Tag:
belize forest department
Conservation
ACES Wildlife Rescue Continues to Provide Critical Care for Injured Wildlife
ACES Wildlife Rescue in San Pedro has been responding to injured and displaced native animals across the Northern Cayes through a dedicated rehabilitation and release program that has served Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker since 2010. Operating as a non-profit permitted by the Belize Forest Department, the organization provides 24-hour emergency response and long-term care for wildlife affected by human activity and habitat loss.
Conservation
Captive Parrot Permit Applications to Close March 31st
In Belize, it is illegal to keep wildlife in captivity. The Belize Forest Department continues to enforce this law and reminds current parrot owners that the registration application period for their birds will close on March 31st. After this date, the opportunity to legalize parrots already in captivity will end. For full registration information, visit the Belize Bird Rescue licensing section (https://shorturl.at/zklXB) or contact the Forest Department at 610-1524.
Community and Society
SAGA and ACES Hold Holiday Fundraisers to Sustain Vital Animal and Wildlife Services
As 2025 ends, two of Ambergris Caye’s most essential animal-welfare organizations, SAGA Humane Society and ACES Wildlife Rescue, are appealing to the community for support through their annual fundraising initiatives. Both nonprofits play crucial roles in maintaining the island’s health, safety, and environmental balance, yet neither receives government funding. Their year-end campaigns aim to secure the resources needed to continue operations into the new year.
Environment
Belize Halts Short-Term Tree Cutting Permits to Protect National Lands
Starting December 1, 2025, the Government of Belize will impose a five-year moratorium on issuing Short-term Forest Licenses and Petty Permits for tree cutting on national lands. The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management, along with the Belize Forest Department, announced the measure following Cabinet’s approval, citing growing risks of forest depletion across the country.
Conservation
Belize Forest Department Condemns Illegal Killing of Jaguar in Southern Belize
On September 29th, the Belize Forest Department confirmed the killing of an adult female jaguar in the Malacate area of Independence Village, Stann Creek District. The jaguar, weighing about 110 pounds, was found in an advanced state of decomposition with evidence indicating it had been shot. Inspectors also discovered that one of its canines had been removed, an act of tampering that is illegal. The carcass was subsequently buried. The Forest Department condemned the killing, reminding the public that jaguars are a protected species under Belizean law.
Conservation
WWF’s 2025 Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge comes to San Pedro
On Monday, September 15th, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) hosted the 2025 Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge meeting at the Sun Breeze Hotel in San Pedro. The event brought together conservation leaders, policymakers, developers, and community stakeholders to highlight the importance of mangroves and encourage innovative, sustainable development across Belize.
Conservation
Belize Launches 24/7 Hotline to Combat Forest-Related Crimes
On July 16, 2025, the Belize Forest Department launched a new 24-hour hotline (+501-610-1524) to report environmental crimes and forest-related concerns. The initiative offers the public a direct and immediate way to report activities threatening Belize’s forest resources, including illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and other environmental violations. Developed in collaboration with Belize Bird Rescue, the hotline aims to strengthen community involvement in forest protection and conservation efforts.
Government
Strengthening the Belize Forest Department Governance and Management Effectiveness in Belize’s Blue Space
As part of the efforts toward enhancing mangrove conservation, carbon stock assessment, and environmental monitoring, the Belize Forest Department has been equipped with a Toyota Hilux vehicle valued at BZ$91,823. This investment will strengthen the department’s Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Unit, facilitating field activities essential for updating Belize’s mangrove map, conducting carbon stock assessments, and mobilizing critical data collection efforts.