Forest Department: “Report Illegal Activities to Help Protect Wildlife and Forests”

The Belize Forest Department is reminding the public to report wildlife concerns promptly to help protect both animals and communities.

Recently, this cooperation led to the safe capture of a jaguar that killed a dog in Hope Creek, Stann Creek. After an initial attempt to trap the animal failed, the Belize Zoo requested the cage be redeployed, which led to the jaguar’s capture on Thursday.

Deputy Chief Forest Officer John Pinelo Jr told News 5 that the jaguar was unharmed and taken to the zoo for a full health check by the Forest Department, Belize Zoo, and Corozal Sustainable Future Initiative.

“We will decide whether we will release the jaguar if it is healthy,” Pinelo said. If released, the jaguar will be fitted with a satellite collar to monitor its movements. “We have successfully relocated 6 jaguars already; this is the 7th one.”

“Too many times the department gets criticised, but we can’t be everywhere and see everything. So we need the public’s support in situations like this so they can call us and make the complaints. That is why we have the hotline number,” Pinelo said. “You don’t even need to have credits; you just need to have WhatsApp.”

“If you see illegal mangrove clearing overland in your area, call us. Take pictures, and send us a WhatsApp location so we know where to go. Similarly with wildlife, if you see people selling animals, selling parrots, selling raccoons, or selling quash, that’s illegal. If you know about people cutting down trees and you know they don’t have a permit or they’re cutting in someone else’s land, give us a call and we will respond,” Pinelo added.