National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035

National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 1 WILDLIFE POLICY, STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN Belize Forest Department 2025 National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 2 NATIONAL WILDLIFE POLICY, STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 2025 CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 5 1.1 Wildlife Resources of Belize 10 1.2 Issues and Main Drivers of Change 12 1.3 Legislative and Institutional Arrangements 16 2.0 POLICY CONTEXT 25 2.1 Scope and Purpose 29 2.2 Vision and Goal 31 2.3 Principles and Values 31 3.0 POLICY OBJECTIVES 34 Policy Statement 1: Protect, Maintain and Improve the Status of Belize’s Native Wildlife Species 38 Policy Statement 2: Sustainable Use of Wildlife 40 Policy Statement 3: Management of Captive Native Wildlife 46 Policy Statement 4: Management of Exotic Wildlife 50 Policy Statement 5: Effective Implementation of the Wildlife Policy 53 4.0 THE WILDLIFE STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 58 ANNEXES National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 3 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS BAHA Belize Agricultural Health Authority CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora EIA Environmental Impact Assessment FD Forest Department GBF Global Biodiversity Framework HACCP Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NEAC National Environmental Appraisal Committee NPAS National Protected Areas System NPAS-MEE National Protected Areas System – Management Effectiveness Evaluation NWPSAP National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan UNCCD United Nations convention to Combat Desertification UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change WMA Wildlife Management Act WPA Wildlife Protection Act The Belize Forest Department Photo Credits: Wildtracks National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 4 NATIONAL WILDLIFE POLICY, STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN VISION The long-term, responsible protection, conservation, rational and sustainable use and restoration of wildlife resources, based on sound management, scientific evidence, technical and traditional knowledge, with participation of civil society and the general public, as an integral part of Belize’s sustainable development. GOAL To promote the protection, long-term conservation, restoration, sustainability, rational use and wise management of wildlife in Belize for the benefit of current and future generations, in recognition of the cultural and economic importance of wildlife and its contribution to the sustainable development of the country, to achieving national targets a contributing to international commitments. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 5 1.0 INTRODUCTION Belize has long been considered a leader in conservation in the Mesoamerican region, retaining close to 60% of its natural forest cover intact, with approximately 40% of Belize’s land territory falling within either national or privately protected areas. Wildlife plays a key role in maintaining a healthy and balanced environment, supporting ecosystem services, and playing a culturally and economically important role in the daily lives of many Belizeans. The rich diversity of species in Belize supports a thriving, nature-based tourism industry, and provides subsistence meat, medicinal plants and building materials for those on minimal incomes in rural communities. As a high biodiversity hotspot, it provides important protection for an estimated 244 terrestrial and marine species of global concern (Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable (IUCN, 2025)). Of these, 33 are Critically Endangered. Whilst one of the smallest nations in the region, Belize acts as a replenishment source for the region’s wildlife populations – 80+% of the global population of endangered Yucatan howler monkey (Alouatta pigra) population is estimated to live in Belize, and it is also recognized as a global stronghold for the yellow headed parrot (Amazona oratrix ssp belizensis), white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) and Greater Caribbean manatee (Trichechus manatus ssp. manatus). Despite its small size, Belize has a number of national endemic wildlife species, such as the Maya Mountains frog (Rana juliana), Epigomphus maya (a species of dragonfly) and Reichlingia annae (a species of tarantula), and cave endemics. Belize’s flora and fauna also includes regional endemics (endemic to either the Yucatan or Caribbean islands, or both), including the Yucatan black howler monkey, ocellated turkey (Meleagris ocellata), yellow-lored amazon (Amazona xantholora), St. George Island gecko (Aristelliger georgeensis), fiddlewood (Vitex gaumeri) and the mountain pimento (Schippia concolor). However, despite considering itself a global model of good stewardship of its wildlife, Belize has still experienced national wildlife extinction in the last 30 years, with the disappearance of the smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata), reflecting a regional trend associated with the introduction of gill nets into the coastal waters. Several of Belize’s more charismatic species are globally endangered – Belize’s two primates, the Yucatan black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra) and the Central American spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), the yellow headed parrot (Amazona oratrix), and Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii), with populations that are declining. Even the iconic jaguar (Panthera onca), a regional flagship species, is losing critical forest habitat to agricultural and urban expansion, leading to increasing wildlife-human conflict, resulting in retaliatory killings. Belize’s rich biodiversity is of national, regional, and global significance. As a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity and in alignment with its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), Belize has committed to the long-term conservation of its native species and ecosystems - adopting the ambitious national target of no species extinctions between 2025 and 2035. The Belize National Red List of Threatened Species covers mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians under the mandate of the Forest Department, and serves as a foundational tool for achieving this goal. It provides a scientifically grounded assessment of the conservation status of these species in Belize, identifying those that are Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable nationally, based on national-level evaluations and international National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 6 IUCN criteria. The Red List is mandated under Belize’s revised Wildlife Management Plan and aligned with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), particularly Articles 7 and 8 which require the identification and in situ protection of species at risk. It plays a central role in guiding wildlife protection, conservation planning, and decision-making, supporting the implementation of the Wildlife Management Act by identifying species that require urgent protection, management, and recovery interventions. Between 2021 and 2025, a national exercise was conducted, identifying 106 species of national concern, focusing on the vertebrate taxa managed under the authority of the Forest Department. to prioritize research, monitoring, action and conservation outcomes towards achieving national targets of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The increased emphasis on the threatened species framework will also contribute to Belize’s commitments to international conventions on specific biodiversity targets, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) under the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), as well as global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Belize has made great strides in the development of strong environmental legislation, with the establishment and revision of key acts and policies towards the mainstreaming of environmental sustainability into policies. Belize’s wildlife, however, has not been a major focus or priority for active enforcement in the past, or national wildlife management, with unregulated hunting pushing many of the larger game species to near local extinction outside of the National Protected Areas System. An ongoing illegal wildlife trade within Belize targets charismatic species such as scarlet macaws and yellow headed parrots, rated nationally as critically endangered, pushing these species closer to local extinction (Walker, 2020). Jaguars, too, are targeted for their skins, teeth and heads. A National Biodiversity Policy was developed in 2006, and whilst adopted, was not used consistently to guide biodiversity management. The identification of the need to do so now is an indication of the increasing prioritization being given to wildlife at the national level, leading to the development of this updated national Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan to guide wildlife management at the national level, with limited structure, coordination or integration of wildlife conservation activities. Belize recognizes that native wildlife contributes significantly to national development, livelihoods and human well-being. A key statement in this policy is that native wildlife should be in the wild, and that Belize does not support the use of native wildlife for commercial entertainment purposes. The revised legislation doesn’t permit sport hunting, circuses or other types of wildlife shows for entertainment. Native wildlife on public display is restricted to national wildlife collections of flora (the two botanic gardens) and fauna (the Belize Zoo), as Belize’s primary wildlife education resources. The Policy recognizes the important role game meat plays in cultural identity, and the strong links between rural communities and the need for subsistence extraction, and therefore strengthens management of game species at the national level to support this and ensure sustainability. It takes into account One Health principles for protection of human, wildlife and environmental health. This includes the urgent need to address the illegal flow of exotic species, both plants and animals, across the international border, with the risk of introducing diseases such as avian influenza, as well as the potential for transmission of zoonotic diseases from people to wildlife and vice versa through hands-on interactions between people and wildlife through poor tourism practices. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 7 The Policy also addresses changes in the wildlife management context, integrating wildlife rehabilitation facilities that partner with the Wildlife Unit in management of rescued or confiscated native wildlife, with the mandate to rehabilitate and where possible, return these individuals to the wild. The Policy also recognizes the increasing threat of the illegal wildlife trade, both within Belize’s borders, and flowing into the international wildlife trade, and the regional and international partnerships that need to be maintained and strengthened to ensure that Belize retains its wildlife in the face of this global threat. The primary legislation for the management of wildlife in Belize has been the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA, 1981), revised in 2025 as the Wildlife Management Act (WMA), updating the original legislation to meet the increasing challenges of the changing national context. It is the principal instrument for the operationalization of the Wildlife Policy, and provides for the protection of wildlife and the regulation of activities that negatively impact wildlife species, strengthening the framework for wildlife management in the changing national context to meet national targets under the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), Under the Wildlife Management Act, the term ‘wildlife’ is defined as “means any species of plant, animal or other living organism and any part thereof that lives naturally, either permanently or temporarily, in Belize and including any specimen of wildlife that has been or lives in captivity including exotic undomesticated species, but excluding those species regulated under other legislation, domestic species, or internationally recognized companion species” This definition covers all living organisms native to Belize that fall under the mandate of the Forest Department, from plants to animals, fungi and micro-organisms, and has been expanded to include exotic species, which previously, have not been adequately regulated under Belize’s legislation. The definition excludes marine and freshwater species regulated under the Fisheries Resources Act, commercial tree species falling under the Forests Act, any domesticated species (such as dogs or cats) and livestock that falls within the scope and jurisdiction of the Meat and Livestock Act or the Cattle Trespass Act. The goal of the National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan is to: …promote the protection, long-term conservation, restoration, sustainability, rational use and wise management of wildlife in Belize for the benefit of current and future generations, in recognition of the cultural and economic importance of wildlife and its contribution to the sustainable development of the country, and in line with national targets, international best practices and Belize’s treaty obligations. The Policy recognizes the need for strengthened management of wildlife as anthropogenic and climate change pressures on wildlife populations increase. It recognizes that wildlife has an intrinsic value, as well as socio-economic, cultural and ecosystem service values, and provides guidance on the establishment of National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 8 the management framework required. The Policy also addresses the increasing unregulated and illegal importation of exotic species, and supports a national amnesty to regularize the situation. This ensures a regulatory structure is in place for management of the trade once the amnesty is completed, supported by national awareness campaigns and strong partnerships with enforcement and border agencies. It also identifies the strategic interventions required to maintain national populations of wildlife, if Belize is to meet its regional and international commitments. These include the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention), and the UN Declaration on the Rights of indigenous Peoples. The Policy is framed by a series of policy statements and objectives, and the following key thematic areas which guide wildlife management (Table 1; Table 2). POLICY STATEMENTS OBJECTIVES IN-SITU WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 1. Protection, maintenance and improvement of the status of Belize’s native wildlife species Belize is maintaining healthy, resilient, viable wildlife populations in the long-term, with protection of critical ecosystems and reduced threats, meeting its national target of no extinctions between 2025 and 2035 2. Sustainable use of Belize’s native wildlife species Belize is optimizing the contribution of wildlife resources to livelihoods, ensuring sustainability of use based on sound scientific data, and compliance with the legislation EX-SITU WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 3. Management of captive native wildlife Native wildlife should be in the wild, but where a justification exists for wildlife to be maintained in captivity, care should meet and exceed minimum standards and follow best international practices, with the interests of the wildlife at the centre of captive management. 4. Management of exotic wildlife Belize has established and is implementing effective management of exotic wildlife within its borders CROSS CUTTING STRATEGIES 5. Belize is effectively implementing the National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan. Belize is effectively implementing the National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan. TABLE 1: POLICY STATEMENTS AND GOALS THAT GUIDE THE WILDLIFE POLICY, STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 9 IN-SITU WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 1. Protection, Maintenance and Improvement of the Status of Belize’s Native Wildlife Species ▪ Threatened Species Management ▪ Species Conservation Planning ▪ Wildlife Health ▪ Human-Wildlife Conflict ▪ Protection of key wildlife habitats and endemic species 2. Sustainable Use of Belize’s Native Wildlife Species ▪ Sustainable Management of Wildlife Use ▪ Commercial Hunting ▪ Subsistence Hunting ▪ Wildlife Control for Extractive Regulation ▪ Collection for Research / Education ▪ Customary use EX-SITU WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT 3. Management of Captive Native Wildlife ▪ Game Farming ▪ Wildlife Rescue / Rehabilitation / Head Start Programs ▪ Captive Wildlife ▪ Transport of Wildlife 4. Management of Exotic Wildlife ▪ Import, Export and Trade in exotic species ▪ Commercial breeding facilities for exotic species ▪ Invasive Exotic Species EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION 5. Effective Implementation of the NWPSAP ▪ Administration ▪ Human and financial resources ▪ Information-based decision making ▪ Strengthened national stewardship of native wildlife TABLE 2: KEY THEMATIC AREAS THAT GUIDE THE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT IN BELIZE Belize has other legislation that also covers wildlife, which has been considered in the revised Wildlife Management Act. Commercial timber species and some non-timber forest products fall under the Forests Act (revised 2020). Marine and freshwater species are covered under the Fisheries Resources Act (2020). National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 10 The Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Act (2023)) regulates the import and export of species managed under CITES. The National Protected Areas System (NPAS) is the primary tool in meeting national and global commitments towards protection and conservation management for Belize’s terrestrial wildlife. A recent series of national species assessments identified that wildlife outside of the National Protected Areas System is heavily impacted by land use change and hunting, and that the NPAS is perceived as being only ‘moderately effective’ at maintaining species of national and international concern, with the majority being impacted by incursions for extraction of natural resources (Walker, 2020). The National Protected Areas System Act (2015) focuses on the regulation and management of the NPAS, with regulations protecting wildlife from any form of extraction (including hunting) or disturbance within the NPAS. The Environmental Protection Act and regulations provide the Department of the Environment with broad regulatory and enforcement authority for the prevention and control of environmental pollution, conservation and management of natural resources, and environmental impact assessment, with the potential to require developments to mitigate impacts on threatened species and to set aside green spaces, enforceable under the Environmental Compliance agreements. Animal health is the responsibility of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, whilst issues of wildlife impacts on human health fall under the Public Health Act. The Wildlife Management Act does address cruelty to wildlife, including neglect and mistreatment of wildlife in captivity. 1.1 Wildlife Resources of Belize Belize lies at the convergence of the Northern America and Southern America biogeographical realms. It is part of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot and recognized as the third largest of twenty-five global hotspots. It is considered among the most important high species richness sites for conservation in the Americas (Ramírez-Albores, 2020) (IUCN, 2023). It has a rich biodiversity that includes: Mammals: 145 species of mammals of which 129 are terrestrial (including semi-aquatic freshwater species such as the water opossum and Neotropical river otter), falling under the mandate of the Forest Department’s Wildlife Unit, and sixteen are marine, with the Antillean manatee, dolphins and whales managed under the mandate of the Fisheries Department. A further five species are listed as ‘to be confirmed’. Many of the larger, charismatic species play important roles in the maintenance of ecosystem services as seed dispersers, provision of subsistence game meat to rural communities and supporting Belize’s nature-based tourism industry. One species, the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) is considered ‘Critically Endangered’ at the national level. Four species are assessed as ‘Endangered’: Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii), jaguar (Panthera onca) Central American spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), and the brown brocket deer (Mazama pandora) (Annex 2). National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 11 Birds: 605 bird species are considered part of Belize’s native wildlife, either as permanent residents within Belize’s borders, or consistently migrating to or through the country seasonally. Of these, 18 species are rated as ‘Critically Endangered’ at the national level – at significant risk of national extinction if conservation actions are not taken urgently to address threats (Walker, National Red List for Avian Species, 2020); (Annex 3). For some species, such as the yellow-headed parrot (Amazona oratrix) and scarlet macaw (Ara macao), poaching for the national and international illegal wildlife trade has had significant impacts on national populations. Wide-scale hunting has reduced populations of game species such as ocellated turkey (Meleagris ocellata), great curassow (Crax rubra) and crested guan (Penelope purpurascens) outside the protected landscape. Some species groups are considered particularly vulnerable to disturbance – herons and egrets that nest in single and mixed-species colonies on mangrove cayes, targeted by developers, for example. This includes the reddish egret (Egretta rufescens), rated as Critically Endangered nationally, with a breeding range that is restricted to northern Belize and the high risk to the mangrove nesting cayes it relies on from development (Annex 4). Reptiles: 124 reptile species are confirmed as resident in Belize, of which 111 fall under the mandate of the Forest Department, whilst thirteen are turtles under the mandate of the Fisheries Department (including the five marine turtles). Two species, the Belize leaf-toed gecko (Phyllodactylus insularis) and the centipede snake (Tantilla hendersoni) are considered endemic to Belize. One species, the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is assessed as being Critically Endangered, with coastal populations hybridizing with Morelet’s crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii), leaving only the Atoll populations as genetically pure, with nesting sites at high risk from caye development. The endemic leaf-toed gecko faces the same threat, inhabiting similar habitat on a small number of cayes, and is one of three species assessed as Endangered. The other two are both venomous snakes - the Cantil (or Neotropical moccasin, Agkistrodon bilineatus) and the Middle American rattlesnake (Crotalus simus). The second rattlesnake found in Belize, the Yucatan Neotropical rattlesnake (Crotalus tzabcan), is assessed as Vulnerable, as are three other snake species (the hognosed pit viper (Porthidium nasutum), Imantodes tenuissimus and Thamnophis marcianus), four lizard species and Morelet’s crocodile (Annex 4). Amphibians: 41 amphibian species are confirmed for Belize, including the endemic Maya Mountains frog (Lithobates juliani) and the charismatic red-eyed treefrog (Agalychnis callidryas). Four species of frog rate as ‘Endangered’ nationally – the bromeliad treefrog (Bromeliohyla bromeliacia), coffee rain frog (Craugastor coffeus), Sanderson’s streamfrog (C. sandersoni), and the Guatemalan treefrog (Ecnomiohyla minera). Of the ten species assessed as ‘Vulnerable’, seven are also frogs, two are salamanders and one is the west forest caecilian (Gymnopis syntrema) (Annex 4). Habitat loss outside the protected area system is the biggest driver of declines, whilst environmental pollution from agrochemicals - carried from the coastal plain - is a major threat to amphibians across the whole country, both inside and outside the protected areas system (Annex 4). For the purposes of this policy, the Forest Department has adopted the following modified IUCN categories as the framework for designation of the degree of risk of national extinction / extirpation at the national level for Belize’s species. ▪ Critically Endangered: Native species which, based on the best available information, are considered to be declining and at an extremely high risk of becoming extinct in the wild in Belize. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 12 ▪ Endangered: Native species which, based on the best available information, are considered to be declining and at a high risk of becoming extinct in the wild in Belize ▪ Vulnerable: Native species which, based on the best available information, are considered to be declining, and at a moderate risk of becoming extinct in the wild in Belize 101 species under the mandate of the Forest Department were identified as threatened in Belize. Of these, 14 were mammals, 60 were birds, 13 were reptiles and 14, amphibians. 15 species were assessed as Critically Endangered, 22 as Endangered and 64 as Vulnerable, spread across the four species groups – mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians (Table 3). TABLE 3: BREAKDOWN OF NATIONAL THREATENED SPECIES IN BELIZE, 2025 UNDER THE MANDATE OF THE FOREST DEPARTMENT Plants: More than 3,800 species of plants have been listed as present in Belize, of which at least 30 are endemic. Five species are recognized globally as Critically Endangered, forty-five as Endangered and thirty- nine as Vulnerable. These include the Critically Endangered Honduras Rosewood (Dalbergia stevensonii), and several species of orchids and cycads (IUCN, 2023). 1.2 Issues and Main Drivers of Change Belize still has a low (though rapidly increasing) human population, and retains large, intact forested blocks, including the upland plateau and foothills of the Maya Mountains Massif to the west, and the lowland Belize Maya Forest and Rio Bravo privately protected properties to the northwest. It has a National Protected Areas System (NPAS) with a high level of ecosystem representation and (with the exception of the international border with Guatemala) relatively low level of illegal incursions for natural resource extraction or land clearance. However, Belize has an area of only 22,966 km2 (8,867 sq miles), of which 22,806 km2 (8,805 sq miles) is land and 160 km2 (62 sq miles) is water. The rich terrestrial wildlife of Belize exists within a very small geographic area, resulting in relatively small incremental losses in natural ecosystems and species having serious impacts on ecosystem integrity, connectivity and ultimately the resilience of both wildlife and ecosystems. SPECIES TAXA TOTAL CRITICALLY ENDANGERED ENDANGERED VULNERABLE Mammals 14 1 4 9 Birds 60 13 11 36 Reptiles 13 1 3 9 Amphibians 14 0 4 10 101 15 22 64 National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 13 The primary causes of terrestrial wildlife declines in Belize are identified as: ▪ habitat loss (deforestation for agricultural and urban expansion, coastal / caye development for tourism demand), ▪ habitat degradation (fire in both broad-leaved and pine ecosystems, pine bark beetle infestation in pine forests), ▪ wide-scale, unsustainable and weak regulation of extraction of native wildlife (including hunting of game species), ▪ illegal wildlife trade, both national and international ▪ persecution of wildlife conflict species (raptors, crocodiles, jaguars and other wild cats) or as a result of cultural superstition (owls) ▪ increasing vehicle-wildlife collision (tapir, other mammals and reptiles) Climate Change: For many species, both in Belize and globally, whilst the immediate threats are anthropogenic, many of these threats are exacerbated by climate change, with evidence pointing to climate change becoming one of the major drivers of species extinction at the global level (Almond, 2022). As a Small Island Developing State situated on the Caribbean Sea, Belize is considered among the most vulnerable and disaster-prone countries in the world, ranking 8th out of 167 countries for climate risk (World Bank, 2021). Belize is already facing more frequent heat waves and less predictable rainfall patterns, with increased droughts and excessive flooding, increasingly intense tropical storms, increasing sea temperatures, and rising sea levels. The impacts of increasing sea level rise are exacerbated by the clearance of coastal and caye ecosystems, particularly mangroves, leading to destabilization of coastlines and cayes important as nesting sites. There has been a significant increase in savanna and forest fires across Belize in recent years, exacerbated by drought conditions and the post-hurricane build-up of dead material, leading to pine forest, savanna and broad-leaved forest degradation. Changes in patterns of animal and plant phenology, such as timing of migration, flowering and fruiting due to changing rainfall patterns and temperature, will reduce the resilience of native wildlife populations - some species will adapt, whilst for others, climate change will push them into local, and possibly national, extinctions. Protection of longitudinal and altitudinal forest corridors is an important strategy for ensuring that species can adapt. Habitat Loss and Degradation: The greatest direct cause of native wildlife species decline outside of the NPAS is identified as habitat loss, through the anthropogenic conversion of three critical ecosystem complexes - tropical broad-leaved forest, pine forests and savannas, and mangrove / littoral forests (including beaches). Drivers of habitat loss are identified as expanding agriculture (both agro-industrial and small holder), coastal and caye development, and urban expansion. For wide-ranging species such as white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), Central American spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) and the larger raptors, the loss of large tracts of forest, particularly in northern Belize, has restricted their ranges to within the National Protected Areas System, with the maintenance of forest connectivity becoming increasingly critical for the long-term national viability of these species. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 14 Habitat degradation is also of concern as a result of the increased frequency of anthropogenic fires, considered a significant impact on species associated with both the submontane and lowland pine savannas and forests, not just impacting the wildlife directly, but also food availability and other niche requirements in both the short and longer term. In the coastal areas, colony nesting waterbirds, including herons and egrets, are particularly vulnerable to disturbance with the increasing habitat destruction of the mangrove cayes they rely on for colony safety. These cayes are often targeted for development, with the removal of entire mangrove systems that support important mixed-species colonies. Terns and wading birds that nest on low-lying sand and gravel bars are also highly vulnerable to human disturbance. Illegal and Unsustainable Hunting: Game meat is considered culturally important across Belize, and in rural communities it is also an important supplement for subsistence diets. Whilst habitat loss has been largely responsible for the contracting ranges of game species, uncontrolled hunting (primarily illegal hunting) is considered the current most significant driver in the disappearance of game species from non- protected forests, leading to species such as the white lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), ocellated turkey (Meleagris ocellata), great curassow (Crax rubra) and crested guan (Penelope purpurascens) largely disappearing from the non-protected landscape (Walker, 2020). Smaller species, the paca (Cuniculus paca) and nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), for example, are also being reported as less common around communities. The paca (or ‘gibnut’) is particularly important as a subsistence game species, and its reported decline around communities may have implications on food security. The majority of the hunting and game meat sold in Belize is illegal, with an annual value estimated at Bz$22,628,914 in 2017 (Foster R. H., 2012). The National Protected Areas System is considered to be Belize’s key tool in wildlife conservation, but in 2019, an assessment of management effectiveness of the NPAS demonstrated that illegal hunting impacted thirty-three of the thirty-four terrestrial protected areas included in the threat assessment (Walker, The Status of Protected Areas in Belize – 2019 Management Effectiveness Evaluation, 2020). Fire and land use change in the adjacent landscape (deforestation for agricultural or urban expansion) are also identified as impacting more than 80% of protected areas assessed. Belize needs to be proactive in protecting its wildlife, even within the National Protected Areas System. (Walker, 2020) Illegal Wildlife Trade: The global illegal wildlife trade is ranked as one of the largest global illegal activities, resulting in the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice agreeing to a resolution calling on the nations of the world to “recognize wildlife and forest crimes as a serious form of organized crime and strengthen penalties against criminal syndicates and networks profiting from such illegal trade” (International Fund for Animal Welfare, 2013). In Belize, the illegal wildlife trade is primarily a national issue, with wildlife being taken to meet national demand, though it is known that wildlife is also being poached and exported illegally for the international wildlife trade from the western forests that lie along the border with Guatemala (FCD, (Arevalo, 2014)). National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 15 The illegal wildlife trade has had a significant impact on many of Belize’s (and the region’s) parrot species - particularly the larger, more intelligent, talkative and interactive Amazon species and flamboyant scarlet macaws (Arevalo, 2014). Parrots and other species are protected, but limited resources for enforcement have led to the continued culture of poaching of parrot nestlings from the wild for sale as household pets across the country, or for illegal trafficking across the Guatemala and Mexican borders, with a value estimated at Bz$1,175,000 (Urbina, 2017). In recent years, a captive parrot registration and permitting system has been introduced by the Forest Department for birds currently kept in captivity, with enforcement of the no-take legislation to prevent any new birds entering captivity, as a strategy towards ending the illegal trade. However, the sheer scale of captive parrots and the limited resources available to implement the permitting system is a challenge to stopping the illegal trade. The species at highest demand for the captive wildlife trade in Belize and regionally / internationally is the yellow-headed parrot (Amazona oratrix ssp. belizensis). It is reported as present in nine protected areas, either roosting, nesting, foraging or transiting. However, six of these protected areas rate the population as FAIR, requiring significant investment in enforcement and fire management if this species is to recover at site level (Walker, 2020). Even protected areas that are effectively managed and target their surveillance and enforcement activities at addressing nest poaching report significant losses. It is also recognized that many nests are located outside of the protected areas, where they are at higher risk of poaching, and there is general agreement that any nest that is not protected will face a loss of nestlings near 100% (Walker, 2020). Despite a zero-tolerance policy for primates as captive pets, several Yucatan black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) and Central American spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) are confiscated each year by the Forest Department from households in Belize, to then be rehabilitated and returned to the wild population. There is also increasing concern of an emerging trend over the last four to five years in the illegal capture of raptors for amateur falconry, with young birds being taken from nests and hand reared. This is reflected in an increasing number of raptors rescued across Belize with clipped wings and tethers wrapped round legs. Target species appear to be opportunistic, linked more to the discovery of active nests than to suitability of the birds for training, with species ranging from roadside hawks to common black hawks, barn owls and even ferruginous pygmy owls (Walker, 2020). Whilst the emphasis is on common species that nest near urban areas, this threat covers all raptors. There is a constant stream of small mammals, primarily white-nosed coati (Nasua narica) and northern raccoons (Procyon lotor), captured for household pets in rural communities or used as illegal photography props in high tourism areas such as Caye Caulker, San Pedro and Altun Ha. However, there is an increasing realization that domesticated animals such as rabbits and guineapigs are better suited to being kept as household pets. This shift is also being seen in the shift to keeping on exotic bird species, with the hope that this will reduce the pressure on native parrots. Plants, too, are subject to illegal trade, or have the potential to be targeted. This is particularly true of orchids, bromeliads and plants harvested for medicinal purposes. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 16 1.3 Legislative and Institutional Arrangements This National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan (NWPSAP) seeks to ensure the protection, long- term conservation, restoration, sustainability, rational use and wise management of wildlife in Belize in line with Belize’s national targets and international treaty obligations and best practices. Responsibility for wildlife lies with the Ministry in charge of the Forest Department, with the Chief Forest Officer and the Wildlife Unit having the overall responsibility for implementation of the Wildlife Management Act and enforcing the Wildlife Management Act (WMA), the principal instrument for the operationalization of the Wildlife Policy. The WMA authorizes Forest Officers to enforce the act and its regulations. The NWPSAP and WMA were developed in 2025 to strengthen the framework for wildlife management in Belize in the changing national context, and for contributing to meeting national targets under the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), and regional and international commitments, including the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Act provides for the protection and management of wildlife and the regulation of activities that negatively impact wildlife species, focused on the management of terrestrial wildlife not covered under the Fisheries Resources Act (2020), livestock defined under the Meat and Livestock Act (1977) or domesticated species. The Wildlife Management Act is the primary legislation that: ▪ provides for the protection and management of native wildlife, ▪ provides for the active management of threatened species of national and global concern, ▪ identifies wildlife species of national concern and sets national priorities, ▪ provides for the regulation of wildlife extraction and sustainable use, ▪ provides for the regulation and control of trade, possession and movement of wildlife, ▪ provides for the import and export of non-CITES species, ▪ provides input on wildlife matters to inform national policies, decisions and development, ▪ promotes public knowledge, understanding and stewardship of wildlife, ▪ provides the framework necessary to enforce the legislation and implement the wildlife strategy successfully. STRATEGIC TOOLS FOR IMPLEMENTATION A number of strategic tools have been identified for implementing the NWPSAP and enforcing the Act. These include: ▪ Registers ▪ Species management plans ▪ Free Prior Informed Consent framework National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 17 Registers: Interactions with wildlife stakeholders are managed through the establishment of national registries to facilitate the annual issuing of permits for ongoing activities such as hunting, dealers, importers / exporters of wildlife, captive native wildlife and commercial breeders of exotic species. To register, individuals / organizations are required to provide the relevant qualifying paperwork, but once registered, can renew annual permits automatically based on the production of the certification of registration and any other requirements linked to the registration category (Annex 6). It is the responsibility of the individuals to ensure that they update their registration details should they have a change of address. If an individual or organization has committed an offence, they may be struck off the registry or banned from operating for a set timeframe, after which they have to reapply for registration and go through the application process again. A one-time registration fee is charged, after which there is the need to apply for annual permits, with associated fees. These can be waived where organizations / individuals are providing a service for the Wildlife Unit . The registration certificate and permits are non-transferable. Regulations The Act will be supported by a set of proposed Subsidiary Regulations - Statutory Instruments designed to operationalize the National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan. Each regulation draws on the strategic tools identified in the Policy (registers, species plans, FPIC, etc.). 1. Registering, Permitting and Fees Regulation ▪ Establishes categories of registration (e.g. hunters, dealers, captive‐wildlife keepers, rehabilitation centers, exotic‐breeders) ▪ Defines application requirements, validity periods, non-transferability, and grounds for suspension or revocation. ▪ Sets out standard permit conditions (e.g. geographic limits, gear restrictions, species) for each category. ▪ Specifies all registration and permit fees, including exemptions 2. Fines Regulation ▪ Details the graduated fine schedule for offences (e.g. illegal take of threatened species, permit breaches), aligned to species’ conservation value. ▪ Petty offences ▪ Provides for cumulative penalties where multiple individuals or repeat offences occur. 3. Species Management Plan Regulation ▪ Mandates development and periodic review of national and site‐specific species management plans (Species Recovery, Species Sustainable Use Management and Species Control plans). ▪ Prescribes plan contents (status assessment, threat analysis, management actions, monitoring indicators) and stakeholder consultation requirements. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 18 4. Commercial and Subsistence Hunting Regulations ▪ Publishes “Open” and “Closed” seasons, bag limits, allowable methods for each game species. ▪ Applies the precautionary principle where data are insufficient, enabling temporary moratoria pending further assessment. 5. Wildlife Control Regulation ▪ Establishes protocols for managing human-wildlife conflict, including permit systems for capture, relocation, deterrence, or humane lethal control. ▪ Defines control measures for problematic native species, and management responses to invasive and feral species, including approved methods and authorized personnel. ▪ Provides for emergency authorizations during public safety incidents or disease outbreaks, with post-action reporting obligations. ▪ Integrates with Species Recovery and Sustainable Use Plans to ensure conflict mitigation remains consistent with long-term conservation goals. 6. Scientific Research Regulations ▪ Regulates the permitting process for all wildlife-related research activities, including but not limited to wildlife observation, sampling, tagging, capture, telemetry, drone surveillance, and bioacoustics studies. ▪ Requires submission of research proposals with evidence of scientific merit, local collaboration that builds local capacity, and ethical review. ▪ Integrates the requirement for Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) protocols for research to be conducted in Indigenous territories or involving traditional knowledge, and equitable benefit-sharing. ▪ Requires reporting of findings and submission of final datasets to the Forest Department within an established timeframe. 7. Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility Regulations ▪ Establishes mandatory minimum standards for housing, veterinary care, species- appropriate nutrition, for wildlife undergoing rehabilitation. ▪ Sets conditions for transportation of native species during rescues and transfers ▪ Requires regular record-keeping on intake, treatment, rehabilitation process, and outcomes, with annual reporting. 8. Wildlife Sanctuary Facility Regulations ▪ Establishes mandatory minimum standards for housing, veterinary care, species- appropriate nutrition, for wildlife in Sanctuary care. ▪ Requires documented veterinary or expert determination of unreleasability, subject to annual review by the Forest Department. ▪ Prohibits breeding, trade, and public handling of sanctuary animals. ▪ Limits public access to non-intrusive, educational experiences only, without direct animal interaction or conditioning and enforces restrictions on public display, requiring staff to avoid conditioning animals to perform or interact unnaturally. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 19 ▪ Requires detailed record-keeping and reporting on each animal’s origin, care history, and welfare assessments. 9. Wildlife Game Farming Regulations ▪ Regulates the breeding, management, and harvest of native wildlife species for commercial meat production under controlled conditions. ▪ Mandates compliance with species-specific welfare and husbandry standards. ▪ Regulates fencing, containment, and escape-prevention infrastructure to avoid genetic contamination or introduction of farmed animals into the wild. ▪ Requires traceability systems linking each carcass or product to a specific farm, animal ID, harvest record and sales. ▪ Sets conditions for transportation, slaughter, processing, and sale of game meat, in accordance with public health and food safety standards. 10. Exotic Species Regulations ▪ Requires that any person or facility intending to keep, breed or trade exotic species must first obtain a permit from the Forest Department. ▪ Requires that exotic species must be maintained in secure, escape-proof facilities that meet animal health and welfare standards and comply with biosecurity standards. ▪ Mandates the submission of updated records of acquisition, births, deaths, and sales or transfer of exotic species to the Forest Department. ▪ Regulates use of exotic species for public performances or direct interaction with visitors (e.g., petting, feeding, photo ops). 11. Import and Export Regulations ▪ Regulates the legal movement of wildlife species and products into and out of Belize. ▪ Requires permits for all imports, exports, re-exports, and transit of live specimens, parts, or products. ▪ Aligns with CITES, BAHA quarantine, health, and biodiversity protocols. ▪ Provides for seizure, quarantine, repatriation, disposal and penalties for illegal trade. 12. Transport Regulations ▪ Requires that all transport of live wildlife, carcasses, parts, or derivatives (including skins, feathers, antlers, or meat) be conducted under a valid permit issued by the Forest Department, except in cases of emergency rescue authorized by a registered rehabilitator or official. ▪ Prescribes minimum standards for the humane and secure transport of live animals, aligned with the IATA Live Animal Regulations and regional best practices ▪ Allows for conditional exemptions in emergency wildlife rescues (e.g., roadside injury). 13. Data Reporting and Monitoring Regulation ▪ Obliges permit-holders and Forest Officers to submit standardized quarterly reports on harvests, rescues, releases, and infractions. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 20 ▪ Establishes a centralized database within the Wildlife Unit for real-time tracking of registered activities. 14. Adaptive Review and Amendment Regulation ▪ Mandates a review of all SIs under the Act every five years, or as necessary, incorporating new scientific data, red-list updates, and Policy revisions. ▪ Provides for expedited amendment procedures (via Gazette notices) for emergent threats (e.g. new invasive species). Publishing Schedules in the Government Gazette The Act provides the Forest Department with the authority to publish subsidiary regulations and schedules in the Government Gazette for ease of amendment without having to revise the entire Act. The proposed schedules include, but are not limited to: Schedule I: Registration and Permit Application Forms and Fees Schedule II: Fines Schedule III: Annual Reporting Templates Schedule IV: Game Species, Bag Limits, Hunting Gear, and Closed Seasons Schedule V: Belize National Red List of Threatened Species Schedule VI: List of Regulated Species (Blacklist) Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC): The FPIC principle allows the indigenous Maya communities to give or withhold consent to legislation, regulations, strategies or projects that may affect them or their lands. The term "Free" implies that there is no coercion, intimidation or manipulation used to obtain consent. "Prior" implies that consent is sought sufficiently in advance, with enough time given to respect indigenous peoples’ consensus processes. "Informed" means that the information provided covers (at least) the nature, size, pace, duration, reversibility, and scope of the proposed project or activity. The development of the Wildlife legislative framework went through a significant 6-month FPIC process of consultation with the Maya leaders, based on a pre-approved consultation roadmap, approved by the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Affairs. Portions of the implementation of the NWPSAP will require additional consultations through the FPIC process, strengthening transparent communication with the Indigenous Maya communities, and identifying a framework and regulations that takes into account wildlife management on Maya communal lands. Species Management Plans: The Policy and Act facilitate the development of three key species plans for improved species-specific management: ▪ Species Recovery Plans ▪ Species Sustainable Use Plans ▪ Species Control Plans Species Recovery Plans, also known as Species Conservation Plans, are critical tools under Belize’s Wildlife Management Act and the National Wildlife Policy for guiding the recovery and long-term National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 21 viability of threatened, endangered, or other species at high risk. These plans are designed to halt and reverse population declines through targeted, evidence-based conservation actions tailored to the biological and ecological needs of the species in question. Each Species Recovery Plan is grounded in a detailed status assessment that evaluates population trends, habitat requirements, known threats (such as habitat loss, illegal trade, or human-wildlife conflict), and gaps in knowledge. Based on this assessment, the plans will outline priority management actions such as habitat protection or restoration, ex situ interventions (e.g., head-starting or captive breeding), and public education or community engagement, identified as necessary for reducing extinction risk and supporting population stabilization or growth. Where appropriate, the plan will also set measurable recovery goals and monitoring indicators to track progress. Species Sustainable Use Plans are essential for the effective, sustainable management of extracted species, particularly game species. They will provide a science-based framework for ensuring that the harvest of wildlife is carried out in a manner that maintains viable populations over time and minimizes ecological disruption. These plans are a key instrument under the Wildlife Policy and the Wildlife Management Act, guiding the legal, ecological, and social parameters within which wildlife extraction can occur. The plans outline the population status of the target species, key threats, and current extraction pressures. They define sustainable harvest levels based on best available data or applies the precautionary principle where data are lacking. They will set clear seasonal restrictions, gear limitations, bag limits, and geographic conditions tailored to the species' life history and distribution. They will also integrate considerations for community use, traditional and customary practices, and local food security, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities. Species Control Plans provide a structured and legally backed framework for managing species that pose a threat to native biodiversity, public safety, agriculture, or the integrity of native ecosystems. These plans apply particularly to wildlife conflict species such as jaguars and coyotes, invasive alien species, and feral animals that have become ecologically disruptive or present a risk to livelihoods or human well-being. A Species Control Plan is developed through a science-based process that includes an assessment of the species’ ecological impact, rate of spread or proliferation, and potential consequences if left unmanaged. The plan outlines clear management objectives, such as capture and relocation (in the case of jaguars), containment, or eradication, and specifies the legal, technical, and operational tools required to achieve those goals. These may include targeted removal (e.g., trapping, or culling) carried out in accordance with animal welfare standards and relevant legislation, and supported by public education campaigns. All three plans will be developed through inclusive consultation with scientific experts, community stakeholders, conservation partners, and relevant government agencies, ensuring that implementation is National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 22 both locally appropriate and scientifically robust. As living documents, Plans will be periodically reviewed and updated to incorporate new research findings, monitoring data, and policy developments. They will serve as a technical blueprint for species recovery, the basis for engagement and collaborative action with other authorities in integrating priority species areas into national land use and development planning, and also as a legal and policy instrument to ensure coordinated, accountable conservation action aligned with Belize’s national and international biodiversity commitments. 1.4 Other Legislation Relevant to Wildlife Management Belize has other legislation that also touch on wildlife management that have been taken into account in the development of the Wildlife Management Act (Table 4). Commercial timber species and some non- timber forest products fall under the Forests Act (2020), which includes in its definition of ‘forest produce’, wild animals, dead or alive, products of wild animals such as skins, shells, tusks, horns, bones, silk, cocoons, shells, honey, wax, and all other parts and produce of wild animals, with clarification that “wild animals” means animals listed in the four Schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act (1981). Marine and freshwater wildlife, with the exception of crocodilians, fall under the Fisheries Resources Act (2020), while livestock and agricultural crops fall under the Department of Agriculture The National Protected Areas System Act (2015) focuses on the management of Belize’s National Protected Areas System (NPAS), with regulations protecting wildlife from any form of extraction within the NPAS. The exceptions are extraction authorized within a Forest Reserve or Marine Reserve, or through a specific permit supported by the protected area management agency (e.g., for research). The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) (1992) provides the Department of the Environment with broad regulatory and enforcement authority for the prevention and control of environmental pollution, conservation and management of natural resources, and management of the environmental impact assessment process (EIA). The National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC) is involved in the screening of projects, site inspections, public consultations, and monitoring, providing an intervention point in cases where development may have a negative impact on native wildlife. The Forest Department has a seat on NEAC and can bring these concerns to the table. However, the ability to influence development in favour of wildlife is often weakened by the lack of national species conservation plans that provide the context and justifications for amendments to development plans. Animal health is the responsibility of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), though there are some areas of ambiguity between legislations with a need for improved clarity, including management of conflicts over jurisdictions and interpretations of precedence between the original wildlife legislation and the Belize Agricultural Health Act (1999), with provision for improved inter-ministerial communication, co-ordination and collaboration, and clear mapping of roles and responsibilities between key authorities in actual and potential areas of conflict. The Public Health Act (amended, 2021) has an overlapping mandate with the Wildlife Management Act, giving medical officers the power to order the destruction of vermin, defined as ‘rats, mice, fleas, lice, bugs, cockroaches, and mosquitoes, and all animals or insects considered capable of spreading disease among human beings or animals, whether directly or indirectly, and the expression “verminous” has a corresponding meaning’. When species such as raccoons or barn National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 23 owls have taken residence in buildings, or when crocodiles and snakes enter buildings during floods, this can result in conflicting roles of wildlife rescue and vermin extermination. NATIONAL LEGISLATION RELEVANT TO WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT Legislation Relevance to Wildlife Key Provisions Forests Act (2020) Covers commercial timber and non‐timber forest products, including wildlife and their derivatives. Defines “forest produce” to include wild animals and their products (e.g., skins, tusks, shells); relies on Wildlife Protection Act (1981) schedules for species lists. Fisheries Resources Act (2020) Governs marine and freshwater species. Covers all aquatic wildlife except crocodilians; includes regulation of fishing, aquaculture, and marine biodiversity. National Protected Areas System Act (2015) Protects wildlife within protected areas. Prohibits extraction of wildlife in NPAS unless authorized (e.g., Forest Reserves, Marine Reserves, research permits). Environmental Protection Act (EPA) (1992) Provides for EIA process and oversight of environmental health. National Environmental Advisory Committee (NEAC) screens EIA development proposals; Forest Department can raise wildlife concerns, though success in influencing development decisions may depend on existence of approved species plans. Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act (BAHA) (1999) Regulates animal health. Overlaps in jurisdiction with wildlife health; requires improved coordination and clearer delineation of roles in the importation of wildlife. Public Health Act (2021) Mandates pest control for public health. Defines and allows destruction of "vermin," which can overlap with wildlife rescue in urban settings (e.g., raccoons, bats, owls). Cruelty to Animals Act (1865) Addresses animal cruelty. Applies only to domesticated animals and livestock, not to wildlife. The WMA fills this gap for wild animals. Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Act (2023) Implements Belize’s CITES obligations. Governs import/export of CITES‐listed species; requires CITES documentation and scientific authority review. Cross linkages with WMA on international trade. TABLE 4: NATIONAL LEGISLATION RELEVANT TO WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT IN BELIZE Belize has recently enacted its CITES legislation (Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Act (2023)), as part of Belize’s commitment under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Act regulates the import and export of CITES-listed species, and requires the formation of a scientific authority composed of experts to provide input on management of wildlife import and export issues. Whilst this group will only look at CITES specific species, the same experts are likely to sit on wildlife expert groups under the WMA. The WMA specifically avoids overlap with the CITES Act, National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 24 with a statement that “The Chief Forest Officer … may issue an import or export permit permitting any person to import or export any wildlife except where such issuance would be in contravention of the Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Act”. The WMA also states that “An application for an import or export permit … shall be accompanied by the appropriate CITES documentation, if applicable,” and that “Nothing in this section shall relieve a permit holder from the requirement to fully comply with any other law relating to the importation or exportation of any item, including any customs, CITES, BAHA or other health and safety requirements”. The Wildlife Management Act addresses cruelty to wildlife. The only other piece of legislation dealing with animal cruelty is the Cruelty to Animals Act, first enacted in 1865, which covers only domesticated species and livestock, but not wildlife. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 25 2.0 POLICY CONTEXT The National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan (NWPSAP) is Belize’s guiding document for management of native and exotic wildlife under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department. It recognizes that wildlife and wildlife-use contribute significantly to national development, livelihoods and human well-being, and ensures that these values are maintained and inter-generational equity of access to these resources is assured into the future. The NWPSAP provides a strategic roadmap for the development of the legislative and administrative framework for improved sustainable management of Belize’s wildlife. At the global level, Belize is a signatory to the primary international agreements relevant to wildlife conservation including: ▪ The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) ▪ Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) ▪ Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) ▪ Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (World Heritage Convention) ▪ United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ▪ United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) ▪ United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Belize is also moving towards an intent to sign, ratify and implement the following: ▪ Convention on Migratory Species (CMS or Bonn Convention) ▪ Nagoya Protocol of the CBD As a signatory of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Belize is committed to contributing towards the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Goals and Targets (Table 5) CBD POST-2020 GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK / NWPSAP ALIGNMENT GBF GOALS NWPSAP KEY OBJECTIVES GOAL A: The integrity, connectivity and resilience of all ecosystems are maintained, enhanced, or restored, substantially increasing the area of natural ecosystems by 2050; Human induced extinction of known threatened species is halted, and, by 2050, the extinction rate and risk of all species are reduced tenfold and the abundance of native wild species is increased to healthy and resilient levels; The genetic diversity within populations of wild and domesticated species, is maintained, safeguarding their adaptive potential 1.1 Develop and implement a National Threatened Species Management Strategy. 1.2 Maintain viable representative populations of native wildlife species. 1.3 Employ One Health principles to ensure the safety of humans, wildlife and the environment. 1.4 Strengthen mechanisms for effectively addressing human-wildlife conflict. 1.5 Ensure key wildlife areas and endemic species are adequately protected National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 26 CBD POST-2020 GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK / NWPSAP ALIGNMENT GBF GOALS NWPSAP KEY ALIGNED OBJECTIVES GOAL B: Biodiversity is sustainably used and managed and nature’s contributions to people, including ecosystem functions and services, are valued, maintained and enhanced, with those currently in decline being restored, supporting the achievement of sustainable development for the benefit of present and future generations by 2050. 2.1 Develop and implement a national strategy for the sustainable use of wildlife, including hunting of game species and harvesting of plants. 2.2 Establish a framework for sustainable hunting of game species that takes into account commercial and subsistence hunting, and the need for traceability. 2.3 Establish and implement a framework for the extraction of native plant species for propagation and sale, based on the species-specific threat risk. 2.4 Respect indigenous customary use and practices and the Alcalde system of governance of the southern Maya communities. GOAL C: The monetary and non-monetary benefits from the utilization of genetic resources, and digital sequence information on genetic resources, and of traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources, as applicable, are shared fairly and equitably, including, as appropriate with indigenous peoples and local communities, and substantially increased by 2050, while ensuring traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources is appropriately protected, thereby contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, in accordance with internationally agreed access and benefit-sharing instruments. 2.7 Support the development and implementation of a national framework for bioprospecting, including equitable sharing of benefits GOAL D: Adequate means of implementation, including financial resources, capacity-building, technical and scientific cooperation, and access to and transfer of technology to fully implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework are secured and equitably accessible to all Parties, especially developing countries, in particular the least developed countries and small island developing States, as well as countries with economies in transition, progressively closing the biodiversity finance gap of 700 billion dollars per year, and aligning financial flows with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity 5.1 Ensure adequate funding to support the administrative structures, and skilled human resources to improve management of wildlife stakeholders. 5.2 Ensure human resources, capacity and technical skills are available for the effective management of wildlife. 5.3 Ensure informed decision making in the adaptive management of wildlife, based on scientific evidence and traditional knowledge, and supported by effective monitoring and evaluation. 5.4 Strengthen good stewardship of wildlife in Belize based on improved awareness and understanding of wildlife and the services it provides TABLE 5: CBD POST-2020 GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK / NWPSAP ALIGNMENT National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 27 The NWPSAP is aligned with the CBD Post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework targets (Annex 1) and contributes to achieving Belize’s commitments to the global Sustainable Development Goals, particularly to the following: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS RELEVANT TO THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE POLICY AND ACT At the national level, Belize is guided by the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP; 2025 (draft)), which includes ‘Protection’ as Goal C of its five goals: Goal C: Functional ecosystems and viable populations of Belize’s biodiversity are maintained and strengthened. Under this goal, Target C3 states that ‘Between 2025 and 2035, no species will become functionally extinct in Belize’, and is the most relevant to the National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan, providing guidance in the development of the NWPSAP. NBSAP TARGET STRATEGIES C3.1 Update and approve Belize's National Threatened Species List ▪ Produce updated, prioritised National Threatened Species List and socialise. ▪ Integrate National Threatened Species List into the EIA process, national planning and decision making C3.2 Strengthen enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act, and prosecution of wildlife crimes. ▪ Revise and strengthen the Wildlife Protection Act and other relevant legislation. ▪ Build capacity of enforcement and prosecution personnel ▪ Build collaborative partnerships and capacity of other enforcement agencies in recognition and reporting / enforcement of wildlife legislation. C3.3 Strengthen direct management and conservation of species. ▪ Strengthen national working groups. ▪ Support and strengthen mandated wildlife rehabilitation centers for threatened species. ▪ Develop and implement national species management / recovery plans. ▪ Ratify the Convention on Migratory Species C3.4 Improve sensitization of the general public to wildlife and the environment. ▪ Finalize and implement the National Wildlife Awareness Strategy TABLE 6: NATIONAL BIODIVERISTY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN TARGET C3 STRATEGIES ALIGNED WITH THE WILDLIFE POLICY (NBSAP, 2025) A second NBSAP Goal relevant to the WMA is Goal B ‘Reducing Pressures and Sustainable Use: Goal B: Direct and Indirect pressures on marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems are reduced to sustain and enhance national biodiversity and ecosystem services. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 28 Under this goal, Target B1 states that ‘By 2030, primary extractive natural resource use in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environment is guided by sustainable management plans, with a focus on mainstreaming ecosystem function/services’, covering hunting and other wildlife extraction managed under the authority of the Forest Department. Target B2 focuses on the “management and use of wild species for providing social, economic and environmental benefits for people especially those in vulnerable situations and protecting customary, sustainable and wise use by indigenous people and local communities”, supporting the development of the subsistence hunting framework, and agreements with communities with communal land use for wildlife management (Table 7). NBSAP TARGET STRATEGIES TARGET B1: By 2030, primary extractive natural resource use in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environment is guided by sustainable management plans, with a focus on mainstreaming ecosystem function/services B1.1 Strengthen effective management and monitoring of natural resource extraction in the terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments by regulatory agencies ▪ Strengthen effective management and monitoring of natural resource extraction in the terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments by regulatory agencies ▪ Strengthen partnerships between enforcement agencies for collaborative management and monitoring of natural resource extraction B1.2 Strengthen enforcement of natural resource of natural resource extraction legislation and regulation ▪ Amend natural resource extraction legislation and regulations for increased, more punitive penalties for lack of compliance ▪ Assess population and extinction risk of utilized species, including species in trade (NBMP) B1.3 Develop / strengthen and implement sustainable natural resource use management plans and permitting systems ▪ Strengthen and update natural resource management plans, and develop new plans, where needed, incorporating climate change considerations based on projected impacts and vulnerability ▪ Ensure effective monitoring and enforcement of natural resource management plans TARGET B2: By 2035, ensure that the management and use of wild species is sustainable providing social, economic and environmental benefits for people especially those in vulnerable situations and protecting customary, sustainable and wise use by indigenous people and local communities. B2.1 Strengthen sustainable community management and national governance of wild species. ▪ Conduct national assessments for three priority wild species under pressure ▪ Formalize or update co‐management agreements with five Indigenous/local communities embedding wild species governance ▪ Develop community‐based customary sustainable use protocols and management plans for key wild species ▪ Train and establish eco‐ranger teams for community‐led wild species monitoring in five communities ▪ Develop a National Wild Species Management Strategy and integrate 5 wild species indicators into the National Biodiversity Monitoring Program (NBMP) TABLE 7: TARGET B1 AND TARGET B2 STRATEGIES (NBSAP, 2025) Target B4: By 2030, Belize has limited its net rate of land use change for prioritized natural ecosystems/ areas to no more than 0.6% per year, aligns with the identification of Wildlife Management Areas and their integration into the National Land Use Planning Framework. Also aligned is Target B7: By 2030, Belize has a strengthened system in place for early detection and effective management of invasive species, an area of focus for the Wildlife Management Act (Table 8). National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 29 NBSAP TARGET STRATEGIES TARGET B4: By 2030, Belize has limited its net rate of land use change for prioritized natural ecosystems/ areas to no more than 0.6% per year B4.3: Support prioritized natural ecosystem maintenance through strengthened enforcement ▪ Strengthen enforcement of existing and proposed policies and legislative protecting key ecosystems and key ecosystem services B4.4 Integrate environmental change limits into land conveyances for prioritized ecosystems ▪ Establish environmental change limits to be integrated into conveyance ▪ Develop legislative framework for integration of environmental conditions into the land conveyance process for lands of 100 acres and above TARGET B7: By 2030, Belize has a strengthened system in place for early detection and effective management of invasive species B7.1 Develop and implement an action plan to identify and address prevention and / or management of invasive species ▪ Identify, assess and map current and potential invasive species impacts and species entry pathways ▪ Develop and implement Action Plans (control and eradication strategies) to address issues of priority invasive species ▪ Build capacity of Customs, Agriculture and BAHA officers to recognize invasive species ▪ Strengthen policies and implementation regarding the importation of exotic species ▪ Strengthen public awareness of the issue of invasive species TABLE 8: TARGET B4 AND TARGET B7 STRATEGIES (NBSAP, 2025) Given that the sustainable management of forests and other ecosystems requires the maintenance of viable native wildlife populations and vice-versa, the effective implementation of the NWPSAP is critical to wildlife management efforts, especially with the need to build ecosystem resilience to climate change. The disappearance of species such as key pollinators and seed dispersers will have significant implications on the resilience of terrestrial ecosystems and their ability to adapt to the changing environment. 2.1 Scope and Purpose Belize’s NWPSAP provides a ten-year framework (2025 – 2035) for establishing and implementing sustainable management of wildlife in Belize, whether resident or migratory, or brought in as exotic species. It also covers regulation and management of their parts or derivatives, including game meat, medicinal plants, blood and genetic samples. The term “Wildlife’, as defined by the Wildlife Management Act, includes all living organisms that fall under the mandate of the Forest Department, from micro- organisms to fungi and orchids to jaguars. It also includes exotic species, whether captive, naturalized or invasive. Excluded are commercial timber and non-timber forest products that fall directly under the Forests Act, marine and freshwater species that fall within the scope of the Fisheries Resources, and any domestic species or livestock that fall within the scope and jurisdiction of the Meat and Livestock Act or the Cattle Trespass Act. Also excluded are agricultural non-native plant species and non-invasive, ornamental plants not listed under CITES I, II or III. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 30 The policy seeks to ensure that any extraction of native wildlife is regulated and sustainable, with frameworks in place to support subsistence use in rural communities, and respects the customary use of wildlife resources governed under the Alcalde system. It also provides a framework to regularize, manage and regulate exotic species to address the current illegal importation, possession and trade in exotic wildlife species. The geographical scope, as described in the Wildlife Management Act, applies to the: ‘entire territory of Belize, both continental and insular, including the mainland, cayes and atolls and to the maritime areas and inland waters and to any area over which Belize exercises sovereign rights or jurisdiction and to any wildlife, any activity involving wildlife and any person dealing with wildlife in any of the territorial areas of Belize.’ The National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan recognizes the National Forest Policy as the guiding policy for the management of commercial tree, non-timber forest products and other forest resources, the National Protected Areas Policy as the policy framework for the identification, designation, and management of protected areas including the protection of freshwater, marine and terrestrial wildlife habitats, respectively. Together, the National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan, the National Forest Policy and National Protected Areas Policy provide an integrated framework for the sustainable management of the wildlife of Belize under the mandate of the Ministry responsible for the Forest Department. The Wildlife Management Act allows for a grandfather policy in which old unwritten policies continue to apply to some existing situations, while the new legislation and policies will apply to all future cases. In these cases, an amnesty will provide an opportunity for captive native parrots, current game farming facilities, and private wildlife collections to be registered and grandfathered in before the end of 2025. The amnesty will also apply to exotic wildlife, which will be required to be registered by that time, after which anyone bringing any further specimens into the country needs to be able to demonstrate that they have been imported legally. The exception would be any species that is on the Regulated Species List (Blacklist). The current NWPSAP is envisioned as a living document that will run until 2035, and be monitored, formally reviewed and updated every 3 to 5 years to reflect new needs, emergency issues, and opportunities and to allow for adaptation to changing conditions. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 31 2.2 Vision and Goal Belize is positioning itself as a global model of good stewardship of its wildlife / biodiversity, using best practices, scientific and traditional knowledge, as well as precautionary principles, contributing to national and international targets. This is reflected in its vision and goal: VISION The long-term, responsible protection, conservation, rational and sustainable use and restoration of wildlife resources, based on sound management, scientific evidence, technical and traditional knowledge, with participation of civil society and the general public, as an integral part of Belize’s sustainable development. GOAL To promote the protection, long-term conservation, restoration, sustainability, rational use and wise management of wildlife in Belize for the benefit of current and future generations, in recognition of the cultural and economic importance of wildlife and its contribution to the sustainable development of the country, and to international commitments. 2.3 Principles and Values The overarching principles which have informed the formulation of this policy statement and will guide its implementation are: ▪ Wildlife Belongs in the Wild: that wildlife is best conserved in the wild, with captive care as a last resort, not a substitute for wild living. ▪ National Patrimony: that Belize’s wildlife is national patrimony and good stewardship should be the joint responsibility of both the Government and the people of Belize. ▪ Respect for Life in all Forms: that life is to be respected in all its forms and that all living things, including wildlife and plants, have intrinsic value. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 32 ▪ Value of Wildlife Resources: that Belize recognizes wildlife for its intrinsic value and its ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic, contributions to sustainable development and human well-being in Belize. ▪ Ecosystem approach to wildlife management: that management of native wildlife should, where possible, be integrated into management of ecological systems and landscapes, with promotion of conservation and sustainable use, ecosystem functions and ecological processes. ▪ Sustainability: that wildlife should be managed and used in a way that ensures conservation, preservation, restoration and sustainability, with collaboration across multi-sectoral agencies towards all development being implemented within the capacity of specific ecosystems, and of the country as a whole, to support and maintain these activities indefinitely. ▪ Prevention of Biodiversity Loss: that the Government should be vigilant and pro-active in anticipating, preventing and addressing the threats to, and indirect drivers of biodiversity loss, with collaboration across multi-sectoral agencies in the protection of wildlife health and ecosystems to ensure that wildlife is able to thrive in its natural environment. ▪ One Health Approach: recognizing the interconnectedness of wildlife, the environment and human health. ▪ Policy Integration: that an inter-sectoral approach to wildlife management, conservation and wildlife health should be taken, and that legislation, policies, plans, strategies, programs and measures should be integrated into Belize’s national development strategies. ▪ Empowerment, collaboration and participation: that input into decision-making should be inclusive, participatory, transparent and accountable and that the Government should foster active, coordinated collaboration and partnerships with other agencies, the private sector, civil society, citizens, indigenous peoples, customary users and other stakeholders, with responsibility for wildlife management shared among all stakeholders. ▪ Culturally sensitive, knowledge-based management: that decision-making should be based on the best scientific information available, with the integration of traditional knowledge and use of international wildlife management best practices and standards. ▪ Inter-and Intra-generational equity: that there should be a fair and equitable distribution of the benefits derived from access to, and use of wildlife goods and services, including consideration for gender equity and vulnerable peoples, and for both present and future generations. ▪ Payment for wildlife goods and services: that users and beneficiaries of wildlife goods and services must be aware of, and contribute to, the true cost of wildlife management and conservation, including paying for the costs of loss or depletion of wildlife population caused by National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 33 unsustainable activities such as hunting and poaching or destruction or degradation of key habitat critical for threatened species. ▪ Recognition of the rights of Indigenous peoples: that subject always to the ultimate goal of conservation and the need to protect and preserve native wildlife, there is respect for indigenous peoples, including respect for traditional knowledge and customary practices that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife. ▪ Free Prior Informed Consent: That indigenous communities are informed about and give their consent to any project that will affect them or their communal lands or access to their collective knowledge. ▪ Recognition of the need to address poverty that subject always to the ultimate goal of conservation and the need to protect and preserve native wildlife, there is recognition of the need to address poverty through respect for the subsistence extraction of wildlife for those vulnerable households in rural communities that rely on the extraction of wildlife for food security and other subsistence uses. ▪ Recognition of the needs of rural communities: that subject always to the ultimate goal of conservation and the need to protect and preserve biodiversity, there should be respect for traditional knowledge and cultural practices that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife. ▪ Precautionary Principle: that where there is a lack of scientific certainty as to the likelihood, magnitude, or causation of a potentially negative impact on wildlife, the action or actions taken will avoid potentially serious or irreversible harm. ▪ Enforcement and effective control: that the Government and other actors in civil society will take all measures to ensure that this policy and its enabling legislation are effectively supported through the provision of adequate personnel and equipment. ▪ Accountability: that there must be fairness, transparency and accountability in the formulation, adoption and implementation of policy instruments and reporting to the people of Belize on the status of Belize’s wildlife and the measures of success identified in the Action Plan. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 34 WILDLIFE POLICY OBJECTIVES National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 35 3.0 POLICY OBJECTIVES The Wildlife Management Act recognizes that all wildlife under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department Is national patrimony, and that these resources are held in trust by the Government of Belize for the benefit of the citizens of Belize of both current and future generations. The policy is presented under a series of key thematic areas, each with one or more policy statements: In-Situ Wildlife Conservation and Management ▪ Wildlife Conservation ▪ Sustainable Use of Wildlife Ex-Situ Management of Wildlife ▪ Management of Captive Native Wildlife ▪ Management of Exotic Wildlife Implementation of the National Wildlife Policy ▪ Administration ▪ Human Resources ▪ Informed Management ▪ Wildlife Stewardship Belize has developed the following Policy Statements to provide a framework for wildlife management and the sustainable use of wildlife resources, supported by the Wildlife Management Act and regulations. Each policy statement has a set of strategies to implement and accomplish that policy statement. Each policy statement and its supporting strategies will apply all relevant Guiding Principles in their implementation (Table 9). National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 36 POLICY STATEMENTS OBJECTIVE IN-SITU WILDLIFE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT POLICY STATEMENT 1: Protect, maintain and improve the status of Belize’s native wildlife species Belize is maintaining healthy, resilient, viable wildlife populations in the long‐term, with protection of critical ecosystems and reduced threats, meeting its national target of no extinctions between 2025 and 2035 1.1 Develop and implement a National Threatened Species Management Strategy. 1.2 Maintain viable representative populations of native wildlife species. 1.3 Employ One Health principles to ensure the health and safety of humans, wildlife and the environment. 1.4 Strengthen mechanisms for effectively addressing human‐ wildlife‐conflict. 1.5 Ensure key wildlife areas and endemic species are adequately protected, based on Species Recovery Plans. POLICY STATEMENT 2: Sustainable use of wildlife Belize is optimizing the contribution of wildlife resources to livelihoods, ensuring sustainability of use based on sound scientific data, and compliance with the legislation 2.1 Develop and implement a National Strategy for the Sustainable Use of Wildlife, including hunting of game species and harvesting of plants. 2.2 Establish a framework for the sustainable hunting of game species that takes into account commercial and subsistence hunting. 2.3 Establish a framework for the sustainable extraction of other native wildlife species for commercial purposes (e.g., medicinal plants) 2.4 Respect customary use, traditional knowledge and stewardship of wildlife by indigenous peoples and local communities 2.5 Establish a framework for licensing control hunting for regulated extraction of wildlife‐conflict species. 2.6 Strengthen the mechanism for permitting scientific collection. 2.7 Establish a framework for the management of bioprospecting in Belize EX-SITU MANAGEMENT OF WILDLIFE POLICY STATEMENT 3: Management of captive native wildlife Native wildlife should be in the wild, but where justification exists for wildlife to be maintained in captivity, care should meet and exceed minimum standards and follow best international practices, with the interests and welfare of the wildlife at the centre of captive management. 3.1 Strengthen the framework for the effective management and support of wildlife rehabilitation in Belize. 3.2 Establish the framework for the effective management and support of sanctuary facilities in Belize 3.3 Strengthen the framework for the effective management and regulation of native wildlife in captivity POLICY STATEMENT 4: Management of exotic wildlife Belize has established and is implementing an effective management framework for exotic wildlife at and within its borders. 4.1 Establish a framework for the effective regulation and management of the exotic wildlife and exotic wildlife trade in Belize National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 37 POLICY STATEMENTS OBJECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION POLICY STATEMENT 5: Effective Implementation of the National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan Belize is effectively implementing the National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan and enforcing the Wildlife Management Act. 5.1 Establish and / or strengthen the administrative structures to support implementation of the Wildlife Policy and Wildlife Management Act 5.2 Ensure adequate funding and support for the administrative structures and skilled human resources for the effective management of wildlife and wildlife stakeholders. 5.3 Ensure informed decision making for the adaptive management of wildlife, based on scientific evidence and traditional knowledge, and supported by effective research, monitoring and evaluation. 5.4 Strengthen good stewardship of wildlife in Belize based on improved awareness and understanding of wildlife and the services it provides TABLE 9: NATIONAL WILDLIFE POLICY STATEMENTS National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 38 IN-SITU WILDLIFE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT POLICY STATEMENT 1: PROTECT, MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE STATUS OF BELIZE’S NATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES Belize is maintaining healthy, resilient, viable wildlife populations in the long-term, with protection of critical ecosystems and reduced threats, meeting its national target of no species extinctions between 2025 and 2035. PROTECTION OF THREATENED SPECIES Recognizing that through the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, Belize is committed to ensuring that it provides effective, long-term protection for its native wildlife, with ‘no species going extinct between 2025 and 2035.’ Recognizing that the revision of the Wildlife Protection Act as the Wildlife Management Act brings it up to date and expands its scope to include both native and exotic wildlife, and to address new threats and management measures that need to be taken into account in the changing national context. Recognizing the increasing threat to Belize’s native wildlife outside the National Protected Areas System and the urgent need to implement the Wildlife Management Act ▪ Belize has developed the National Red Lists of Threatened Species for key taxa, to ensure the integration of threatened species into national planning and decision making (Annexes 2 and 3). ▪ The revised Act provides legislative support for strengthening the framework for management of threatened species, including the development and implementation of national species recovery plans. ▪ The value of native wildlife should be fully recognized when crimes are committed, with fines for the killing, injury or capture of key threatened species linked to their value on global platforms, with provision for cumulative fines based on the number of individual illegal items, and increased fines for repeat offenders. ▪ Protection of wildlife from harmful activities through development is explicitly considered in legislation and conditions related to the Environmental Impact Assessments. Developers are required to consider the impacts of development on wildlife under the Belize Environmental Protection Act. The Wildlife Unit should ensure it has the information available to support decision making during the EIA – NEAC process, and that species conservation plans identify key wildlife areas that may need to be taken into consideration. ▪ The Policy supports the establishment of strong partnerships with organizations involved in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation through legally enforceable Memoranda of National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 39 Understanding, and the formation of national working groups and technical experts to advise on wildlife issues. PRIORITY SPECIES-SPECIFIC STRATEGIES Recognizing that there are priority national, species-specific wildlife strategies that need to be implemented to prevent national extinctions before 2035. SPECIES NATIONAL STATUS SPECIES SPECIFIC ACTIONS White‐lipped Peccary CR ▪ White‐lipped peccary is assessed as Critically Endangered in the 2025 National Red List assessment, resulting in the recommendation that there be a moratorium on hunting of this species. ▪ Strengthening forest connectivity in Belize’s national biological corridors – especially between the northeastern corridor and Rio Bravo, in the Maya Forest Corridor linking the Rio Bravo with Manatee Forest Reserve and between Manatee Forest Reserve and Sibun and Sittee River Forest Reserves Jaguar EN ▪ Establish two additional Safe Capture Jaguar Teams (central and southern Belize) for live capture and relocation of conflict jaguars, modelled on the CSFI pilot Scarlet Macaw CR ▪ Investigate potential to use Wildlife Management Areas to protect nesting site outside the NPAS or key foraging areas (e.g. Red Bank) ▪ Consistent support of efforts to prevent poaching of this species in the Chiquibul Forest Yellow‐headed Parrot CR ▪ Closure of grandfathering of parrot permits for captive yellow‐heads ▪ Use of petty permit system for any captive non‐permitted parrots Reddish Egret CR ▪ Protection of the remaining mangrove nesting cayes in northern Belize American Crocodile CR ▪ Protection of nesting habitat on cayes on the Atolls. General Sensitization of Belize’s public to the vulnerability of priority threatened species, and the importance of native wildlife to the health of the environment. TABLE 10: PRIORITY SPECIES-PECIFIC STRATEGIES ONE HEALTH Recognizing that there is a health risk to both people and wildlife when they come into contact, both from zoonosis and physical injury. Recognizing that feeding wildlife and other activities that change the behavior of wildlife place both people and wildlife at risk and are considered illegal. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 40 ▪ Any form of interaction between wildlife and people, particularly tour guides and their tourists, should follow international best practices, with no direct contact between people and wildlife to protect the health of both native wildlife and people. This includes the illegal feeding of primates, crocodiles and seabirds. ▪ Any keeping of native wildlife in households is considered illegal unless with the proper permits. ▪ Any captive wildlife facilities are required to follow international best practices in their management of wildlife. ▪ Building capacity of wildlife partners and collaborating agencies in recognition and reporting of wildlife with suspected notifiable and emerging disease ▪ Any wildlife observed with suspected notifiable and emerging disease should be reported to FD, BAHA and the Veterinary Surgeon’s Board, as per World Organization for Animal Health WILDLIFE CONFLICT Recognizing that where there is a human-wildlife interface as a result of the expanding urban and agricultural frontiers, there may be human wildlife conflict. ▪ Develop and implement Species Control Plans for key species (Jaguar, coyotes, primates etc.), to provide a coordinated, strategic response to wildlife conflict around livestock and crops. ▪ Strengthened engagement of, and coordination and collaboration with, protected area co- management organizations, the NGO sector and the Department of Agriculture in addressing wildlife conflict, including ensuring that farmers are aware of the steps they can take to reduce wildlife conflict through appropriate animal husbandry. ▪ Use of Species Control Permits for regulated extraction, ensuring those permitted to trap or otherwise deal with problem animals have the training, expertise and equipment to adequately, safely and humanely address wildlife conflict situations. ▪ The Wildlife Unit and its partners have trained and equipped response teams qualified to respond to species-specific wildlife conflict situations ▪ Forest officers are trained to address wildlife conflict in urban settings (e.g., snakes, crocodiles, owls, raccoons) and supported by qualified volunteers or registered wildlife rehabilitation organizations permitted for wildlife control and willing to assist, if they meet set criteria. WILDLIFE CRUELTY Recognizing that all wildlife species are entitled to protection from cruelty, abuse, and suffering, including during capture, handling, transport, captivity, and release. Recognizing that cruelty to wildlife, whether through deliberate harm, neglect, or inhumane captivity, is contrary to the principles of ethical wildlife stewardship and Belize’s cultural and ecological values. Recognizing that wildlife cruelty undermines conservation objectives, disrupts ecological balance, and may contribute to the loss of biodiversity and public support for conservation. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 41 Recognizing that cruelty to wildlife, including through illegal keeping, exploitation for entertainment, or failure to meet minimum welfare standards, should be addressed through legal sanctions, public education, and institutional oversight. Recognizing that cruelty to wildlife is not covered under any other legislation ▪ Belize is including wildlife cruelty as an offence in the revised Wildlife Management Act by establishing clear offences for actions that cause unnecessary harm, suffering, or distress to wild animals in the wild, in captivity, or during handling and transport. ▪ That there needs to be increased awareness of Forest Officers and other enforcement officers in recognition of wildlife cruelty and how it can be addressed ▪ Strengthen public awareness to reduce wildlife cruelty through collaborative outreach activities National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 42 POLICY STATEMENT 2: SUSTAINABLE USE OF WILDLIFE Optimize the contribution of wildlife resources to livelihoods, ensuring sustainability of use based on sound scientific data, and compliance with the legislation. WILDLIFE EXTRACTION Recognizing the cultural importance of traditional hunting of game meat in Belize in ensuring food security in vulnerable households in rural communities Recognizing the cultural importance of medicinal plant collection and use in Belize’s rural communities Recognizing the decline in game species populations outside of protected areas and the importance of strengthening the regulation of wildlife extraction to ensure sustainability and long-term viability of targeted species Recognizing that large scale commercial hunting is not sustainable at the current (2025) levels Recognizing and respecting the importance of wildlife extraction associated with customary use in rural communities, including those governed under the Alcalde governance system in southern Belize. Recognizing that all wildlife extraction for commercial or subsistence use in Belize should be in compliance with the legislation and managed responsibly and sustainably, based on sound scientific data. ▪ The revised Act supports the development and implementation of science-based Species Sustainable Use Plans for the management of game species and other wildlife resources. These should determine whether extractive activities should be allowed, and set out applicable limitations. ▪ Hunting is defined as ‘any act of capture or collection, alive or dead, of wildlife specimens…’, with two types of hunting permits recognized in the legislation: ▪ Traditional Hunting (commercial – for sale) ▪ Traditional Hunting (Subsistence - for personal consumption in the rural communities) ▪ Extraction standards for each species should take into account the density and health of the target population either at national level or in the specific location to provide a scientific basis for setting maximum sustainable yields, bag limits, seasons, and species moratoriums. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 43 ▪ Where information is not available on which to base extraction levels, the precautionary principle should be applied. ▪ The game species that can be targeted by traditional commercial and subsistence hunting are regulated through a list published in the Government gazette that identifies those species that can be extracted. This list should be reviewed and revised as new information becomes available. ▪ Hunting species, gear, bag limits and seasons are regulated under the Wildlife Management Act and regulations, and spelt out in the conditions of the hunting permit. ▪ Applicants for hunting permits need to register as commercial or subsistence hunters, based on a set of criteria, as laid out in the regulations, and are responsible for ensuring the details in the register are kept up to date. ▪ If non-compliant, a hunter can be removed temporarily or permanently from the register and will need to re-apply once the term is served. During suspension, a hunter will not be issued with a hunting permit. ▪ Traditional commercial and subsistence hunting permits are issued based on a two-tier fee system, and can only be issued to registered hunters. Applicants need to present their registration certificate to renew their annual permit. ▪ Only commercial hunters can sell the meat for financial profit to a registered dealer or to end users. ▪ Traditional subsistence hunting is designed to ensure vulnerable households in rural communities have access to game species in areas where these species have been a traditional and important protein source for the household. Hunters with subsistence permits have more restricted hunting areas and bag limits (defined in the conditions of the permit). ▪ Neither traditional commercial nor subsistence hunters are permitted to hunt threatened (critically endangered or endangered) species, and must respect private property, protected area regulations and communal lands, as well as any quotas, closed seasons or species moratorium identified by the species population study, and published in the Gazette. ▪ Both commercial and subsistence hunters are required to maintain a hunting logbook as a condition of their permit in which they record information on their catch: ▪ Name and contact details of hunter ▪ Registration and permit numbers of hunter Per animal harvested: ▪ Date and location ▪ ID number and species ▪ Size and sex ▪ Registration number and name of dealer or outlet sold to (or if sold to private individuals) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 44 ▪ The logbook provides information on the species extracted and scale of extraction, as well as traceability to the dealer. Submission of the logbook is a requirement for renewal of the annual hunting permit. ▪ Dealers in game meat (including meat shops, supermarkets and restaurants) are required to maintain a logbook of purchases and sales, with the source of the purchases identified by the hunter and (if relevant) dealer registration number. ▪ Transport of game meat by subsistence or commercial hunters, game farming facilities and / or dealers is possible through having possession of a registration certificate, valid permit and updated logbook that identifies the original hunter license, and included in the permit. ▪ In the case of recognized indigenous southern Maya communities, the Forest Department will engage the Maya leaders to identify the most appropriate regulations for wildlife management and sustainable use on communal lands. ▪ Enforcement of commercial hunting should be principally at the dealer level, including meat shops and restaurants, which would be responsible for keeping a logbook that demonstrates where the meat has come from, based on records of the permit number of the hunter supplying the game meat and the amount of meat supplied, enabling traceability to the source. ▪ Build capacity in the Forest Department for improved recognition of species from game meat through adoption of cost-effective, rapid DNA testing. ▪ Belize has a strong no-tolerance policy for hunting of primates, wild cats, tapir, scarlet macaws and Amazon parrots – these cannot be hunted for commercial or subsistence purposes. ▪ Commercial extraction isn’t exclusive to game species – Belize also has a number of commercial plant collectors, particularly for medicinal plants. These fall under the same commercial permit system. There are provisions for salvage collection under the Forests Act in areas to be cleared for farming or development. WILDLIFE CONTROL Recognizing that there are times when native wildlife will need to be controlled, whether through capture or elimination, as a result of wildlife conflict or to prevent it from becoming invasive. ▪ Develop and Implement Species Control Plans to provide strategic, coordinated response. ▪ The Control Permit for regulated extraction regulates who can and can’t trap or kill wildlife involved in wildlife conflict situations, to ensure that situations are addressed professionally, humanely, safely and within the law. ▪ Species control permits should only be provided to Government-approved response teams or registered organizations or individuals, if they meet the required criteria set under the species control regulations. COLLECTION FOR RESEARCH Recognizing that at times scientific research requires collection of specimens. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 45 ▪ Belize is strengthening its research permitting framework to improve regulation and monitoring of research activities in Belize, with safeguards in place to ensure the research meets specific goal and standards, and that any collection of either live or dead specimens is fully justified. ▪ Capture as part of scientific research requires a specific collection permit. Any researcher applying for a scientific collection permit is required to provide proof of registration, and full justification in the research proposal for the extraction of native wildlife. Where necessary, input should be sought from technical experts in the review of the applications. ▪ Particular attention will be paid to scientific collection permit applications that could potentially cause harm to wildlife species, including those that involve: ▪ trapping with nets, cages, tranquilizers etc. ▪ attaching devices such as tags, bands, collars, radio/satellite telemetry etc. ▪ marking with paint, dyes, clipping body parts (feathers, flippers, scutes, ears, etc.) ▪ drawing body fluids such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, semen and ova ▪ Where such invasive techniques are required, there should be full justification of the benefits to the national population for such work. ▪ An agreement should be developed between the Forest Department and the National Biodiversity Office (NBIO) that, where collection is required as part of protected area management and monitoring, that non-intrusive activities will be managed through the co- management agreement. BIOPROSPECTING Recognizing that Belize in discussions towards signing the Nagoya Protocol Recognizing that Belize will need a framework for the management of bioprospecting in Belize. ▪ The Wildlife Management Act provides for the development of a bioprospecting framework that safeguards the interests of Belize and its people. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 46 EX-SITU MANAGEMENT OF WILDLIFE POLICY STATEMENT 3: MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE NATIVE WILDLIFE Wildlife should be in the wild, but where justification exists for wildlife to be maintained in captivity, care should meet and exceed minimum standards and follow best international practices, with the interests of the wildlife at the centre of captive management. WILDLIFE REHABILITATION Recognizing that whilst wildlife should be in the wild, there are occasions and situations where native wildlife needs to be maintained temporarily in captivity, particularly during rescue and rehabilitation, ▪ Establish a framework for the management of Belize’s network of registered, qualified wildlife rehabilitation centers that provide a service to the Wildlife Unit through Memoranda of Agreement with the Forest Department / Government and provide a service to the Wildlife Unit in the management of rescued and / or confiscated native wildlife (particularly threatened species), with the ultimate goal being to return wildlife to the wild. ▪ The Memorandum of Agreement should specify the conditions and regulations that need to be met. This includes adherence to the monitoring and reporting requirements, and mechanisms for chain of custody for live animals required as evidence in court cases. ▪ The wildlife rehabilitation framework should include support for ▪ head-start programs for key threatened species (e.g., yellow headed parrots, scarlet macaws) – ensuring they meet set standards, with qualified personnel on site. Where feasible, ▪ species breeding programs, should this be identified as critical for the long term viability of the species in Belize ▪ Head-start and species breeding programs should be embedded in species conservation plans that provide the justifications for such programs. However, where these plans do not exist, the precautionary principle should be used based on the information available. SANCTUARY FACILITIES Recognizing that whilst wildlife in rehabilitation should always be returned to the wild where feasible, there are occasions and situations where wildlife does not meet release criteria, with the need to be maintained permanently in captivity, National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 47 ▪ The primary focus of all sanctuary care shall be the health, safety, and well-being of the animals. Conservation education and limited visitation may be permitted on a case by case basis, only when they do not detract from or interfere with this core purpose. ▪ Establish a list of technical experts that can advise Forest Department on the best outcome for a non-releasable animal (sanctuary, euthanasia) ▪ Establish a framework for the management of registered, qualified wildlife sanctuaries that provide a service to the Wildlife Unit through Memoranda of Agreement with the Forest Department / Government for the management of non-releasable (sanctuary) wildlife. ▪ The Memorandum of Agreement should specify the conditions and regulations that need to be met. This includes adherence to the monitoring and reporting requirements, and mechanisms for chain of custody for live animals required as evidence in court cases. WILDLIFE DISPLAYS FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES Recognizing that native wildlife does not, and should not, have a role in the entertainment of either the public or tourists. Recognizing that there is an important role for the national collections (e.g. Belize Zoo and botanic gardens) as educational resources in building knowledge of Belize’s people of the importance of wildlife to the health of the environment, to supporting tourism, and to the cultural identity of the country. Recognizing that Belize only needs one such captive wildlife institution for live animals to fill this need for the size of the country. Recognizing that a small number of private facilities are currently permitted to maintain captive wildlife for the enjoyment of their paying guests (either as tourism destinations or as private collections). ▪ Private native wildlife facilities that currently exist will be grandfathered in for the animals they have at the time of enactment of the WMA, with the gradual phasing out of the current wildlife in these facilities over time, and no further wildlife intakes permitted. ▪ Where feasible, current wildlife should be microchipped / tattooed or other forms of tagging as relevant / appropriate for the species, and with records of identifiable marks for traceability to ensure that these establishments are not restocked. ▪ Permitted native wildlife in these facilities are non-transferable. ▪ There should be zero tolerance for the establishment of any new live captive wildlife collections or addition of animals to current facilities (with the exception of the nationally recognized zoo), unless fully justified in terms of the contribution to wildlife conservation outcomes in Belize. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 48 ▪ The Act covers both living specimens and wildlife parts (e.g., skins, skeletons, skulls), taxidermy specimens, blood samples, eggs etc. The Forest Department position is that animal parts should only be kept by authorized organizations, based on proven origin and justified for research and education purposes. Hotels and other commercial establishments should not be able to display wildlife parts unless grandfathered in and registered. Wildlife parts are non-transferable. ▪ If wildlife displays using wildlife parts close down or parts are confiscated, the Forest Department needs to be informed, and the parts transferred to other establishments for conservation or education purposes, or to the Forest Department. Protected area interpretive centers may be an option for placing confiscated parts (for educational purposes. Ownership is still retained by the Government of Belize. FARMING OF GAME SPECIES Recognizing that there is a role for and interest in the rearing of game species in rural communities to supplement income and provide sustenance, but also that such facilities need to meet minimum care standards and address the well-being of wildlife whilst in captivity and food safety. ▪ Before establishing artisanal game farming facilities there needs to be a clear mechanism and permitting system in place for sourcing of the initial source population. ▪ For those already keeping game species, these should be grandfathered in by the end of 2025 through registration and permitting, with regulations and standards that have to be met for farmed game species to ensure quality of life for the animals in care, humane slaughter, health and safety from the use of the meat, and the safety of the permitted individuals keeping the animals. ▪ It is important to ensure management and traceability of game farming from the point of capture to the table, with a clear differentiation between farmed meat and hunted meat. ▪ Game farmers need work closely with BAHA and Public Health for animal health and meat processing, with conditions in the captive wildlife permit that ensure producers are required to meet standards set out in the animal health and food safety legislations. ▪ Annual health checks by an approved veterinarian (the responsibility of the permit holder) and compliance with reporting requirements are required for renewal of the annual permit. CAPTIVE PARROTS Recognizing that there has been a long cultural history of keeping native parrots as pets in Belize, although it is illegal. Recognizing that this conflicts with the Wildlife Management Act Recognizing that this needs to be effectively addressed through the Captive Wildlife Permit program, with the closure of the current amnesty that allows for registration of long-term captive parrots, National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 49 ▪ Any captive parrots that are not registered by the enactment of the WMA will be considered illegal. Beyond that time, no further permits will be issued. The maximum number of parrots per household should not exceed two. ▪ The non-transferable ‘grandfather’ permit given for captive parrots that are being kept in captivity can be cancelled if the conditions are not met. Any parrot being kept under a ‘grandfather’ permit in sub-standard conditions or is in poor health will be liable for confiscation, and be transferred to a registered, qualified wildlife rehabilitation facility. ▪ Permits will not be given for nestlings and young birds, very sick birds, birds in immediate danger due to exceptionally poor living conditions, and birds that are not hand tame. These will be confiscated /surrendered and be transferred to a registered, qualified wildlife rehabilitation facility. ▪ Permits will not be given for scarlet macaws. ▪ No permit will be given for captive parrots after the enactment of the WMA. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 50 POLICY STATEMENT 4: MANAGEMENT OF EXOTIC WILDLIFE Belize has established and is implementing an effective management framework for exotic wildlife at and within its borders. EXOTIC WILDLIFE Recognizing that Belize has had no legal framework for the regulation and management of the trade in exotic wildlife species (e.g., birds, mammals, reptiles, plants). Recognizing that people in Belize have been illegally importing and keeping exotic species for more than 30 years without any regulation in place. Recognizing that in the last ten years there has been a significant increase in the numbers and diversity of exotic species (plants and animals) being smuggled illegally over the international borders, that these are being bred in Belize, and are now readily available for sale through pet shops and other outlets. Recognizing that without strengthened regulation and coordination / cooperation between border agencies, the exotic species being imported illegally may carry the risk of diseases. Recognizing that the unregulated flow of exotic species across Belize’s borders into Belize provides an access point for potentially invasive species, health risks to native species (e.g. avian flu), risk of hybridization with native species, as well as illegal flow of CITES regulated species and threatened species. Recognizing that the option for keeping exotic birds and the increased availability will reduce the pressure on the increasingly threatened native parrot species. Recognizing that the aim of this policy is not to encourage an increase in the importation of exotic wildlife, but to improve regulation of exotic species already in the country and reduce the flow of illegal wildlife traffic over the border. ▪ There is an urgent need to regulate the import and trade in exotic wildlife in Belize, with strengthening of coordinated multiagency enforcement efforts at legal and illegal border crossing points, with confiscations and penalties that provide sufficient deterrent to continued illegal import. ▪ The current situation of widespread captive exotic wildlife should be normalized / regularized through a temporary amnesty for registration and permitting of authorized importers, breeders and dealers that meet minimum care standards, to be closed 180 days after the enactment of the WMA. ▪ Those species that should not be imported and should be illegal to keep in Belize due to their high potential as invasive species or hybridization risk are identified in the Regulated Species List (Blacklist) (Annex 5), to be published in the Government Gazette and updated as needed, National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 51 ▪ There will be automatic refusal of import permits, and automatic confiscation of blacklist specimens at the border and if found in Belize. ▪ Any specimen on the Regulated Species List shall be confiscated, and may be relocated to an approved facility or humanely euthanized if deemed unfit for relocation. The decision lies with the Forest Department. ▪ Importers of exotic species wishing to supply the national market are required to register as such, and apply for the relevant import and captive wildlife permits. The permits would not allow for importation of native species or blacklisted species. ▪ Breeders of exotic species wishing to supply the national market are required to register as such, and apply for an annual captive wildlife permit. ▪ Breeders need to comply with traceability requirements by keeping logbooks of species and individuals being bred, and sales to dealers / outlets, with logging of the registration number of the breeder and the dealer and ID of the individual bird. ▪ Dealers and outlets of exotic species are required to register and apply for an annual dealer’s permit. They would need to comply with traceability requirements by maintaining logbooks of species and individuals received from importers and breeders, logging the registration number of the importer or breeder to demonstrate that the individuals are in the country legally, or importation documentation in the case of exotic wildlife being imported to Belize directly by the dealer. The permit will not allow the sale of native species or blacklisted species. ▪ All breeders and dealers / outlets are required to meet minimum captive care standards, as specified in their permits, with annual site visits by the Forest Department. ▪ Enforcement should be largely focused on the points of illegal entry, and point of sale (dealers, pet shops, outlets), with the requirement to demonstrate that stock has been purchased from a registered breeder or imported legally, with details maintained in the required logbook. ▪ Strengthen collaboration with Customs Department and BAHA to develop a structured importation process with clearly defined roles and responsibilities that encourages people to apply for importation permits and to ensure exotic wildlife clear health requirements before entering Belize. ▪ Transport of exotic wildlife should meet or exceed the minimum standards laid out in the Wildlife Transport Regulations and the permit conditions. ▪ There is zero tolerance and maximum fines for anyone who intentionally releases exotic species into the wild. EXOTIC COMPANION SPECIES Recognizing that there is a small but constant stream of requests for the importation of long-term pets / companion animals as people migrate to Belize. Recognizing that the importation of companion birds (Amazons and macaws) may be a significant risk to the genetic identify of Belize’s Amazon and macaw species. Recognizing that some companion species may have the potential to be invasive or hybridize with native species National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 52 Recognizing that Belize has a zero-tolerance policy for captive primates, whether native or exotic species ▪ Applications for import of companion animals should be considered on a case-by-case basis, with consideration of potential impacts to native wildlife should the companion animal escape. ▪ No species that is native to Belize can be imported as a companion animal. ▪ Any exotic companion species being imported needs to meet the conditions of other relevant legislation, including BAHA quarantine regulations. ▪ Any exotic non-domesticated companion animal needs to be registered with the Wildlife Unit and, where feasible, be microchipped or tattooed (as appropriate dependent on species), with all efforts made to ensure that there are no opportunities for escape. ▪ Enclosures and care must meet minimum standards, as stipulated in the permit. ▪ As part of the permitting process, applicants should provide a written plan for the animal should they return to their country of origin or can no longer care for the animal. ▪ No companion animal may be bred, bought or sold after being brought into Belize. ▪ Companion animals can be transferred to a new owner following the death or incapacity of the original importer based on a written request to Forest Department. The permit requirements will be transferred with the animal, with the new owner being required to update the information in the registry and meet minimum care standards. Otherwise, the animal will be considered illegal. In any other circumstance, permits are non-transferable. ▪ There is zero tolerance and maximum fines for anyone who intentionally releases exotic species into the wild. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 53 POLICY STATEMENT 5: EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WILDLIFE POLICY Belize is effectively implementing the National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan and enforcing the Wildlife Management Act. ADMINISTRATION Recognizing that the Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan and the Wildlife Management Act require a strengthened and additional administrative frameworks to be established in Forest Department for effective implementation. ▪ Registries will be established for key wildlife stakeholders based on set criteria and required paperwork for each registry category, and maintained in a database, ▪ The annual permit application processes will be accessible through an online application portal that includes submission of a valid registration certificate. ▪ Strategies and plans have been developed for the strategic management of the five policy areas: ▪ National Threatened Species Strategy for the management of native species of concern under the mandate of the Forest Department ▪ Species-specific recovery plans ▪ National Strategy for the Sustainable Use of Wildlife for management of traditional commercial and subsisting hunting ▪ National framework for the management of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and reintroduction (including head start programs) ▪ National Captive Wildlife Management Strategy for the management of captive native wildlife ▪ Strategy for the management of game species farming in Belize ▪ Strategy for the management of sanctuary facilities in Belize ▪ National Exotic Wildlife Strategy for the management of exotic wildlife ▪ Realistic fines have been established for infractions involving illegal use / capture of or harm to native wildlife based on the international value of wildlife. ▪ Wildlife violation tickets provide a mechanism for addressing petty fines (e.g. illegal parrot keeping) ▪ A violation ticketing system has been established for petty infractions, with payment of fines to the Treasury. ▪ Petty and significant infractions are linked to the offender’s registration, to track multiple infractions to be considered if decisions are being made to remove the offender from the registry either temporarily or permanently. ▪ A National Threatened Species List (or National Redlist of Species of Concern) will be developed, informed by national and international experts, and published in the Government National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 54 Gazette and disseminated to inform other agencies and the public of the protection status of species. The list should be reviewed and updated every five years, or as necessary. ▪ A national list of native game species should be developed that specifies which species can be hunted, seasons, hunting areas, bag limits, gear restrictions etc., informed by national and international experts, published in the Government Gazette and disseminated to inform other agencies and the public. The list should be reviewed and updated every five years, or as necessary. ▪ A Regulated Species List (Blacklist of species that can’t be imported) will be developed based on potential invasive nature or risk to national populations, and published in the Government Gazette. The list should be reviewed and updated every five years, or as necessary. HUMAN RESOURCES Recognizing that the Wildlife Unit needs to increase the skilled human resources available for the effective management of wildlife in Belize and for the effective implementation of the National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan and enforcement of the Wildlife Management Act. Recognizing that protection and management of wildlife requires collaborative multiagency partnerships and strategic alliances both at national level and internationally. Recognizing that the Forest Department needs to strengthen the stability of the Wildlife Unit by retaining skilled personnel in specific roles. ▪ Ensure sufficient human resources are available to meet the needs for effective implementation of the NWPSAP and enforcement of the Wildlife Management Act, and that technical skills are retained in the Wildlife Unit. ▪ Develop training programs that will build capacity in the Forest Department to implement the NWPSAP and enforce the Wildlife Management Act, including tools and training to identify and address cyber-crime. ▪ Strengthen strategic collaborative partnerships with key agencies in Belize to improve implementation of the National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan and enforcement of the Wildlife Management Act. This includes, but should not be limited to: ▪ Police Department ▪ Customs Department ▪ National Biodiversity Office ▪ Belize Agricultural Health Authority ▪ Fisheries Department ▪ Department of Agriculture ▪ Public Health Department National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 55 ▪ Strengthen strategic partnerships regionally and internationally for addressing the illegal movement of wildlife across Belize’s borders. INFORMED DECISION MAKING Recognizing that decision making for the adaptive management of wildlife should be based on scientific evidence, with the integration of traditional knowledge, and supported by effective monitoring. ▪ Engage advisory groups and technical experts to provide input and recommendations to the Forest Department in relevant areas of wildlife management. ▪ Support and participate in the revision of the National Research Strategy to identify knowledge gaps required for improved wildlife management at the national level. ▪ Strengthen the framework for effective management of scientific research, with registration of researchers based on identified criteria such as relevant qualifications and experience, a letter of support from a credible international institute, and requirement for partnering with a Belize NGO / university. ▪ Promote and encourage research that contributes towards national goals and required for addressing identified knowledge gaps, with repatriation and publication of reports and papers. ▪ Review and revise the research permit conditions to ensure a responsible institution is identified and registered for any research work being implemented in Belize, responsible for compliance with permit conditions in the field and for data and report submission. ▪ Strengthen strategic partnerships with universities and training institutions towards improving scientific knowledge of wildlife to address information gaps and strengthening informed decision making. ▪ Strengthen strategic partnerships with universities and training institutions towards building capacity in Belize for wildlife research, conservation and management. WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP Recognizing that wildlife is currently under-valued, as demonstrated by the limited investment in wildlife management in the Forest Department and the Wildlife Unit ▪ Improve national recognition of the value of wildlife to ecosystem services, to building resilience to climate change in Belize, to the tourism sector, customary users and indigenous communities. ▪ Strengthen strategic partnerships with conservation partners for improved coordination of collaborative awareness activities. ▪ Revise and implement the National Wildlife Awareness Strategy in collaboration with wildlife stakeholders to support the implementation of the Wildlife Strategy and Action Plan and socialization of the Wildlife Management Act. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 56 MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING Recognizing the need for an effective monitoring and evaluation framework that ensures that the Strategic Action Plan is implemented effectively. Recognizing the need to improve in-house knowledge on the status of Belize’s native wildlife. Recognizing the need to provide information on the status of Belize’s wildlife to other Government Ministries for integration into national planning. Recognizing the need to report on CITES species, illegal wildlife trade, wildlife health and for national reporting to international conventions, including CBD. Recognizing the need to report to the Belize public on the status of Belize’s native wildlife, threats and challenges. ▪ Establish a clearing house of information on wildlife in Belize as a platform for information management and sharing, providing accurate and accessible scientific information and technical reports on Belize’s wildlife. ▪ Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework to demonstrate progress of strategy implementation, outputs and outcomes / impact, with effective monitoring and reporting . ▪ Produce and disseminate biennial reports on the status of native wildlife in Belize National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 57 WILDLIFE STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 58 4.0 THE WILDLIFE STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 4.1 IN-SITU WILDLIFE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT POLICY STATEMENT 1: PROTECT, MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE STATUS OF BELIZE’S NATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES Belize is maintaining healthy, resilient, viable wildlife populations in the long-term, with protection of critical ecosystems and reduced threats, meeting its national target of no extinctions between 2025 and 2035. KEY OBJECTIVES 1.1 Develop and implement a National Threatened Species Management Strategy. 1.2 Maintain viable representative populations of native wildlife species. 1.3 Employ One Health principles to ensure the safety of humans, wildlife and the environment. 1.4 Strengthen mechanisms for effectively addressing human-wildlife conflict. 1.5 Ensure key wildlife areas and endemic species are adequately protected, based on Species Recovery Plans 1.6 Strengthen the enforcement and prosecution of wildlife cruelty offences. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 59 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 1. PROTECT AND MAINTAIN BELIZE’S NATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES 1.1 Ensure there is a strong threatened species management framework at the national level. 1.1.1 Develop a National Threatened Species Management Strategy that takes into account predicted climate change impacts National Threatened Species Management Strategy 7 (1) 9 (c) 1.1.2 Develop and maintain a National Threatened Species List (Red List) for key taxa to guide the level of protection per species and to inform the EIA review process, to be publish in the Government gazette and amend as needed. National Threatened Species Lists (National Red Lists) 11 (1) 1.1.3 Develop and implement Species Recovery Plans for species of concern # Approved Species Recovery Plans 7 (1) 16 (1)-(3) 1.1.4 Establish working groups and list of technical experts to provide input, advice and recommendations to the Forest Department on threatened species management # Threatened Species Working Groups List of technical experts 17 (1) 50 (2)(l) 1.1.5 Collaborate with partners to monitor and report on the status of threatened native wildlife in Belize Biennial report on the status of native wildlife 9 (d)(f) 20 (e) 1.1.6 Assess and where necessary, address risks to threatened species from invasive species or wildlife conflict through Species Control Plans (e.g., jaguars / livestock; rat control on cayes) # Species Control Plans 9 (g)-(h) 18 (1)-(3) 20 (1)(d)(g) 23 (6) 1.1.7 Recommend fines involving threatened species to their value on the global platforms Annual total fines for wildlife crime involving threatened species # crimes p.a. involving threatened species 32 (3)(a) 38 National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 60 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 1. PROTECT AND MAINTAIN BELIZE’S NATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES 1.1 Ensure there is a strong threatened species management framework at the national level. 1.1.8 Explore and implement potential mechanisms / incentives for recognition of initiatives, individuals or organizations that support in-situ wildlife conservation in key areas or species in Belize Criteria for recognition # recognized per year for their contribution to wildlife conservation 1.1.9 Develop and implement public awareness and education programs focused on national threatened and conflict species, to increase public understanding, participation, and support for recovery of these species # events hosted p.a. # events attended p.a. # students/classes reached p.a. 9 (l)(q) 1.1.10 Identify and implement mechanisms for the protection of threatened species in the event of a natural disaster, including rescue and restoration # natural disasters p.a. # report per disaster on any threatened species-specific interventions 9 (g) 1.1.11 Take all necessary steps to eradicate where possible, invasive species in cases where critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, or near threatened species are at increased risk of extinction/extirpation # invasive species # invasive species being addressed # invasive species successfully eradicated 19 (3)(b) 23 (6)(b) 1.1.12 Implement a zero tolerance and maximum fines for anyone who intentionally releases exotic species into the wild # cases investigated p.a. # cases addressed p.a. Maximum fine per annum 28 (10)(c) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 61 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 1. PROTECT AND MAINTAIN BELIZE’S NATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES 1.2 Maintain viable representative populations of native wildlife species in the wild 1.2.1 Integrate the recommendations from Species Recovery Plans (SRP) into EIAs through NEAC, and into national land use planning # NEAC meetings where threatened species issues are mentioned p.a. # NEAC meetings where SRP inform decisions p.a. Land Use mapping recognition of WMAs 6 (e) 14 (1)-(6) 1.2.2 Effectively regulate all collection / extraction of native wildlife # permits issued for collection / extraction per category p.a. 23 (1)-(7) 1.2.3 Ensure there are clear guidelines for threatened species reintroductions that follow international standards # threatened species reintroductions that meet international standards p.a. # threatened species reintroductions that have successful outputs 1.2.4 Support signing on to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals Belize is a party to the Convention on Migratory species 1.3 Employ One Health principles to ensure the safety of humans, wildlife and the environment 1.3.1 Set standards for human-wildlife interactions that reduce the potential for zoonosis Standards for wildlife interaction between the public and wildlife 9 (h) 50 (a) 1.3.2 Establish and implement a system for monitoring and reporting on wildlife health in collaboration with partners (veterinarians, wildlife rehabilitators, protected areas co- managers, private land owners customary users, indigenous people, and other Govt. authorities # reports re. wildlife health concerns p.a. # identified, significant wildlife health issues p.a. 6 (f) 50 (e) 1.3.3 Prevent feeding/interaction with wildlife, particularly in the tourism sector, to eliminate risk of human/wildlife zoonosis transmission or injury from attack # number of incidents of human/ wildlife interaction reported p.a. # number of incidents of human/wildlife interaction addressed p.a. 9 (h) 50 (a) 1.3.4 Improve awareness of best tourism practices for wildlife tourism Printed information # presentations given to the tourism sector p.a. 9 (l) 20 (j) 50 (2)(a) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 62 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 1. PROTECT AND MAINTAIN BELIZE’S NATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES 1.4 Strengthen legal instruments and other mechanisms for effectively addressing human-wildlife- conflict 1.4.1 Develop and implement a Wildlife Control Strategy that address wildlife conflict situations including predation of livestock, crops, and wildlife in urban situations Wildlife Control Strategy Report: Biennial review of implementation 7 (1) 18 (1)-(3) 20 (h) 1.4.2 Develop and implement species- specific Control Plans for addressing wildlife conflict situations (e.g., jaguar, coyote, tapir), balancing threatened species vs. livelihoods # Species Control Plans # reports of species conflicts in urban areas p.a. # reports responded to p.a. # successful outcomes p.a. 18 (1)-(3) 20 (h) 1.4.3 Establish a register of all authorized control hunters (jaguar capture teams, pest control agencies, wildlife experts), based on evidence of expertise with capture of wildlife- conflict species # entities registered for control of wildlife p.a. # species control permits issued p.a. # active Safe Capture Jaguar Teams 22 (1)-(10) 1.4.4 Provide species control permits to registered individuals qualified to assist with wildlife control in urban areas, if they meet the required criteria set under the framework, and following Species Control Plans # entities registered for control of wildlife p.a. # species control permits issued p.a. # reports of species conflicts in urban areas p.a. # reports responded to p.a. # successful outcomes p.a. 23 (1)(c) 23 (6) 1.4.5 Ensure the Wildlife Conflict framework includes clear definitions of wildlife conflict, and clear roles and responsibilities of the Forest Department and the Public Health Department when dealing with wildlife in urban environments Forest Department / Dept of Public Health agreement on roles and responsibilities when dealing with wildlife in urban environments 6 (f) 9 (h) 20 (h) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 63 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 1. PROTECT AND MAINTAIN BELIZE’S NATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES 1.4 Strengthen legal instruments and other mechanisms for effectively addressing human-wildlife- conflict 1.4.6 Strengthen the Jaguar Taskforce for addressing jaguar conflict # meetings of technical advisory committee p.a. 50 (2)(l) 20 (h) 33 (4) 1.4.7 Strengthen the capacity of jaguar response teams to respond to jaguar conflict situations # Safe Capture Jaguar Teams consider they have the legal support, training and equipment required for effective work p.a. 20 (h)(k) 23 (1)(c) 23 (6) 33 (4) 1.4.8 Engage protected area management agencies and co- management organizations in assisting in increasing awareness of best livestock management practices for avoiding jaguar and coyote depredation # protected area management agencies and organizations engaged in increasing awareness of best livestock management practices for avoiding depredation p.a. 6 (f) 9 (q) 20 (j) 1.4.9 Address the issue of lethal deterrents of wildlife to protect crops / aquaculture # cases reported large scale wildlife deaths from poisoning p.a. # cases taken to court p.a. # cases successfully prosecuted p.a. 33 (1)-(5) 1.4.10 Collaborate with the Department of Agriculture and relevant NGOs to identify mechanisms to improve livestock management in protected area buffers Agreement with Department of Agriculture # partner NGOs 6 (f) 1.4.11 Identify solutions for the increasing number of problem jaguars in captivity, and provision for animals for approved conservation-focused zoo breeding programs abroad, or other solutions, dependent on the individual animals # jaguars at the Belize Zoo p.a. # jaguars in captivity p.a. # jaguars shot or euthanized p.a. 28 (1)-(10) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 64 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 1. PROTECT AND MAINTAIN BELIZE’S NATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES 1.4 Strengthen legal instruments and other mechanisms for effectively addressing human-wildlife- conflict 1.4.12 Establish and maintain a wildlife conflict database to measure and report on trends over years Wildlife conflict database Annual reports on jaguar, coyote, tapir and other wildlife conflict incidents and outcomes p.a. 9 (d)-(f) 1.5 Ensure key wildlife areas are identified in Species Conservation Plans are formally protected. 1.5.1 Develop a mechanism for the establishment and registration of ‘Wildlife Management Areas’ Procedures for declaration of a Wildlife Management Area 14 (1)-(6) 20 (1)(d) 1.5.2 Identify key (high priority) ‘Wildlife Management Areas,’ based on scientific and traditional knowledge, Species Conservation Plans and with input from technical experts # Wildlife Management Areas identified p.a. # Wildlife Management Areas established p.a. 14 (1)-(4) 16 1.5.3 Provide for maximum fines for destruction of key wildlife areas following designation # fines for destruction of key wildlife areas 1.5.4 Where key wildlife habitats occur on private lands, engage relevant stakeholders and develop joint management plans for the protection of these habitats / species in the long term # joint management plans for Wildlife Management Areas, approved p.a. # annual reports received from privately managed Wildlife Management Areas 14 (1) (3) 20 (1) 41 (1)(c)(d) 1.5.5 Provide added protection to high priority wildlife areas through gift of land or similar, where the opportunity arrives # Wildlife Management Areas gifted to the Government of Belize p.a. Total area under WMA management p.a. 14 (3)(4) 1.6 Strengthen the enforcement and prosecution of wildlife cruelty offences 1.6.1 Strengthen effective enforcement and prosecution against wildlife cruelty # wildlife cruelty fines reported p.a. # wildlife crimes addressed satisfactorily p.a. 9 (h) 37 (1) 50 (2)(q) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 65 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 1. PROTECT AND MAINTAIN BELIZE’S NATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES 1.6 Strengthen the enforcement and prosecution of wildlife cruelty offences 1.6.2 Strengthen awareness and recognition nationally of the illegal nature of wildlife cruelty in Belize Printed information on wildlife cruelty, disseminated # talk shows on radio / TV when Forest Department discusses wildlife cruelty as a crime 9 (l) 20 (1)(j) 1.6.3 Build capacity of Forest Officers and other enforcement agencies in identifying and addressing wildlife cruelty as a crime # Forest Officers trained in addressing wildlife crime p.a. # other enforcement agency officers trained in addressing wildlife crime p.a. 9 (l) 36 (1) 1.6.4 Identify and implement a mechanism(s) for addressing young offenders – e.g., voluntary community service, participation in wildlife ambassador program or equivalent # minors given warnings for wildlife cruelty # young offenders signed up for annual Forest Department wildlife summer camp National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 66 POLICY STATEMENT 2: SUSTAINABLE USE OF WILDLIFE Optimize the contribution of wildlife resources to livelihoods, ensuring sustainability of use based on sound scientific data, and compliance with the legislation. Key Objectives: 2.1 Develop and implement a national strategy for the sustainable use of wildlife, including hunting of game species and harvesting of plants. 2.2 Establish a framework for sustainable hunting of game species that takes into account traditional commercial and subsistence hunting, 2.3 Establish and implement a framework for the sustainable extraction of native plant species for propagation and sale, based on the species- specific threat risk. 2.4 Respect customary use and practices of the southern Maya communities, and the Alcalde system of governance. 2.5 Develop and implement a national framework for bioprospecting, including sharing of benefits. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 67 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 2. SUSTAINABLE USE OF WILDLIFE 2.1 Develop and implement a Wildlife Sustainable Use Strategy, including hunting of game species and harvesting of plants and customary use 2.1.1 Develop and implement a National Strategy for the Sustainable Use of Wildlife that forms part of the integrated and inter‐sectorial framework for wildlife conservation and effective wildlife management Report: National Strategy for the Sustainable Use of Wildlife Report: Annual report on success of strategy implementation p.a. 6 (j)(k) 9 (c) 17 (1)‐(3) 20 (1)(h) 2.1.2 Ensure the Strategy integrates a strong framework for sustainable management of traditional hunting of game species, for both commercial and subsistence hunting, and for management of subsistence use of other wildlife resources Strategy integrates: ▪ commercial hunting ▪ subsistence hunting ▪ medicinal plant use ▪ other traditional wildlife extraction 9 (o)(p) 10 (3) (4) 13 (1) 23 (1)‐(7) 32 (1)‐(3) 38 2.1.3 Ensure the Strategy integrates mechanisms for the management of sustainable use of wildlife linked to recognition of customary use and rights through Alcalde governance system (game species, trees / plants for household use – food, construction, medicinal purposes) Strategy integrates recognition of customary use 6 (j) 13 (1) 21 (1)‐(4) 2.1.4 Prohibit the hunting, capture, feeding, handling, taking, possession and sale of all wildlife species or wildlife parts, unless permission has been granted by the FD though an appropriate permit # incidences of illegal wildlife extraction 10 (3)(c) 17 (1)‐(3) 23 (1)‐(7) 32 (1)‐(3) 38 50 (2)(r)‐(t) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 68 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 2. SUSTAINABLE USE OF WILDLIFE 2.2 Establish a framework for sustainable hunting of game species that takes into account commercial and subsistence hunting, with logging of catch data and integrates traceability mechanisms 2.2.1 Strictly regulate sale of all wildlife under the mandate of the Forest Department through an appropriate, legally enforced permit system # incidences of illegal wildlife extraction # incidences of illegal wildlife sale / dealing 12 (1)‐(2) 24 (1)‐(3) 35 (1)(a) 2.2.2 Ensure management of game species is, where possible, based on improved knowledge through sound science input from technical experts and working groups, and traditional knowledge, and follows the precautionary approach Sustainable Species Management Plans include updated information that guides management of hunting 6 (j)(k) 9 (c) 12 (1)‐(2) 17 (1)‐(3) 20 (1)(h)(i) 2.2.3 Review and revise the permitted game species and hunting seasons based on sound science, input from technical experts and working groups, and traditional knowledge Revised game species list Revised hunting seasons Updates published in the Government Gazette 12 (1)‐(2) 17 (1)‐(3) 2.2.4 Publish a list of game species that can be hunted, hunting gear, hunting areas, hunting seasons, bag limits, and species or area moratoriums in the Government Gazette and on the Forest Department website, supported by regulations and updated when needed List of game species 12 (1) 13 (1)(a)‐ (e) 31 (1)(a)‐ (c) 31 (e)‐(h) 2.2.5 Establish a register of traditional hunters (commercial and subsistence) and dealers, Register of traditional hunters (commercial and subsistence) # registered traditional hunters (commercial and subsistence) p.a. Register of dealers # registered dealers p.a. 22 (1)‐(10) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 69 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 2. SUSTAINABLE USE OF WILDLIFE 2.2 Establish a framework for sustainable hunting of game species that takes into account commercial and subsistence hunting, with logging of catch data and integrates traceability mechanisms 2.2.6 Information on revised hunting legislation, regulations and reporting requirements is widely disseminated to ensure hunters are provided with clear information Information on hunting regulations is widely disseminated (newspaper, Facebook, radio and television) # hunters who know and understand the hunting regulations (annual survey when permits are issued 9 (m) 20 (1)(j) 2.2.7 Establish and implement a reporting and traceability system for game meat from the commercial hunter to outlet based on logbooks and registration numbers, and enforced primarily at the dealers and restaurant / shop level Hunter Logbook Dealer Logbook 10 (3)(d) 23 (7)(b) 2.2.8 Build capacity of Forest Department in rapid DNA testing, and equip for identification of game meat by species (as per the Fish Right‐Eat Right program) Rapid DNA testing equipment 2.2.9 Increase penalties and on‐ the‐spot fines / ticketing for illegal hunting that act as a deterrent, for small‐scale hunting offences Total value of fines for illegal hunting of wildlife p.a. Total value of fines through court processes p.a. Total value of fines from ticketing p.a. 28 (10)(c) 29 (6) 45 (2) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 70 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 2. SUSTAINABLE USE OF WILDLIFE 2.3 Establish and implement a framework for the extraction of native plant species for propagation and sale, based on the species‐ specific threat risks 2.3.1 Establish a register of commercial native plant harvesters and dealers Register of commercial native plant harvesters and dealers # commercial native plant extractors # native plant dealers 22 (1)‐(10) 2.3.2 Publish a list of plant species that can be extracted with permission, in the Government Gazette, supported by regulations and permits that make provisions for quotas and area moratoriums, based on sound scientific evidence of sustainability, and updated as required List of plant species that can be extracted with permission, List is published in the Government Gazette, 6 (1)(h) 9 (o)(p) 2.3.3 Strengthen the permitting system and requirement for commercial native plant harvesters and dealers 23 (1)‐(5) 29 (6) 2.3.3 Ensure plant harvesters are provided with clear information on the revised legislation, regulations and requirements Information on hunting regulations is widely disseminated (newspaper, Facebook, radio and television) # harvesters who know and understand the plant harvesting regulations (annual survey when permits are issued 9 (m) 20 (1)(j) 2.4 Respect customary use and practices of the southern Maya communal lands, and of the Alcalde system of governance 2.4.1 Investigate the feasibility of signing agreements with the Alcaldes of the indigenous southern Maya communities for sustainable use based on customary use and practices and the Alcalde system of governance Decision on signed agreements for sustainable use based on customary use and practices and the Alcalde system of governance 21 (1)‐(4) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 71 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 2. SUSTAINABLE USE OF WILDLIFE 2.4 Respect customary use and practices of the southern Maya communal lands, and of the Alcalde system of governance 2.4.2 Build the capacity of the indigenous leaders for sustainable management and extraction of wildlife species # trainings to build capacity of the Alcaldes for sustainable wildlife management and monitoring of wildlife resources in the communal lands p.a. 21 (1)‐(4) 2.5 Develop and implement a national framework for bioprospecting, including equitable sharing of benefits 2.5.1 Support the development of a national legislative framework for bioprospecting that defines mandates, roles and responsibilities for management of genetic resources, and equitable sharing of benefits National Framework for Bioprospecting 9 (i) 2.5.2 Establish a registry and permitting system for bioprospecting interests in Belize Registry # of applications for bioprospecting permits p.a. 22 (1)‐(10) 2.5.3 Integrate any required amendments / regulations into the WMA if Belize signs the Ngoya protocol Ngoya protocol signed Report: Amendments to be made to the WMA based on commitments to Ngoya Protocol National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 72 4.2 EX-SITU MANAGEMENT OF WILDLIFE POLICY STATEMENT 3: MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE NATIVE WILDLIFE Native wildlife should be in the wild, but where justification exists for wildlife to be maintained in captivity, care should meet and exceed minimum standards and follow best international practices, with the interests and welfare of the wildlife at the centre of captive management. Key Objectives 3.1 Strengthen the framework for the effective management and support of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release in Belize. 3.2 Establish a framework for the effective management of Sanctuary facilities for non-releasable wildlife 3.3 Strengthen the framework for the effective management, regulation and support of native game farming of native species. 3.4 Strengthen the framework for the effective management, regulation and support of other native wildlife in captivity. OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 3. MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE NATIVE WILDLIFE 3.1 Strengthen the framework for the effective management and support of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release in Belize 3.1.1 Strengthen and implement the framework for wildlife rehabilitation that supports national targets, and ensures that rehabilitation is conducted in accordance with international and One Health standards to achieve positive conservation outcomes Report: Wildlife Rehabilitation Management Framework 20 (1)(a) 22 (1)-(10) 28 (2)(b) 28 (6)(7) 50 (2)(d) 3.1.2 Integrate support of head-start programs for key threatened species (e.g., yellow headed parrots, scarlet macaws) – with set standards that need to be met. Wildlife Unit National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 73 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 3. MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE NATIVE WILDLIFE 3.1 Strengthen the framework for the effective management and support of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release in Belize 3.1.3 Establish a register of wildlife rehabilitation facilities and keep updated Register List of wildlife rehabilitation centers registered # registered wildlife rehabilitation centers 22 (1)‐(10) 3.1.4 Ensure all registered wildlife rehabilitation centers have a valid Memorandum of Agreement with the Forest Department that sets out adequate care standards, vet policies, traceability and reporting requirements # wildlife rehabilitation centers with valid MOAs 28 (5) 50 (2)(d) 3.1.5 Require rehabilitation centers to submit species‐specific management plans for approval for threatened species that include rescue, release / reintroduction plans # required species specific rehabilitation management plans # submitted species specific rehabilitation management plan 28 (7) 3.1.6 Require wildlife rehabilitation centers to have support agreements with approved vets based on the IWRC framework # rehabilitation centers that have agreements with approved vets p.a. 28 (2)(b) 50 (2)(c) 3.1.7 Collaborate with the Veterinary Surgeons Board to identify a mechanism to authorize and regulate approved, experienced individuals for specific wildlife rescue responses / emergencies under Species Control permits, including the use of nets, live‐traps and chemical immobilization Identified mechanism # species control permits issued to wildlife rehabilitation personnel 50 (2)(c) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 74 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 3. MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE NATIVE WILDLIFE 3.1 Strengthen the framework for the effective management and support of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release in Belize 3.1.8 Ensure there is a monitoring and reporting framework for wildlife rehabilitation facilities # Forest Department monitoring reports per wildlife rehabilitation facility p.a. # Submitted annual reports per wildlife rehabilitation facility 28 (8)(a) 3.1.10 Ensure there are mechanisms for chain of custody in place for live animals required as evidence in court cases, including registration numbers Chain of custody mechanism 28 (5) 3.1.11 Establish penalties for not maintaining captive care standards and for abuse of any native wildlife in care # infractions p.a. # fines p.a. 28 (5)(10) 29 (6) 3.2 Establish a framework for the effective management of Sanctuary facilities for non‐releasable wildlife 3.2.1 Establish a register of approved sanctuary facilities and keep updated Register # and List of registered sanctuary facilities 22 (1)‐(10) 3.2.2 Ensure all registered sanctuary facilities have a valid Memorandum of Agreement with the Forest Department that sets out adequate care standards, vet policies, traceability and reporting requirements # sanctuary facilities with valid MOAs 28 (5) 50 (2)(d) 3.2.3 Require sanctuary facilities to submit species‐specific long‐term care plans # submitted species specific long‐term care plan 28 3.2.4 Require sanctuary facilities to have support agreements with approved vets based on the IWRC framework # sanctuary facilities that have agreements with approved vets 28 (2)(b) 50 (2)(c) 3.2.5 Establish penalties for not maintaining captive care standards and for abuse of any native wildlife in care # infractions p.a. # fines p.a. 28 (5)(10) 29 (6) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 75 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 3. MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE NATIVE WILDLIFE 3.3 Strengthen the framework for the effective management, regulation and support of game farming of native species 3.3.1 Provide an enabling environment and technical support for farming of game species # game farms # registered game farms p.a. 22 (1)‐(10) 28 (2)(d) 28 (7) 3.3.2 Ensure all game ranches have valid licenses that stipulate the conditions and standards for animal care, with removal from the register and confiscation of animals if the conditions aren’t met or there is evidence of animal cruelty # game ranches warned for not meeting license conditions p.a. # game ranches removed from the register p.a. 28 (1)‐(10) 49 50 (2)(f) 3.3.3 Collaborate with BAHA for management of animal health at the game ranches and ensuring the processes are in place for production of safe meat Agreement with BAHA # visits by BAHA to game ranches per ranch p.a. # game ranches not passing the BAHA health inspections p.a. 9 (h) 26 (4)(d) 26 (5) 49 3.3.4 Develop a system of transparency ‐ certification, monitoring, and regulation for artisanal game farming and dealers / outlets to ensure such farming does not lead to trafficking of wild caught game # infractions – non farmed game species sold as farmed p.a. 10 (3)(d) 12 (1)‐(2) 23 (7)(b) 24 (1)‐(3) 28 (1)‐(10) 29 (6) 35 49 (2)(m) 50 (2)(p) 3.4 Strengthen the framework for the effective management, regulation and support of other native wildlife in captivity 3.4.1 Develop and implement a Captive Native Wildlife Strategy that provides the framework for wildlife in captivity including, but not limited to, which species can be kept and why, and regulations and captive care standards Captive Native Wildlife Strategy 27 (1)‐(10) 50 (2)(m) 50 (2)(n) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 76 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 3. MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE NATIVE WILDLIFE 3.4 Strengthen the framework for the effective management, regulation and support of other native wildlife in captivity 3.4.2 Establish a registry of existing captive wildlife establishments / individuals, with a one‐time registration fee, and annual permitting Registry # captive wildlife establishments / individuals registered 22 (1)‐(10) 3.4.3 Effective enforcement of no tolerance policy for illegal captive native wildlife unless supported by the appropriate permit, with confiscation of the animal and petty fines, to be paid to the Treasury # captive native wildlife permits issued p.a. # Infractions for illegal captive native wildlife p.a. 9 (o)(p) 10 (3) (4) 23 (1)(e) 28 (1)‐(10) 29 (6) 35 38 3.4.4 Provide grandfather permits for existing privately held captive wildlife by end of 2024, with a moratorium on any further permits # grandfather permits issued for privately held captive native wildlife by the end of 2024 28 (2)(e) 3.4 Strengthen the framework for the effective management, regulation and support of native wildlife in captivity 3.4.5 Publicize the moratorium on captive parrots, and closure of grandfather permits for the remaining captive by the end of 2025, providing a ground zero for zero tolerance and regulation from January 2026 onwards Information on the moratorium and registration of captive parrots # grandfathered captive parrots registered by the end of 2025 9 (l)(m) 28 (1)‐(10) 3.4.6 Establish penalties for not maintaining captive care standards and for abuse of any native wildlife in care # infractions p.a. # cases that result in fines p.a. 28 (5)(10) 29 (6) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 77 POLICY STATEMENT 4: MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE EXOTIC WILDLIFE Belize has established and is implementing effective management of exotic wildlife within its borders. Key Objectives 4.1 Establish a framework for the effective management, regulation and support of exotic wildlife in captivity. OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 4. MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE EXOTIC WILDLIFE 4.1 Establish a framework for the effective management, regulation and support of exotic wildlife in captivity 4.1.1 Develop and implement a captive exotic wildlife strategy that identifies what species can’t be imported (blacklists), with regulations, captive care standards and reporting requirements Report: Captive Exotic Wildlife Strategy Blacklist published in Government Gazette 19 (1)‐(3) 50 (2)(i) 50 (2)(o) 4.1.2 Provide an amnesty period for registration for existing privately held captive exotic wildlife by the end of 2025, grandfathering them in and providing a ground zero for regulation going forward # permits given for privately held captive exotic wildlife by the end of 2024 28 (2)(e) 4.1.3 Establish a registry of authorized exotic wildlife breeding facilities based on set criteria, and permits (renewable annually) Register # exotic wildlife breeding facilities permitted p.a. 28 (1)‐(10) 4.1.4 Increase focus on enforcement to prevent illegal importation of exotic species over Belize’s borders with Mexico and Guatemala # cases of illegal importation of exotic species p.a. # cases that result in fines 19 (3)(c) 25 (1)‐(5) 35 (1)(b) 36 (1)‐(3) 4.1.5 Strengthen communication, collaboration and coordination with BAHA for ensuring health of wildlife when it enters Belize Agreement with BAHA for importation of exotic wildlife at the border 25 (5) 49 National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 78 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 4. MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE EXOTIC WILDLIFE 4.1 Establish a framework for the effective management, regulation and support of exotic wildlife in captivity 4.1.6 Ensure traceability of exotic captive species from importers / breeders to dealers / outlets through maintenance of logbooks and annual reporting, and through microchip / tattooing or other means of marking dependent on species where applicable and appropriate # infractions identified based on logbook information p.a. 50 (2)(p) 4.1.7 Implement a zero‐tolerance policy and levy maximum fines for any individual or organization who intentionally releases exotic species into the wild # infractions p.a. # cases that result in fines p.a. 9 (g) 29 (6) 36 (1)‐(3) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 79 4.3 ADMINISTRATION POLICY STATEMENT 5: EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WILDLIFE POLICY Belize is effectively implementing the National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan. Key Objectives 5.1 Establish and / or strengthen the administrative structures to support implementation of the Wildlife Policy and Wildlife Management Act. 5.2 Ensure adequate funding and support for the administrative structures and skilled human resources for the effective management of wildlife and wildlife stakeholders. 5.3 Ensure informed decision making in the adaptive management of wildlife, based on scientific evidence and traditional knowledge, and supported by effective research, monitoring and evaluation. 5.4 Strengthen good stewardship of wildlife in Belize based on improved awareness and understanding of wildlife and the services it provides OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 5. IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE POLICY, STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 5.1 Establish the administrative structures to improve management of wildlife 5.1.1 Ensure strategies, frameworks and plans are in place and implemented for effective management of the NWPSAP thematic areas National Threatened Species Strategy National Strategy for the Sustainable Use of Wildlife National Captive Wildlife Strategy National Exotic Species Strategy 6(f) 7 (1)(2) 9(c) 19 (1)‐(2) 20 (1)(h) 5.1.2 Establish and maintain online registries to manage information on key wildlife stakeholders Online Registries 22 (1)‐(10) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 80 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 5. IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE POLICY, STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 5.1 Establish the administrative structures to improve management of wildlife 5.1.3 Ensure the annual permit application process, where required, is accessible through an online platform, and includes proof of registration Online platform on Forest Department website for online permit application 22 (10) 23 (3)‐(5) 24 (3) 25 (3) 26 (3) 27 (3) 28 (4) 5.1.4 Ensure that any petty or significant infractions are linked to the offender’s registration, to track multiple infractions towards decisions to remove from registry either temporarily or permanently Registry entries Register of offences 5.1.5 Develop, maintain and update national species lists, published in the Government Gazette National Redlist Game Species Blacklist 11 (1) 5.1.6 Develop and implement a Communication Plan for effective communication with all key stakeholders Communication Plan 9 (l) 20 (j) 5.2 Ensure human resources, capacity and technical skills are available for the effective management of wildlife 5.2.1 Ensure that the Wildlife Unit has the human resources and technical capacity required for the effective implementation of the NWPSAP Annual Human Resource Needs Assessment % of human resources that are not in place p.a. # technical areas identified as gaps p.a. 20 (k) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 81 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 5. IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE POLICY, STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 5.2 Ensure human resources, capacity and technical skills are available for the effective management of wildlife 5.2.2 Ensure Forest Officers and other relevant agencies have the training required for effective implementation of the NWPSAP, including tools and training to identify and address cyber crime # Forest Officers that have been trained in skills required for addressing technical skills gaps p.a. # technical areas identified as gaps p.a. 20 (1)(j) 5.2.3 Ensure the Forest Department (Wildlife Unit ) is equipped for the effective, sustainable implementation of the NWPSAP Annual Equipment Needs Assessment % equipment gaps 20 (k) 5.3 Ensure informed decision making in the adaptive management of wildlife, based on scientific evidence and traditional knowledge, and supported by effective monitoring and evaluation 5.3.1 Strengthen the framework for management of scientific research, ensuring research contributes towards national goals and addresses knowledge gaps, and is well monitored, with repatriation and publication of reports and papers Scientific research framework National Research Strategy % of research projects that submit reports p.a. 27 (1)‐(5) 35 (1)(d) 5.3.2 Ensure the Wildlife Unit is making informed decisions based on scientific research, wildlife monitoring, traditional knowledge, wildlife partner reports and technical experts Evidence of adaptive management 6 (1)(h) 9 (n) 5.3.3 Ensure advisory groups and technical experts are consulted to provide input to the Forest Department in relevant areas of wildlife management. List of working groups List of technical experts # consultations and subject p.a. 16 (1)‐(2) 17 (1)‐(2) 18 (1)‐(2) 19 (1)‐(2) 26 (6)(a) 29 (3) 50 (l) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 82 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 5. IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE POLICY, STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 5.3 Ensure informed decision making in the adaptive management of wildlife, based on scientific evidence and traditional knowledge, and supported by effective monitoring and evaluation 5.3.4 Establish a clearing house of information on wildlife in Belize as a platform for information management and sharing, providing accurate and accessible scientific information and technical reports on Belize’s wildlife Online populated platform for sharing of reports, papers and other information on wildlife 9 (f)(l) 5.3.5 Engage research partners, in the ex‐situ and in‐situ conservation and management of wildlife. List of registered research partners 20 (i) 27 (1)‐(5) 5.3.6 Measure collective outputs to demonstrate progress, with effective monitoring and reporting Biennial report on status of native wildlife 9 (c) 16 (2) 17 (2) 18 (2) 20 (1)(h) 5.3.7 Strengthen the National Research Strategy for the management of scientific research in Belize in consultation with research stakeholders, and with identification of research priorities and safeguards in place to ensure the research contributes to national goals and meets set standards. Updated National Research Management Strategy 9 (d) 5.3.8 Identify criteria for scientific collection, especially if of vertebrate species (if allowed), and whether Belize should require duplicate collections to be deposited Criteria developed for scientific collection 23 (1)(d) 27 (1)‐(5) 5.3.9 Require all scientific collection permit applications to be supported by clearly defined justification for collection (whether for specimens or for capture and release), and review by experts Revised scientific collection permit application form 23 (1)(d) 27 (1)‐(5) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 83 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 5. IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE POLICY, STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 5.3 Ensure informed decision making in the adaptive management of wildlife, based on scientific evidence and traditional knowledge, and supported by effective monitoring and evaluation 5.3.10 Require the lead researcher to be present in the field overseeing team members during any collection # permits for scientific collection p.a. # field visits by Forest Department during wildlife capture p.a. % field visits during wildlife capture where the lead researcher is present 27 (1)‐(5) 5.3.11 Collaborate with the Veterinarian Surgeons Board to ensure that any vet applying to work on wildlife in Belize has the required experience and qualifications Agreement with Veterinary Surgeons Board for collaboration in the evaluation of research collection permit requiring veterinary skills 20 (1)(g) 50 (2)(c) 5.3.12 Require any research collection that involves chemical immobilization of an animal with drugs to include a qualified, experienced wildlife vet registered with the Veterinarian Surgeons Board and the Forest Department # permits issued for scientific collection that includes chemical immobilization p.a. % permits that include chemical immobilization that also include a qualified, experienced wildlife vet in the research team, National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 84 OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES MEASURES OF SUCCESS TIMEFRAME WPA LINK 5. IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE POLICY, STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 5.4 Strengthen good stewardship of wildlife in Belize based on awareness and understanding of wildlife and the services it provides 5.4.1 Integrate an understanding of wildlife, role in ecosystem health and wildlife management into school curricula Wildlife is integrated into the school curriculum 9 (l) 20 (1)(j) 5.4.2 Engage the participation of all stakeholders in the planning and decision‐ making process for effective protection and management of Belize’s wildlife # consultations for input into planning p.a. 6 (1)(g) 9 (1)(q) 5.4.3 Support and promote opportunities for people to connect safely with wild areas to raise awareness and understanding of wildlife conservation and wildlife management nationally, in collaboration with wildlife partners # opportunities for connecting safely with wild areas p.a. # collaborating agencies p.a. 9 (1)(q) 5.4.4 Strengthen national understanding of the value of wildlife, with natural capital considered in the sustainable development of Belize’s natural resources Valuation of wildlife (report) BIOFIN reports with integration of value of wildlife p.a. 9 (l) 20 (1)(j) 5.4.5 Strengthen collaborative partnerships and strategic alliances with the private sector for the sustainable management of Wildlife Management Areas and other strategies List of private sector partners p.a. # private sector partners p.a. 6 (1)(g) 20 (1) 5.4.6 Strengthen effective multi‐agency collaboration for addressing wildlife crime # collaborating agencies p.a. 6 (1)(f) 5.4.7 Strengthen effective multi‐agency collaboration for addressing the illegal flow of exotic species over Belize’s borders # joint patrols in the border areas p.a. # cases resulting from multi‐agency collaboration for enforcement of illegal import of wildlife p.a. 6 (1)(f) National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 85 ANNEXES National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 86 ANNEX 1: POST-2020 GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK TARGETS MOST RELEVANT TO THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE POLICY, STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 1. Reducing Threats to Biodiversity TARGET 1: Ensure that all areas are under participatory, integrated and biodiversity inclusive spatial planning and/or effective management processes addressing land and sea use change, to bring the loss of areas of high biodiversity importance, including ecosystems of high ecological integrity, close to zero by 2030, while respecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. TARGET 3: Ensure and enable that by 2030 at least 30 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, are effectively conserved and managed through ecologically representative, well- connected and equitably governed systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, recognizing indigenous and traditional territories, where applicable, and integrated into wider landscapes, seascapes and the ocean, while ensuring that any sustainable use, where appropriate in such areas, is fully consistent with conservation outcomes, recognizing and respecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, including over their traditional territories. TARGET 4: Ensure urgent management actions to halt human induced extinction of known threatened species and for the recovery and conservation of species, in particular threatened species, to significantly reduce extinction risk, as well as to maintain and restore the genetic diversity within and between populations of native, wild and domesticated species to maintain their adaptive potential, including through in situ and ex situ conservation and sustainable management practices, and effectively manage human-wildlife interactions to minimize human-wildlife conflict for coexistence. TARGET 5: Ensure that the use, harvesting and trade of wild species is sustainable, safe and legal, preventing overexploitation, minimizing impacts on non-target species and ecosystems, and reducing the risk of pathogen spill-over, applying the ecosystem approach, while respecting and protecting customary sustainable use by indigenous peoples and local communities. TARGET 6: Eliminate, minimize, reduce and or mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services by identifying and managing pathways of the introduction of alien species, preventing the introduction and establishment of priority invasive alien species, reducing the rates of introduction and establishment of other known or potential invasive alien species by at least 50 per cent by 2030, and eradicating or controlling invasive alien species especially in priority sites, such as islands TARGET 8: Minimize the impact of climate change and ocean acidification on biodiversity and increase its resilience through mitigation, adaptation, and disaster risk reduction actions, including through nature- based solution and/or ecosystem-based approaches, while minimizing negative and fostering positive impacts of climate action on biodiversity. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 87 POST-2020 GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK TARGETS MOST RELEVANT TO THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE POLICY, STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN / 2 2. Meeting people’s needs through sustainable use and benefit-sharing TARGET 9: Ensure that the management and use of wild species are sustainable, thereby providing social, economic and environmental benefits for people, especially those in vulnerable situations and those most dependent on biodiversity, including through sustainable biodiversity-based activities, products and services that enhance biodiversity, and protecting and encouraging customary sustainable use by indigenous peoples and local communities. TARGET 10: Ensure that areas under agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry are managed sustainably, in particular through the sustainable use of biodiversity, including through a substantial increase of the application of biodiversity friendly practices, such as sustainable intensification, agroecological and other innovative approaches, contributing to the resilience and long-term efficiency and productivity of these production systems and to food security, conserving and restoring biodiversity and maintaining nature’s contributions to people, including ecosystem functions and services. TARGET 11: Restore, maintain and enhance nature’s contributions to people, including ecosystem functions and services, such as regulation of air, water, and climate, soil health, pollination and reduction of disease risk, as well as protection from natural hazards and disasters, through nature-based solutions and/or ecosystem-based approaches for the benefit of all people and nature. TARGET 13: Take effective legal, policy, administrative and capacity-building measures at all levels, as appropriate, to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits that arise from the utilization of genetic resources and from digital sequence information on genetic resources, as well as traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources, and facilitating appropriate access to genetic resources, and by 2030 facilitating a significant increase of the benefits shared, in accordance with applicable international access and benefit-sharing instruments. TARGET 14: Ensure the full integration of biodiversity and its multiple values into policies, regulations, planning and development processes, poverty eradication strategies, strategic environmental assessments, environmental impact assessments and, as appropriate, national accounting, within and across all levels of government and across all sectors, in particular those with significant impacts on biodiversity, progressively aligning all relevant public and private activities, fiscal and financial flows with the goals and targets of this framework. TARGET 15: Take legal, administrative or policy measures to encourage and enable business, and in particular to ensure that large and transnational companies and financial institutions: (a) Regularly monitor, assess, and transparently disclose their risks, dependencies and impacts on biodiversity, including with requirements for all large as well as transnational companies and financial institutions along their operations, supply and value chains and portfolios; (b) Provide information needed to consumers to promote sustainable consumption patterns; (c) Report on compliance with access and benefit-sharing regulations and measures, as applicable; in order to progressively reduce negative impacts on biodiversity, increase positive impacts, reduce biodiversity-related risks to business and financial institutions, and promote actions to ensure sustainable patterns of production. National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 88 POST-2020 GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK TARGETS MOST RELEVANT TO THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE POLICY, STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN / 3 TARGET 19: Substantially and progressively increase the level of financial resources from all sources, in an effective, timely and easily accessible manner, including domestic, international, public and private resources, in accordance with Article 20 of the Convention, to implement national biodiversity strategies and action plans. TARGET 20: Strengthen capacity-building and development, access to and transfer of technology, and promote development of and access to innovation and technical and scientific cooperation, including through South South, North-South and triangular cooperation, to meet the needs for effective implementation, particularly in developing countries, fostering joint technology development and joint scientific research programs for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and strengthening scientific research and monitoring capacities, commensurate with the ambition of the goals and targets of the framework TARGET 21: Ensure that the best available data, information and knowledge, are accessible to decision makers, practitioners and the public to guide effective and equitable governance, integrated and participatory management of biodiversity, and to strengthen communication, awareness-raising, education, monitoring, research and knowledge management and, also in this context, traditional knowledge, innovations, practices and technologies of indigenous peoples and local communities should only be accessed with their free, prior and informed consent, in accordance with national legislation. TARGET 22: Ensure the full, equitable, inclusive, effective and gender-responsive representation and participation in decision-making, and access to justice and information related to biodiversity by indigenous peoples and local communities, respecting their cultures and their rights over lands, territories, resources, and traditional knowledge, as well as by women and girls, children and youth, and persons with disabilities and ensure the full protection of environmental human rights defenders. TARGET 23: Ensure gender equality in the implementation of the framework through a gender- responsive approach where all women and girls have equal opportunity and capacity to contribute to the three objectives of the Convention, including by recognizing their equal rights and access to land and natural resources and their full, equitable, meaningful and informed participation and leadership at all levels of action, engagement, policy and decision-making related to biodiversity. POST-2020 GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK TARGETS MOST RELEVANT TO THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE POLICY, STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 89 ANNEX 2: NATIONAL LIST OF THREATENED MAMMAL SPECIES CRITICALLY ENDANGERED National Rating 2025 IUCN Global Rating 2025 Mexico Rating 2019 Guatemala Rating 2022 MAMMALS White lipped peccary Tayassu pecari CR VU P CR BIRDS Yellow-headed Amazon Amazona oratrix CR EN P CR Harpy Eagle Harpia harpyja CR VU P CR Solitary Eagle Buteogallus solitarius CR NT P EN Crested Eagle Morphnus guianensis CR NT P CR Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens CR NT P VU Orange-breasted Falcon Falco deiroleucus CR NT P CR Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra CR LC VU Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscatus CR LC Red-footed Booby Sula sula CR LC A Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata CR LC P VU Scarlet Macaw Ara macao CR LC P CR Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus CR LC A VU Greater Pewee Contopus pertinax CR LC REPTILES American Crocodile Crocodylus acutus CR VU Pr CR IUCN Ratings: CR: Critically Endangered; EN: Endangered; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; LC: Least Concern; DD: Data Deficient National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 90 ENDANGERED National Rating 2025 IUCN Global Rating 2025 Mexico Rating 2019 Guatemala Rating 2022 MAMMALS Baird’s tapir Tapirus bairdii EN EN P CR Central American spider monkey Ateles geoffroyi EN EN P EN Brown brocket deer Mazama pandora EN VU CR Jaguar Panthera onca EN NT P CR BIRDS Ocellated Turkey Meleagris ocellata EN NT A VU Great Curassow Crax rubra EN VU A VU Ornate Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus ornatus EN NT P VU Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens EN NT A VU Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis EN LC Pr VU Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus melanoleucus EN LC P VU Osprey Pandion haliaetus EN LC Yellow-lored Amazon Amazona xantholora EN LC A VU Mealy Amazon Amazona farinosa EN LC P EN Collared Plover Charadrius collaris EN LC Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus EN LC P REPTILES Cantil Agkistrodon bilineatus EN NT CR Middle American Rattlesnake Crotalus simus EN LC VU Belize Leaf-toed Gecko Phyllodactylus insularis EN VU AMPHIBIANS Bromeliad Treefrog Bromeliohyla bromeliacia EN VU CR Coffee Rain Frog Craugastor coffeus EN CR Sanderson’t Streamfrog Craugastor sandersoni EN EN EN Guatemalan Treefrog Ecnomiohyla minera EN VU CR National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 91 VULNERABLE National Rating 2025 IUCN Global Rating 2025 Mexico Rating 2019 Guatemala Rating 2022 MAMMALS Puma Puma concolor VU LC EN Ocelot Leopardus pardalis VU LC P EN Margay Leopardus wiedii VU NT P EN Yucatan black howler monkey Alouatta pigra VU EN P EN Collared peccary Pecari tajacu VU LC VU Thomas's sac-winged bat Balantiopteryx io VU VU VU Red brocket deer Mazama temama VU DD EN Neotropical river otter Lontra longicaudis VU NT A EN White-mouthed sucker bat Thyroptera tricolor VU LC Pr EN BIRDS Keel-billed Motmot Electron carinatum VU VU P VU Agami Heron Agamia agami VU NT Pr VU White-crowned Pigeon Patagioenas leucocephala VU NT A VU Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus VU LC Pr VU Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis VU LC Pr VU Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus VU LC Pr VU Bicolored Hawk Accipiter bicolor VU LC A VU Common Black Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus VU LC Pr VU Black-collared Hawk Busarellus nigricollis VU LC Pr VU Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus VU LC P VU King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa VU LC P VU Wilson's Plover Charadrius wilsonia VU LC A Brown Noddy Anous stolidus VU LC Least Tern Sternula antillarum VU LC Pr Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis VU LC Wood Stork Mycteria americana VU LC P Jabiru Jabiru mycteria VU LC P EN Caribbean Dove Leptotila jamaicensis VU LC National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 92 VULNERABLE / 2 National Rating 2025 IUCN Global Rating 2025 Mexico Rating 2019 Guatemala Rating 2022 BIRDS / 2 Lovely Cotinga Cotinga amabilis VU LC A EN Grasshopper Sparrow Ammodramus savannarum VU LC Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens VU LC Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus VU LC P VU Singing Quail Dactylortyx thoracicus VU LC Pr Black-throated Bobwhite Colinus nigrogularis VU LC Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis VU LC A Brown-hooded Parrot Pyrilia haematotis VU LC P VU Red-lored Parrot Amazona autumnalis VU LC A VU White-crowned Parrot Pionus senilis VU LC A VU Stygian Owl Asio stygius VU LC A VU Crested Owl Lophostrix cristata VU LC A VU Black-throated Shrike-Tanager Lanio aurantius VU LC Pr VU Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja VU LC Speckled Mourner Laniocera rufescens VU LC Pr VU Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis VU LC VU Plumbeous Vireo Vireo plumbeus VU LC VU Yucatan Vireo Vireo magister VU LC REPTILES Morelet’s Crocodile Crocodylus moreletii VU LC Pr Yucatan Neotropical Rattlesnake Crotalus tzabcan VU LC Imantodes tenuissimus VU LC Pr Hognosed Pit Viper Porthidium nasutum VU NT Pr Thamnophis marcianus VU LC A Laemanctus longipes VU LC Pr Laemanctus serratus VU LC Pr Symphimus mayae VU LC Lundell’s Spiny Lizard Sceloporus lundelli VU LC A National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 93 VULNERABLE / 3 National Rating 2025 IUCN Global Rating 2025 Mexico Rating 2019 Guatemala Rating 2022 AMPHIBIANS Alta Verapaz Salamander Bolitoglossa dofleini VU NT VU Yucatan Mushroomtongue Salamander Bolitoglossa yucatana VU LC Morelet’s Treefrog Agalychnis moreletii VU LC EN Alfred’s Rainfrog Craugastor alfredi VU LC VU Broad-headed Cave Frog Craugastor laticeps VU LC Limestone Rainfrog Craugastor psephosypharus VU NT Long-legged Streamfrog Craugastor sabrinus VU NT EN Leprus Chirping Frog Eleutherodactylus leprus VU LC Maya Mountains Frog Lithobates juliani VU LC West Forest Caecilian Gymnopis syntrema VU NT IUCN Ratings: CR: Critically Endangered; EN: Endangered; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; LC: Least Concern; DD: Data Deficient National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 94 IUCN Ratings: CR: Critically Endangered; EN: Endangered; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; LC: Least Concern; DD: Data Deficient WATCH LIST National Rating 2025 IUCN Global Rating 2025 Mexico Rating 2019 Guatemala Rating 2022 MAMMALS White tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus NT LC VU Paca Cuniculus paca NT LC A VU Nine-banded Armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus LC LC VU Wrinkled-bearded bat Mormoops megalophylla LC LC EN Big naked-backed bat Pteronotus gymnonotus LC LC A EN Gabb’s Cottontail Sylvilagus gabbi DD LC BIRDS Black Catbird Melanoptila glabrirostris NT NT Pr Fulvous Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna bicolor LC LC VU Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor LC LC Great White Egret Ardea alba LC LC Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius LC LC Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis LC LC A EN White-fronted Amazon Amazona albifrons LC LC Pr VU REPTILES Mayan Tropical Night Lizard Lepidophyma mayae NT NT P Incilius campbelli DD LC Central American Worm Salamander Oedipina elongata DD LC VU Orangebelly Swamp Snake Tretanorhinus nigroluteus DD LC Yucatecan Casque-headed Treefrog Triprion petasatus DD LC Pr Eyelash Viper Bothriechis schlegelii DD LC VU National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 95 GLOBALLY THREATENED SPECIES MANAGED UNDER THE MANDATE OF THE BELIZE FOREST DEPARTMENT CRITICALLY ENDANGERED Yellow‐naped Amazon Amazona auropalliata Cocobolo Dalbergia retusa Honduras rosewood Dalbergia stevensonii Gymnanthes sp. Gymnanthes belizensis Cribbiana Orchid Vanilla cribbiana Sinkhole Cycad Zamia prasina ENDANGERED Baird's Tapir Tapirus bairdii Central American black‐handed spider monkey Ateles geoffroyi Yucatan black howler Alouatta pigra Yellow‐headed Parrot Amazona oratrix Golden‐cheeked Warbler Setophaga chrysoparia Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis Sanderson's Streamfrog Craugastor sandersoni Odonata sp. Epigomphus maya Amphitecna sp. Amphitecna lundellii Abal Ak Attilaea abalak Bartholomaea sp. Bartholomaea mollis Bartholomaea sp. Bartholomaea sessiliflora Boc‐ché Bravaisia grandiflora Ceratozamia sp. Ceratozamia robusta Chiangiodendron sp. Chiangiodendron mexicanum Cinnamomum sp. Cinnamomum bladenense Coussarea sp. Coussarea imitans Cupania sp. Cupania spectabilis Eugenia sp. Eugenia chahalana Eugenia sp. Eugenia izabalana Forestiera sp. Forestiera corollata Harpalyce sp. Harpalyce rupicola Sombrerito Heisteria media Justicia sp. Justicia eburnea Doncella Lonchocarpus multifoliolatus Machaerium sp. Machaerium conzattii Myrcia sp. Myrcia petenensis Palo Prieto Pera barbellata Coyo Persea schiedeana Petenaea sp. Petenaea cordata Pithecellobium sp. Pithecellobium johansenii Pithecellobium sp. Pithecellobium stevensonii Psychotria sp. Psychotria lorenciana Psychotria sp. Psychotria lundellii National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 96 ENDANGERED (continued) Repollo Quadrella calciphila Tropical White Oak Quercus insignis Quiina Sp. Quiina schippii Honduras Mahogany Swietenia humilis Zapotillo Trichilia breviflora Trichilia sp. Trichilia erythrocarpa Vanilla sp. Vanilla hartii Vanilla sp. Vanilla inodora Vanilla sp. Vanilla insignis Vanilla sp. Vanilla odorata Vanilla Orchid Vanilla planifolia Vitex sp. Vitex kuylenii Yucca Yucca lacandonica Sinkhole Cycad Zamia decumbens Zamia sp. Zamia meermanii Zamia sp. Zamia variegata Arcabú Zanthoxylum belizense Zanthoxylum sp. Zanthoxylum procerum Zygia sp. Zygia confusa VULNERABLE White‐lipped Peccary Tayassu pecari Yucatan Brown Brocket Deer Mazama pandora Eastern Pipistrelle Perimyotis subflavus Thomas's Sac‐winged Bat Balantiopteryx io Belize Leaf‐toed Gecko Phyllodactylus insularis American Crocodile Crocodylus acutus Agami Heron Agamia agami Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica Great Curassow Crax rubra Harpy Eagle Harpia harpyja Slaty‐breated Tinamou Crypturellus boucardi Keel‐billed Motmot Electron carinatum Guatemalan Treefrog Ecnomiohyla minera Leprus Chirping Frog Eleutherodactylus leprus Aiouea sp. Aiouea areolata Bauhinia sp. Bauhinia dipetala Blakea sp. Blakea calycularis Spanish Cedar Cedrela odorata Palm sp. Chamaedorea adscendens Tepejilote Jade Palm Chamaedorea oblongata Coccoloba sp. Coccoloba hirtella Chakte'kook Cosmocalyx spectabilis Coussapoa sp. Coussapoa oligocephala Cahuirica Dalbergia calycina National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 97 VULNERABLE (continued) Cahuirica Dalbergia calycina Fulfordianthus sp. Fulfordianthus evansii Kambo Gaussia maya Ipê Handroanthus chrysanthus Pitahaya sp. Hylocereus minutiflorus Inga sp. Inga davidsei Pio Leptobalanus sparsipilis Matacucuyuchi Louteridium donnell-smithii Lycianthes sp. Lycianthes hypoleuca Candelillo Magnolia yoroconte Mariosousa sp. Mariosousa usumacintensis Monteverdia sp. Monteverdia belizensis Nectandra sp. Nectandra belizensis Ouratea sp. Ouratea insulae Ouratea sp. Ouratea pyramidalis Nahuacté Oxandra maya Schwerdtfeger's Pine Pinus tecunumanii Pouteria sp. Pouteria amygdalina Pouteria sp. Pouteria belizensis Protium sp. Protium multiramiflorum Sargent's Cherry Palm Pseudophoenix sargentii Tepozcohuite Quercus acutifolia Rondeletia sp. Rondeletia belizensis Mountain Palmetto Schippia concolor Sideroxylon sp. Sideroxylon stevensonii Mahogany Swietenia macrophylla False Camedor Synechanthus fibrosus Chaltecoc Trichilia minutiflora Amargoso Vatairea lundellii National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 98 ANNEX 3: REGULATED SPECIES LIST (BLACKLIST) Blacklist - Species that should not be imported into Belize Any species that is native to Belize MAMMALS Coypu / Nutria Myocastor coypus Capybara Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris Mink Neogale vison Mongoose Herpestidae Ferret Mustela putorius Wild boar Sus scrofa Raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides Common rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus Brown rat Rattus norvegicus Black rat Rattus rattus All primates BIRDS Quaker / Monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus Ring-necked parakeets Psittacula krameri Chestnut munia Lonchura atricapilla Tricolor cappuccino Lonchura malacca Crested mynah Acridotheres cristatellus Canada goose Branta canadensis All falcons Falconiformes sp. All owls Strigiformes sp. All Amazon parrots Amazona sp. All macaws Ara sp. All starlings Sturnidae sp. REPTILES Anaconda Eunectes murinus Burmese python Python bivittatus Reticulated python Malayopython reticulatus African rock python Python sebae Carpet python Morelia spilota Green tree python Morelia viridis Pacific ground boa Candoia bibroni Rainbow boa Epicrates cenchria California kingsnake Lampropeltis californiae Corn snake Pantherophis guttatus National Wildlife Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2035 99 All adders / vipers Elapidae / Viperidae sp. All non-native crocodilians, but especially Spectacled caiman Caiman crocodilus American alligator Alligator mississippiensis Nile crocodile Crocodylus niloticus Common agama Agama agama Chinese water dragon Physignathus cocincinus Graceful chameleon Chamaeleo gracilis Veiled chameleon Chamaeleon calyptratus Senegal chameleon Chamaeleo senegalensis Anolis Anolis sp. Geckos Gekkonidae Skinks Scincidae Komodo dragons / Monitors Varanidae All amphibians