Belize has a vast variety of wild animals; they are unique and amazing, and all are important to Belize. Both big and small; on land, in the air or in our waters, all native species have a key role in the environment, which also benefits us humans. From seed dispersal, which allows our fauna to thrive and our forest to remain as beautiful as it is, to helping in keeping our rodent and insect populations from increasing out of control. We also have wildlife that are game species, meaning that they can be hunted for food but ONLY when the season for hunting them is open.

We all want the future generation to enjoy all the species we are also enjoying, and this could only happen if we protect our animals and live in coexistence. In Belize, we have the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), which mandates what is allowed, who can undertake activities and where these activities can take place. This is especially important for our game species, which can be hunted during their hunting season unless they are babies or are mothers with babies. The WPA is set in place to protect all our native species, for our benefit and that of our environment as well.