, and has turned grown men into gibbering wrecks. You also need a camping permit from the Conservation Unit of the Forest Department.
If time allows, the wardens can provide a slide show on the sanctuary for a small fee. Inner tubes can be hired for river trips. There's a visitor center and there are swimming areas and various types of accommodations in the sanctuary. At the time of writing there are a campsite bunkhouse and a two- person cottage around the headquarters area. New outlying campsites are being set up this year (1996) for those wanting to stay deeper in the forest, and more comfortable guest houses are being put up in the headquarters grounds. To fully explore the trail system takes two to three days.
The sanctuary headquarters occupies the site of the old logging camp at Quarn Bank. Facilities in place are dormitory-style lodging for 24 people, a kitchen area, visitor centre and common room for slide shows, a gift shop, campground and equipment rental outlet, and freshwater and toilet facilities. 2 backcountry campsites are also in place. The road to the centre is not paved, although its improvement is imminent and there is parking on site. Approximately 12 miles of nature trails have been cut through a variety of low scrub and forest areas immediately around Qum Bank. The longest trail is to The Outlier (4 miles) and takes a day to walk, although there is a 17 mile (4 day) walk to Victoria Peak, but its use is discouraged because of the potential hazard, lack of emergency facilities and previous abuse by past climbers.
The Belize Jaguar Reserve is the world's only jaguar Preserve. Located in Cockscomb Basin, it is home to: jaguars, parrots, black howler monkeys, toucans and a host of other species found only in the tropical forests of South America. This natural habitat was set aside by the Belizean government.This preserve is open to the public and is a wonderful stop on the tour.
TOURING COCKSCOMB BASIN
The Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve Tour
Length: Approx. 7 hours
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Dense tropical rainforest with well maintained trails, jungle canopy to 120'
Possible Wildlife: jaguar, jaguarundi, peccary, howler monkey, gibnut, agouti, snakes, coatamundi, over 300 bird species.
What to Bring - Bug repellent, hat, water bottle, swimsuit, towel, sunscree, hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, rain jacket, bird identification book and a zest for adventure!
What to Wear - A lightweight long-sleeve shirt and long pants are recommended. Being adequately coered up is best since you wnat to avoid being a target for bugs. Also don't forget to bring a swmming suit or swimming trunks if you decide to do a hike that takes you to a waterfall or natural pool.
Tour Description - The whole day will be spent exploring the trails through the Jaguar Preserve in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, an area of tropical, moist forest that lies within the shadows of the Maya Mountains. Waterfalls, rivers, wildlife and plant life abound here. Over 290 species of birdlife have been sighted! (camping)
After a relaxing breakfast we set out from the Lodge in a four- wheel drive vehicle. The first mile of road is through a pristine wetlands rich in birds and amphibians. (Watch for crocodiles on the side of the road!) On most days the air will be clear enough to see the majestic spire of Victoria Peak (3,675 ft.) and the distant Maya Mountain Range. Sedge marsh turns to orange groves, and the settlement of the Sittee River Village.
Within a few minutes we reach the Southern Highway and cross over the Sittee River. We soon arrive at the Maya center and the entrance to the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve. We stop briefly to sign in and to view the beautiful hand-carved slate plaques, baskets, clothing and jewelry made in the Village by the local Mayan Indians, who have formed an arts and crafts co-operative.
We then continue our journey deep into the dense tropical rainforest of the Cockscomb Basin, which has a total protected area of over 250,000 acres. The road here is often in poor condition; however, by using four-wheel drive vehicles, the trip becomes an adventure. We park and begin our hikes at the park headquarters.
You'll want to check out the Education Center that details the topography, geology, plant and animal life that make up this incredible rainforest. Your guide will then take you on several established trails, each with its own unique characteristics. As you walk the trails your guide will interpret the flora and fauna which make this park such an amazing and unique place. This preserve is believed to have the world's highest density of jaguar as well as puma, ocelot, margay and jaguarundi.
After your morning walk we will return to the ranger station for lunch and rest up for a hike to a beautiful waterfall; a great place to take a cooling swim. By late afternoon you will be ready to rest and reflect upon all the incredible sights you've seen, and we will begin our journey back to the Lodge. Although Cockscomb is famous for its cat species, it is also a good place to see other mammals. Black howler monkeys have recently been reintroduced to the preserve and are sighted regularly by our guests along the forest trails. Large groups (up to 40) of white-lipped peccary are sometimes heard and sighted here feeding on cahune nuts.
Length: Approx. 7 hours
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Dense tropical rainforest with well maintained trails, jungle canopy to 120'
Possible Wildlife: jaguar, jaguarundi, peccary, howler monkey, gibnut, agouti, snakes, coatamundi, over 300 bird species.
What to Bring - Bug repellent, hat, water bottle, swimsuit, towel, sunscree, hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, rain jacket, bird identification book and a zest for adventure!
What to Wear - A lightweight long-sleeve shirt and long pants are recommended. Being adequately coered up is best since you wnat to avoid being a target for bugs. Also don't forget to bring a swmming suit or swimming trunks if you decide to do a hike that takes you to a waterfall or natural pool.
Tour Description - The whole day will be spent exploring the trails through the Jaguar Preserve in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, an area of tropical, moist forest that lies within the shadows of the Maya Mountains. Waterfalls, rivers, wildlife and plant life abound here. Over 290 species of birdlife have been sighted! (camping)
After a relaxing breakfast we set out from the Lodge in a four- wheel drive vehicle. The first mile of road is through a pristine wetlands rich in birds and amphibians. (Watch for crocodiles on the side of the road!) On most days the air will be clear enough to see the majestic spire of Victoria Peak (3,675 ft.) and the distant Maya Mountain Range. Sedge marsh turns to orange groves, and the settlement of the Sittee River Village.
Within a few minutes we reach the Southern Highway and cross over the Sittee River. We soon arrive at the Maya center and the entrance to the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve. We stop briefly to sign in and to view the beautiful hand-carved slate plaques, baskets, clothing and jewelry made in the Village by the local Mayan Indians, who have formed an arts and crafts co-operative.
We then continue our journey deep into the dense tropical rainforest of the Cockscomb Basin, which has a total protected area of over 250,000 acres. The road here is often in poor condition; however, by using four-wheel drive vehicles, the trip becomes an adventure. We park and begin our hikes at the park headquarters.
You'll want to check out the Education Center that details the topography, geology, plant and animal life that make up this incredible rainforest. Your guide will then take you on several established trails, each with its own unique characteristics. As you walk the trails your guide will interpret the flora and fauna which make this park such an amazing and unique place. This preserve is believed to have the world's highest density of jaguar as well as puma, ocelot, margay and jaguarundi.
After your morning walk we will return to the ranger station for lunch and rest up for a hike to a beautiful waterfall; a great place to take a cooling swim. By late afternoon you will be ready to rest and reflect upon all the incredible sights you've seen, and we will begin our journey back to the Lodge. Although Cockscomb is famous for its cat species, it is also a good place to see other mammals. Black howler monkeys have recently been reintroduced to the preserve and are sighted regularly by our guests along the forest trails. Large groups (up to 40) of white-lipped peccary are sometimes heard and sighted here feeding on cahune nuts.
HIKING COCKSCOMB BASIN
At the Cockscomb Basin & Wildlife Santuary, visitors can explore dozens of marked hiking trails where they will discover spectacular waterfalls, beautiful mountain views, and pleanty of wildlife beyond the rare jaguar sightings. The reserve is home to numerous plants and animals, including margays, deer, ocelots, pumas, howler monkeys, tapirs, and around 330 species of birds. DAY HIKE There are a number of tour operators that can take you to the Cockscomb. Note, that the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Santuary is a very large area, and jaguars are creatures that prefer to stay hidden, so your chances of spotting a jaguar are very slim. The Sanctuary has many trails to choose from, depending on your own hiking skill level. Favorites have been: Rubber Tree trail, the Wari Loop trail, and the Green Knowledge trail. These trails are well maintained with property sigange, but they are in the natural state and not paved. Trails in the preserve range from easy to strenuous, from flat to steep. Each trail passes through the beautiful pristine rainforest leading to an amazing destination. With so many options, youll be glad to have your guide plan a route that fits the interests and abilities of your group, and to explain some of the unique aspects of this incredible ecosystem. If you're looking to swim in a beautiful waterfall or pool, chose the Ben's Bluff trail, which offers spectacular views of the Cockscomb Basin and a secluded jungle swim Be wary though, this trail can be a bit challenging. NIGHT HIKES The Cockscomb trails can also be explored during the night! Visitors of all ages, often ask to try the same hike (during the day, and during the night), with a totally different experience each time. Some visitors, prefer hiking the Cockscomb at night, since the temperatures are cooler and the hikes are less strenous. During the dry season, night hikes start at 6:45 p.m. as the sun sets. And during the wet season, night hikes start at 6:15, since the sun sets sooner during this time of year. Typically, the flatter trails of the easy trails section are great for night hikes. The most popular being the River Path Trail, the Curassow Trail, and the Rubber Tree Trail. For every night hike, visitors will be given headlamps to spot animals. While they can't see very far with the headlamps, there are some animals that come near enough to see. Hikers may catch glimpses of bare-throated tiger herons, marine toads, spectacled owls, barn owls, gibnuts, kinkajous, wild pigs, and tapirs. To a trained eye, your guide can often spot wolf spiders or tarantulas. Although hiking during the night may make you feel a bit on edge because of the darkness, you do not need to worry because this experiece is totally safe. We just ask that you relax and take in the jungle as it comes alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures. |
HIKING TRAILS
EASY TRAILS
River Path - 1.4 miles Curassow Trail -.5 miles Rubber Tree Trail - .4 miles Green Knowledge Trail - 1 mile Wari Loop Trail - 3.7 miles MODERATE Gibut Trail - 2.5 miles Tinamou Trail - 1 mile Plane Wreck Trail - .5 miles Gibnut/Tinamou Loup - 4 miles* Antelope Trail - 5.5 miles* STRENUOUS Waterfall Trail - 3 miles Ben's Bluff Trail - 3.2 miles Tiger Fern Trail - 2 miles Outlier Train - 4 miles* Victoria Peak Trail - 42 miles*
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ABANDONED PLANE WRECKAGE
Story Behind the Plane Wreckage - In 1983/1984, Dr. Alan Rabinowitz’s single engine plane crashed when it’s wing clipped a quamwood tree while taking off from the landing strip in the Cockscomb Basin. The plane was used for air monitoring of jaguars he captured and placed radio collars on, then released for his two year study of jaguars in the Basin. The crash was caused by a local thunderstorm and heavy rain. Dr. Rabinowitz, a photographer and the pilot all received minor injuries. I think Therese Rath assisted with the aftermath of the crash.
The land rises gradually from the coastal plains to the Maya Mountains; driving south on the Southern Highway, you'll see the highlands a way to the west and flat lands to the left, mostly covered by orange and banana groves. The highway passes through a few villages and soon delivers you to the area's prime attraction; Maya Center Village and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Heavy rain along the peaks of the May rain (as much as 160 inches a year) runs off into lush rainforest thick with trees, orchids, palms, ferns, abundant birds, and exotic animals, including peccaries, anteaters. armadillos, tapirs, and jaguars.
Also commonly called CBWS or simply the "Jaguar Preserve", this is one of the best undisturbed natural centers in the country, and easily one of the most beautiful. A large tract of approximately 155 square miles of forest was declared a forest reserve in 1984, and in 1986 the government of Belize set the region aside as a preserve for the largest cat in the Americas, the jaguar. The area is alive with wildlife, including the margay, ocelot, puma, jaguarundi, tapir, deer, paca, iguana, kinkajou, and armadillo (to name just a few), hundreds of bird species, and some unusual reptiles, including the red-eyed tree frog. And though you probably won't spot large cats roaming during the day (they hunt at night), it's exciting to see their prints and other signs - and to know that even if you don't see one, you'll probably be seen by one.
Also commonly called CBWS or simply the "Jaguar Preserve", this is one of the best undisturbed natural centers in the country, and easily one of the most beautiful. A large tract of approximately 155 square miles of forest was declared a forest reserve in 1984, and in 1986 the government of Belize set the region aside as a preserve for the largest cat in the Americas, the jaguar. The area is alive with wildlife, including the margay, ocelot, puma, jaguarundi, tapir, deer, paca, iguana, kinkajou, and armadillo (to name just a few), hundreds of bird species, and some unusual reptiles, including the red-eyed tree frog. And though you probably won't spot large cats roaming during the day (they hunt at night), it's exciting to see their prints and other signs - and to know that even if you don't see one, you'll probably be seen by one.
SANCTUARY WILDLIFE
There have been numerous studies into sanctuary's wildlife. Information on the forest composition shows characteristic tree species include Banak Waika Swivelstick, Quamwood, Yemeri, Negrito, Santa Maria, and Rosewood.. Because of thin soils and the rugged terrain, and the action of hurricanes, the natural form of the vegetation is a dense, medium height forest. Others have noted a discontinuous canopy of 50-70 feet high. The impact of timber extraction makes it likely that the majority of mature hardwood trees of commercial value (Mahogany, Cedar, Santa Maria and Rosewood) have been removed. Secondary hardwoods, principally Banak have also been exploited. Approximately 111 acres of milpa cultivation, in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary abandoned immediately before its declaration, and area's previously cleared for logging operations (including an air strip) have left patches of regenerating secondary forest Some 'elfin' forest grows above 655 yards on Victoria Peak itself (outside the reserve). Various studies into the area's animals have been completed. In particular, the reserve's origin is inter-linked with studies of its Jaguar population . Preliminary research showed a population of 2540 Jaguars living in the Basin with Ocelot, Margay, Jaguarundi, and Puma also. Baird's Tapir were found to occur in good numbers. All these species are included on the CITES red list of seriously endangered mammals.
Following initial work on the Jaguars, Kamstra completed a more wide ranging but detailed ecological study, distinguishing 7 different vegetation types in the Basm, and contributing to data on various different species groups. The western basin was investigated by Meadows (1990), during a 7 day study. Their casual bird observations amounted to 83 species, including Scarlet Macaw, Agami Heron and Great Currasow. Typical lowland forest mammals were encountered, except Spider and Black Howler Monkeys. An estimated 80 species (70%) of the country's herpetofauna was considered likely to inhabit the reserve by the team's herpetologist (P. Walker). During the study 14 species of amphibian, 12 lizards, 9 snakes and 2 terrapins were identified. One of the frogs Smilisca cyonostica (formerly S phaeota) had not previously been recorded for Belize (now recorded in Columbia Forest Reserve, Cockscomb and Chiquibul National Park), and Gastrophyrne elegans, for which there are very few records in Belize, was also recorded. The study coincided with mass breeding activity of several other frogs, enabling the observation of canopy dwelling species. One ephemeral pond contained tens of thousands of frogs, drawn from a large area of forest. "Such an immense breeding aggregation is extremely rare in Belize and ... this pond should not be underestimated in importance." Walker also concluded the western part of the Cockscomb Basin was extremely rich in herpetofauna,, more so than the east, because of its more vaned terrain and greater rainfall. Herpetofauna were also surveyed elsewhere in the Basin by Kamstra (1986) (27 species over 4 months) and by Taylor and Nunez (1990), with considerable overlap in species identified in both cases.
Studies on the area's avifauna. show a wide variety of species (over 290 recorded according to BAS 1987), including many rarer birds. Scarlet Macaws have been spotted in the sanctuary. Other notable species recorded are the Agami Heron, Solitary Eagle Black and White Hawk Eagle, Currasow and Peregrine Falcon. Migrant birds seasonally constitute at least 18% of the Basin's birds. Mammalian studies were carried out by Konecay et al. (1989) and work on the Basin's Lepidoptera (specifically Rhopaloceraa, Sphirigidae and Saturniidae) and odonata has been completed by Boomsma et al. (1992), comprising a 7 day survey, during which 44 butterfly species were identified. A large proportion of these were considered indicative of undisturbed wet forest Also of note was the presence of Prepona dexamenus, whose main distribution is from Panama to the Amazon. it was of the sub-species medinai, and probably represents an extension to the isolated population of this previously known from Mexico. Of the moths, out of 28 Sphingidae and Saturniidae species recorded, Xylophanes undata was notable because its known range was Peru to Costa Rica. Sampling in this study was on the trails around the Sanctuary head quarters.The Black Howler monkey has been introduced into the Basin. Since 1992, 62 monkeys have been translocated from the Community Baboon Sanctuary, 90% of which have survived The new population is breeding, and the programme has been judged a success.
There have been numerous studies into sanctuary's wildlife. Information on the forest composition shows characteristic tree species include Banak Waika Swivelstick, Quamwood, Yemeri, Negrito, Santa Maria, and Rosewood.. Because of thin soils and the rugged terrain, and the action of hurricanes, the natural form of the vegetation is a dense, medium height forest. Others have noted a discontinuous canopy of 50-70 feet high. The impact of timber extraction makes it likely that the majority of mature hardwood trees of commercial value (Mahogany, Cedar, Santa Maria and Rosewood) have been removed. Secondary hardwoods, principally Banak have also been exploited. Approximately 111 acres of milpa cultivation, in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary abandoned immediately before its declaration, and area's previously cleared for logging operations (including an air strip) have left patches of regenerating secondary forest Some 'elfin' forest grows above 655 yards on Victoria Peak itself (outside the reserve). Various studies into the area's animals have been completed. In particular, the reserve's origin is inter-linked with studies of its Jaguar population . Preliminary research showed a population of 2540 Jaguars living in the Basin with Ocelot, Margay, Jaguarundi, and Puma also. Baird's Tapir were found to occur in good numbers. All these species are included on the CITES red list of seriously endangered mammals.
Following initial work on the Jaguars, Kamstra completed a more wide ranging but detailed ecological study, distinguishing 7 different vegetation types in the Basm, and contributing to data on various different species groups. The western basin was investigated by Meadows (1990), during a 7 day study. Their casual bird observations amounted to 83 species, including Scarlet Macaw, Agami Heron and Great Currasow. Typical lowland forest mammals were encountered, except Spider and Black Howler Monkeys. An estimated 80 species (70%) of the country's herpetofauna was considered likely to inhabit the reserve by the team's herpetologist (P. Walker). During the study 14 species of amphibian, 12 lizards, 9 snakes and 2 terrapins were identified. One of the frogs Smilisca cyonostica (formerly S phaeota) had not previously been recorded for Belize (now recorded in Columbia Forest Reserve, Cockscomb and Chiquibul National Park), and Gastrophyrne elegans, for which there are very few records in Belize, was also recorded. The study coincided with mass breeding activity of several other frogs, enabling the observation of canopy dwelling species. One ephemeral pond contained tens of thousands of frogs, drawn from a large area of forest. "Such an immense breeding aggregation is extremely rare in Belize and ... this pond should not be underestimated in importance." Walker also concluded the western part of the Cockscomb Basin was extremely rich in herpetofauna,, more so than the east, because of its more vaned terrain and greater rainfall. Herpetofauna were also surveyed elsewhere in the Basin by Kamstra (1986) (27 species over 4 months) and by Taylor and Nunez (1990), with considerable overlap in species identified in both cases.
Studies on the area's avifauna. show a wide variety of species (over 290 recorded according to BAS 1987), including many rarer birds. Scarlet Macaws have been spotted in the sanctuary. Other notable species recorded are the Agami Heron, Solitary Eagle Black and White Hawk Eagle, Currasow and Peregrine Falcon. Migrant birds seasonally constitute at least 18% of the Basin's birds. Mammalian studies were carried out by Konecay et al. (1989) and work on the Basin's Lepidoptera (specifically Rhopaloceraa, Sphirigidae and Saturniidae) and odonata has been completed by Boomsma et al. (1992), comprising a 7 day survey, during which 44 butterfly species were identified. A large proportion of these were considered indicative of undisturbed wet forest Also of note was the presence of Prepona dexamenus, whose main distribution is from Panama to the Amazon. it was of the sub-species medinai, and probably represents an extension to the isolated population of this previously known from Mexico. Of the moths, out of 28 Sphingidae and Saturniidae species recorded, Xylophanes undata was notable because its known range was Peru to Costa Rica. Sampling in this study was on the trails around the Sanctuary head quarters.The Black Howler monkey has been introduced into the Basin. Since 1992, 62 monkeys have been translocated from the Community Baboon Sanctuary, 90% of which have survived The new population is breeding, and the programme has been judged a success.
LOCAL POPULATION
Previous to the declaration of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary a small milpa settlement of 9 families was located at Quam Bank. These people moved to villages near the entrance of the Wildlife Sanctuary, including Maya Centre (farming) (population 138) 7.5 miles east of the reserve, adjacent to the Southern Highway. About 80% of households benefit financially from visitors to the sanctuary. Alabama (also known as Maya Mopan) (population 219) is just over 6 miles south southwest The hunting village of Red Bank (population 229) is immediately to the south of the sanctuary, and it seems villagers use it for hunting. The village received roughly 100 Guatemalan squatters who had been re-located from Chiquibul National Park in 1992. The District capital of Dangriga is used as a tourism base from which the sanctuary is reached, with hotels, and an airstrip. It is 21 miles northeast of Maya Centre
Previous to the declaration of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary a small milpa settlement of 9 families was located at Quam Bank. These people moved to villages near the entrance of the Wildlife Sanctuary, including Maya Centre (farming) (population 138) 7.5 miles east of the reserve, adjacent to the Southern Highway. About 80% of households benefit financially from visitors to the sanctuary. Alabama (also known as Maya Mopan) (population 219) is just over 6 miles south southwest The hunting village of Red Bank (population 229) is immediately to the south of the sanctuary, and it seems villagers use it for hunting. The village received roughly 100 Guatemalan squatters who had been re-located from Chiquibul National Park in 1992. The District capital of Dangriga is used as a tourism base from which the sanctuary is reached, with hotels, and an airstrip. It is 21 miles northeast of Maya Centre
PHYSICAL FEATURES & CLIMATE
2 major watersheds, the South Stann Creek, and the Swaysey Branch of the Monkey River, plus a small portion of Sittee River via Mitchell Creek drain the Basin. The division between the Swaysey and South Stann Creek watersheds is physiographically distinct, the more rugged western basin draining into the Swaysey and the gentler doped eastern side feeding the South Stann Creek. Both areas are on shallow siliceous soils of low fertility and high erodibility formed on primarily granitic rocks. The Basin is bounded on the north by the Cockscomb Range and the Outlier, a quartzite ridge running east/west for a distance of 10 miles. The western boundary is formed by the Main Divide. The Basin's southern ridge is broken where the Swaysey River exits its western portion, and the eastern ridge is cut by the South Stann Creek. From extrapolation, approximate average annual rainfall ranges from 98-118 inches of rain a year fail on the reserve. Other estimates suggest 100 inches on the eastern part of the sanctuary and 110 inches on the western part The wettest months are from June to October (although the rainy season lasts normally to about January), and the hottest months April to Jun. Temperatures range between 11-39 C, with mean daily temperature about 25'. Several hurricanes have affected the Basin, with recent impacts arising from Hattie (1961), Fifi (1972) and Greta (1978). The sanctuary's elevation ranges from less than 330 feet to 1962 feet. To the north, Victoria Peak, the country's second highest point reaches 3675 feet.
CULTURAL FEATURES
The Maya occupied Cockscomb Basin and built a medium-sized ceremonial centre in the sanctuary, named Kuchil Baluum.
2 major watersheds, the South Stann Creek, and the Swaysey Branch of the Monkey River, plus a small portion of Sittee River via Mitchell Creek drain the Basin. The division between the Swaysey and South Stann Creek watersheds is physiographically distinct, the more rugged western basin draining into the Swaysey and the gentler doped eastern side feeding the South Stann Creek. Both areas are on shallow siliceous soils of low fertility and high erodibility formed on primarily granitic rocks. The Basin is bounded on the north by the Cockscomb Range and the Outlier, a quartzite ridge running east/west for a distance of 10 miles. The western boundary is formed by the Main Divide. The Basin's southern ridge is broken where the Swaysey River exits its western portion, and the eastern ridge is cut by the South Stann Creek. From extrapolation, approximate average annual rainfall ranges from 98-118 inches of rain a year fail on the reserve. Other estimates suggest 100 inches on the eastern part of the sanctuary and 110 inches on the western part The wettest months are from June to October (although the rainy season lasts normally to about January), and the hottest months April to Jun. Temperatures range between 11-39 C, with mean daily temperature about 25'. Several hurricanes have affected the Basin, with recent impacts arising from Hattie (1961), Fifi (1972) and Greta (1978). The sanctuary's elevation ranges from less than 330 feet to 1962 feet. To the north, Victoria Peak, the country's second highest point reaches 3675 feet.
CULTURAL FEATURES
The Maya occupied Cockscomb Basin and built a medium-sized ceremonial centre in the sanctuary, named Kuchil Baluum.
ESTABLISHMENT HISTORY
The site gained national and international recognition in the 1980s, following NYZS-sponsored research into its jaguar population, initiated after local land owner's concern over cattle predation on adjacent ranches. The investigations identified a high density of Jaguar, and as a result the government were persuaded of the need for some form of protection for the Cockscomb Basin, declaring it a Forest Reserve in December 1984 (SI 93), under the Forest Act. Simultaneously, made a Closed area for hunting under the Wildlife Protection Act (SI 94), these provisions made it the world's first protected area specifically established for Jaguar conservation. Initially, a combination of logging wildlife protection and tourism was envisaged, but following a proposal from the BAS and WWF, a comer (covering the area of an old lease to the Development Finance Corporation) was set aside as the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in March 1986 (SI 32), for nature conservation to take the dominant role. After the success of this site, the sanctuary was greatly expanded in November 1990 (SI 127) with the support of overseas conservation bodies. A draft SI has been produced to extend the sanctuary southwards by redesignating part of the Maya Mountain Forest Reserve.
Previous to these declarations, the area was administered by the FD as a concession leased to private companies at least since the 1940s. Leases were normally for 10 years to exploit primary (cedar and mahogany) and secondary hardwoods, and pine. Companies owning these concessions were obliged to pay rent and stumpage fees and to abide by regulations set out by the FD. In the years leading up to the reserve's designation, logging concessions were held firstly by Minter Naval Store Company (local representative Gilly Canton) then to William Depow (Florida, USA/Canada) (local representative Glenn Godfrey) and more recently Belize Exotic Woods and Veneer Company Limited, an Alabama firm (for 1978-1983), and Belize Estate Company for harvesting of mahogany, cedar, and secondary timbers. There bad however, been very little exploitation during the 1980s.
Immediately adjacent to the Wildlife Sanctuary on its northern border is a 'National Park' whose full origins s have not been traced It was proposed by Waight (1968), under the Crown Land Ordinance, to cover Victoria and Molar Peak. Subsequently, the area of Victoria and Molar Peaks above the 785 yard contour line was proposed as a National Reserve by the FA0 (1978). It still does not appear to have not been legally declared as a National Park.
The site gained national and international recognition in the 1980s, following NYZS-sponsored research into its jaguar population, initiated after local land owner's concern over cattle predation on adjacent ranches. The investigations identified a high density of Jaguar, and as a result the government were persuaded of the need for some form of protection for the Cockscomb Basin, declaring it a Forest Reserve in December 1984 (SI 93), under the Forest Act. Simultaneously, made a Closed area for hunting under the Wildlife Protection Act (SI 94), these provisions made it the world's first protected area specifically established for Jaguar conservation. Initially, a combination of logging wildlife protection and tourism was envisaged, but following a proposal from the BAS and WWF, a comer (covering the area of an old lease to the Development Finance Corporation) was set aside as the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in March 1986 (SI 32), for nature conservation to take the dominant role. After the success of this site, the sanctuary was greatly expanded in November 1990 (SI 127) with the support of overseas conservation bodies. A draft SI has been produced to extend the sanctuary southwards by redesignating part of the Maya Mountain Forest Reserve.
Previous to these declarations, the area was administered by the FD as a concession leased to private companies at least since the 1940s. Leases were normally for 10 years to exploit primary (cedar and mahogany) and secondary hardwoods, and pine. Companies owning these concessions were obliged to pay rent and stumpage fees and to abide by regulations set out by the FD. In the years leading up to the reserve's designation, logging concessions were held firstly by Minter Naval Store Company (local representative Gilly Canton) then to William Depow (Florida, USA/Canada) (local representative Glenn Godfrey) and more recently Belize Exotic Woods and Veneer Company Limited, an Alabama firm (for 1978-1983), and Belize Estate Company for harvesting of mahogany, cedar, and secondary timbers. There bad however, been very little exploitation during the 1980s.
Immediately adjacent to the Wildlife Sanctuary on its northern border is a 'National Park' whose full origins s have not been traced It was proposed by Waight (1968), under the Crown Land Ordinance, to cover Victoria and Molar Peak. Subsequently, the area of Victoria and Molar Peaks above the 785 yard contour line was proposed as a National Reserve by the FA0 (1978). It still does not appear to have not been legally declared as a National Park.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE JAGUAR'S FUTURE
The first scientist to research the jaguar population in Belize, Dr. ALan Rabinowitz, thought it would take several generations to see any ecological or cultural benefits of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary's creation - but they occurred much more quickly. This was, he admits, partly due to luck: The formation of a protected area based on the jaguar's natural habitat (which was the first of its kind in the world) happened at a foruitious time in Belize history, basically at the very beginning of the country's efforts to attract more touritss. Cockscomb helped set the stage for the local preservation movement, giving a cruicla boost to the country's fledgling ecotourism efforts.
Jaguar research continuous in the Cockscomb Basin, only now the animals are tracked using infrared-triggered camera traps. Current data supports original density estimates that were based on radiotelemetry, which necessitated the invasive, sometimes harmful practice of physically capturing and collaring the cats and then tracking them from dangerous, low flying airplanes. The jaguar's prey are back reports Rabinowitz, from behind a tiny, cluttered desk in his cramped office at New York's Bronx Zoo, where he is no Director of Science and Exploration for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). There are peccary all over the place and the jaguars are eating alot, but their population densit has stayed level - its maxed out - even after 20 years. Also, we've found that the more protected area you give the jaguar, the less complaints there are on jaguars coming out after dogs and cattle - the opposite of what you'd expect.
Rabinowitz also notes that the Maya of the Cockscomb area now show natural curiosity about the big cats, instead of fear. Whereas before locals never entered the bus without a rifle, today they carry binoculars, pointing out jaguar tracks and exotic birds to groups of tourists. Now I go back to Cockscomb and I see these young adults - sons of people I worked with - working as tour guides. They've known Cocksomb as a rotected area since they were children and they realize how important it is, both econimicalyy and ecologically. Plus, the women are empowered, with the money tfrom their crafts sales, and you don't see children walking around with parasites and swollen bellies.
Rabinowitz tracked the area's cat population while living in a small clearing o fjungle (now the site of the park's visitors center) for nearly two years in the early 1980's and recounted his story in his fascinating "ecomemoir" Jaguar: One Man's Struggle to Establish the World's First Jaguar Preserve (reprinted by Island Press in 2000). He has traveled extensively since then, stying jaguars, clouded leopards, tigers and other large mammals species in Boreno, Taiwan, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma).
And while he has moved on from Cockscomb, the restless biologist does not see the Belizean park as a mere thing of the past. Quite the contrary. His ambitious goal now is to save jaguars throughout their entire range - from Mexico to Argentina - by creating and securing a natural unbroken corridor of wild land on both public and private lands where jaguars can thrive into the future. "We've already made tremendous strides toward that objective." he says. "with jaguars surveys and rancher outreach programs."
The Save the Jaguar project is dependent on private and corporate donations (Jaguar Cars has been extremely supportive). You can learn more about current studies and project - and about how to help by visiting www.savethejaguar.com and also by checking out WCS's Adopt a Jaguar Project at: www.wcs.org.
The first scientist to research the jaguar population in Belize, Dr. ALan Rabinowitz, thought it would take several generations to see any ecological or cultural benefits of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary's creation - but they occurred much more quickly. This was, he admits, partly due to luck: The formation of a protected area based on the jaguar's natural habitat (which was the first of its kind in the world) happened at a foruitious time in Belize history, basically at the very beginning of the country's efforts to attract more touritss. Cockscomb helped set the stage for the local preservation movement, giving a cruicla boost to the country's fledgling ecotourism efforts.
Jaguar research continuous in the Cockscomb Basin, only now the animals are tracked using infrared-triggered camera traps. Current data supports original density estimates that were based on radiotelemetry, which necessitated the invasive, sometimes harmful practice of physically capturing and collaring the cats and then tracking them from dangerous, low flying airplanes. The jaguar's prey are back reports Rabinowitz, from behind a tiny, cluttered desk in his cramped office at New York's Bronx Zoo, where he is no Director of Science and Exploration for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). There are peccary all over the place and the jaguars are eating alot, but their population densit has stayed level - its maxed out - even after 20 years. Also, we've found that the more protected area you give the jaguar, the less complaints there are on jaguars coming out after dogs and cattle - the opposite of what you'd expect.
Rabinowitz also notes that the Maya of the Cockscomb area now show natural curiosity about the big cats, instead of fear. Whereas before locals never entered the bus without a rifle, today they carry binoculars, pointing out jaguar tracks and exotic birds to groups of tourists. Now I go back to Cockscomb and I see these young adults - sons of people I worked with - working as tour guides. They've known Cocksomb as a rotected area since they were children and they realize how important it is, both econimicalyy and ecologically. Plus, the women are empowered, with the money tfrom their crafts sales, and you don't see children walking around with parasites and swollen bellies.
Rabinowitz tracked the area's cat population while living in a small clearing o fjungle (now the site of the park's visitors center) for nearly two years in the early 1980's and recounted his story in his fascinating "ecomemoir" Jaguar: One Man's Struggle to Establish the World's First Jaguar Preserve (reprinted by Island Press in 2000). He has traveled extensively since then, stying jaguars, clouded leopards, tigers and other large mammals species in Boreno, Taiwan, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma).
And while he has moved on from Cockscomb, the restless biologist does not see the Belizean park as a mere thing of the past. Quite the contrary. His ambitious goal now is to save jaguars throughout their entire range - from Mexico to Argentina - by creating and securing a natural unbroken corridor of wild land on both public and private lands where jaguars can thrive into the future. "We've already made tremendous strides toward that objective." he says. "with jaguars surveys and rancher outreach programs."
The Save the Jaguar project is dependent on private and corporate donations (Jaguar Cars has been extremely supportive). You can learn more about current studies and project - and about how to help by visiting www.savethejaguar.com and also by checking out WCS's Adopt a Jaguar Project at: www.wcs.org.