Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary


The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Southern Belize below the jagged peaks of the Maya Mountain's Cockscomb Range. The area was declared a forest reserve and a "NO HUNTING" area in 1984 to protect the large jaguar population and other resident wildlife. In 1986, a small portion of the forest reserve was given sanctuary status, which afforded it complete protection. The sanctuary was expanded in 1990 to include the entire forest reserve, resulting in a protected area of over 100,000 acres.

View of the Cockscomb Basin


The Cockscomb Basin, ringed on three sides by high ridges and mountains, rises from about 300 feet above sea level to approximately 3675 at the summit of Victoria Peak, the country's highest point. In addition to the jaguar, the Cockscomb Basin's diverse ecosystem protects a sizable percentage of Belize's plant and animal species, including the endangered Ocelot, Margay, Baird's tapir, Otter, Coati, Kinkajou, Brocket deer, White-lipped and Collared Peccary, Agouti, Paca, Anteater, Armadillo, Red-eyed Tree Frog, Boa constrictor, Iguana and Fer-de-Lance. Bird species sighted in Cockscomb include the Scarlet Macaw, Great Curassow, Keel-billed Toucan and King vulture.


The Falls at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary