Crooked Tree Wild Life Sanctuary

The sanctuary provides a home and feeding ground for many of Belize's wildlife species and protects critical habitats for both migratory and resident birds. As a wetland, it is a haven for waterbirds and during the dry season (Feb-May) the area becomes especially important for feeding birds. A pleasant way to explore the sanctuary is by boat. Many water birds congregate along the lakeshore and the banks are lined with interesting plants. Some of the birds we may expect to find here include the Black-Collared Hawk, several species of herons, limpkins and the unique Snail Kite. In addition, the elusive Sungrebe, and the even more elusive Agami Herons, Northern Jacanas, Boat Billed Herons, Least Grebes, Pygmy Kingfishers, Rufus-tailed Jacamars, and several species of parrots can all be found here and are frequently photographed at close range.

Water-birds are the main attraction for visitors, in particular the mighty Jabiru Stork. The Jabiru is one of the most spectacular birds. It reaches a height of 5 ft and a wing-span of 10 to 12 feet, making it the largest flying bird in the New World. These storks frequent Crooked Tree during periods of low water. Black Howler Monkeys, Spiny-tailed and Green Iguanas are some examples of other wildlife that frequents the area.

The Black Howler Monkey, locally known as the baboon in English or the saraguate in Spanish, is the main species of interest in the reserve. A total of 28 troops were identified in the area in 1985. The Howler population has grown from 840 at this point to over 1000 by 1988. Territories are occupied by anything from a single animal to groups of 10. Before 1970, the Black Howler Monkey was thought to be a sub-species of A. palliata, which ranges throughout Central America. Investigations of skull shape and behavior established it as a separate species, with a range limited to southern Mexico, northern Guatemala and Belize. With increasing habitat destruction, this primate is becoming increasingly threatened- A variety of other mammals are found in the reserve or nearby, including Baird's Tapir and the Jaguarundi. Reptiles include Morelet's Crocodile, Iguana and the Central American River Turtle. Local people report that deer are beginning to re-appear and that birds are becoming more abundant Whilst 59 species of birds were recorded by Zisman in 1989, the number identified with increased investigation has risen to 250. The mature riverine forests contain 40 to 50 species of tree, and hundreds of shrub, herbaceous and epiphytic plants. The presence of commercial timbers, particularly Logwood, Cedar and Mahogany has been, and continues to be affected by logging so that the occurance of mature specimens is very rare. Milpa agriculture has left patches of riverine forest in various stages of secondary development.There are numerous small house mounds in the reserve area. It's current settlements also have a significant history in the Logwood and timber trade of the 17th to 19th centuries.