The wildlife sanctuaries offer a safe haven for wildlife, which ranges from de industrious cutter ants to the national animal of Belize, Baird´s tapir. There are approximately 145 species of mammals living in Belize. There are 139 species of reptiles and amphibians that have so far been identified in Belize, including 56+ species of snakes.
Approximately 40% of the country is protected, maintaining homes for Belize wildlife like the tapir, the toucan, the jaguar, and many other endangered species.