Saving manatees and monkeys in Belize
Organization | Wildtracks |
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Region | Belize |
Website | Website |
N/A | |
ProjectLeader | Zoe Walker |
Wildtracks provides successful rescue, rehabilitation and release of endangered primates (Yucatan black howler monkeys and Central American spider monkeys) and Antillean manatees in Belize. It uses a blend of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation planning to work with its partners to contribute towards addressing the illegal wildlife trade and supporting Belize's national wildlife conservation strategies.
Challenge
Primates are under increasing threat in Belize from deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade, and manatees from increasing boat strikes - both resulting in increased intakes at Wildtracks. For these endangered species, every individual counts. Successful rehabilitation and release play an important role in their conservation, but this comes at a cost - financing is a significant challenge to ensuring these charismatic species have the best possible pathway to return to the wild.
Long-Term Impact
Wildtracks has successfully reintroduced howler monkeys into protected tropical forests, with the roar of wild howlers echoing through the trees for the first time in 80 years. It has strengthened Belize's manatee population through successful release of rehabilitated individuals back into protected coastal waters of Belize. Work continueseach success is an important step to ensuring that these species continue to live and thrive in the wild, contributing to Belize's conservation successes.
References
- https://www.wildtracksbelize.org
- http://www.wildtracksbelize.org
- http://www.facebook.com/wildtracksbelize
- http://www.instagram.com/wildtracksbelize
Additional Documentation
Project Gallery