Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve

Under the shadow of the Cockscomb Mountain Range in southern Belize, in a region previously occupied by the Maya, the world's only dedicated Jaguar preserve exists as a testament to the perseverance of a group of conservationists who dedicated themselves to the preservation of one of Nature's most enigmatic creatures. The 150sqm big cat sanctuary was established in 1986 and, since then, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve has become one of the premier conservation and research centres in Central and South America.

Establishing a Sanctuary

In 1984, after lobbying by eminent Jaguar expert Alan Rabinowitz, the government of Belize declared the Cockscomb Basin a Forest Reserve, having been convinced that, due to the high density of the big cat (as well as other wildlife and some important rivers), the area needed protective governance. Hunting within the reserve was outlawed, and although initially there were plans to develop logging and tourism alongside the wildlife protection, in 1986 it was declared a wildlife sanctuary.

An Abundance of Wildlife

The dense, lush forests of the Cockscomb Basin big cat sanctuary are home to an abundance of indigenous plant and animal life, and the Jaguar is not the only species to benefit from the extensive conservation activities. There are known to be at least 200 of the big cats living in the reserve – the highest concentration in the world – but there are healthy populations of other cats as well, including the Ocelot, Puma, Margay and Jaguarundi.

Along with Black Howler Monkeys, Gibnut, Agouti, snakes, toucans and parrots, there are also far greater numbers of Brocket Deer, otter, Coatimundi, Tayra, Peccary and Paca than in most other locations. All these species are fairly easy to spot, unlike the elusive Jaguar, which is notoriously secretive. Its sleuth-like ability to 'see and not be seen' only adds to the enigma and mystery that has always surrounded it in South American myth and culture.

A Haven for Birds

The big cat sanctuary is also the habitat of prolific numbers of birds – with more than 300 species identified and recorded. In the lower reaches of the forests visitors may catch sight of Bat Falcon, White-collared Seedeaters, Social Flycatchers, Crimson Collared and Masked Tanagers, and Clay-coloured Robins. Some of the more high-profile avian species like the Macaw, the Keel-billed Toucan or the Great Curassow might also make an appearance. But the most exciting experience for avid birdwatchers is to be witness a performance of the unique screeching song of Montezuma's Oropendola, or the clashing, clanging call of the White-collared Manakin.

Education for Preservation

The Cockscomb Basin preserve is open to the public and there are a number of guided tours available, as well as the opportunity for independent hikes around the comprehensive network of trails. There's also an excellent Education Centre, which contains extensive exhibits and information on the various plant and animal life of the region, as well as educational material on its topography and geology. The best time to visit the park is at the beginning of the rainy season (June/July) when the wildlife is at its most active.

Endangered in most of its ranges throughout the world, in contrast, the Jaguar is surviving well within the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary – a credit to the original work of Alan Rabinowitz and his team of dedicated conservationists.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer with a special interest in big cat sanctuary sites in Central and Southern America. Being passionate about her subject, Marissa chooses the expert-led wildlife holidays organised by NatureTrek, which have brought her unforgettable sightings of a wide range of wildlife in some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.