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In the adjacent Fireburn Reserve area, a recent biological inventory showed the presence of:
- 30 species of mammals (excluding bats & small rodents), of which 24 are endangered, threatened, or of international concern.
- Over 200 species of birds
- 70 species of reptiles and amphibians
- 28 species of fish
The biodiversity of the Balam Escape area is expected to exceed that of Fireburn because of its size, greater diversity of habitats, and the presence of freshwater wetlands in the Corozalito area.
Endangered Species of International Concern expected to occur within the Balam Escape Area:
- Jaguar (Panthera onca)
- Jaguarundi (Herpilurus yaguarondi)
- Ocelot (Leopardus wiedii)
- Margay (Leopardus pardalis)
- White-lipped Peccary (Tayassu pecari)
- Collared Peccary (Tayassu tajacu)
- Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
- Neotropical River Otter (Lutra longicaudis)
- Caribbean Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
Species Endemic to Meso-America and the Yucatan Peninsula are:
- Big-eared Climbing Rat (Ototylomys phyllotis)
- Yucatan Squirrel (Sciurus yucatanensis)
- Gaumer's Pocket Mouse (Heteromys gaumeri)
- Yucatan Vesper Rat (Otonyctomys hatti)
- Deppe's Squirrel (Sciurus deppei)
Species Endangered, Threatened, Rare and/or Hunted throughout their range:
- Grey four-eyed Opossum (Philander opossum)
- Kinkajou (Potos flavus)
- Mexican Porcupine (Coendou mexicanus)
- Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
- Central American Agouti (Dasyproctor punctata)
- Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius)
- Striped Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus semistriatus)
- Northern Tamandua (Tamandua mexicana)
- Red Brocket Deer (Mazama Americana)
- White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
The Audubon Society and Wildtracks (one of the leading eco-societies in Belize) are among a few key groups that have already completed some extensive studies of The Balam Escape. We have included some of the highlights of past reports, and listed them for your enjoyment. These reports only include sightings at the time of the report, and conclude that there is a multitude of species not yet fully documented. This poses an exciting opportunity for the intrepid naturalist. In order to truly appreciate the property you must come and see it for yourself.
Below is only a partial list of the species not mentioned above that have also been observed during various expeditions taken into The Balam Escape.
The bird life is unparalleled with Belize boasting one of the highest concentrations of bird species anywhere in the world. 84 species of birds were noted by casual observation on our land, and it is estimated that 250 are species indigenous to the property area and/or use this property as a major transit zone during migration.
Belize wildlife - JaguarPuma, Northern Raccoon, Tayra, White-nosed Coati
Maya small eared shrew, Collared Anteater
Common Opossum, Virginia Opossum
Agouti, Paca, Davy's Naked-Backed Bat, Parnell's Mustached Bat, Thomas' fruit-eating Bat, Pallas' long-tongued Bat, Yellow-shouldered Bat, Argentine brown Bat, Mastiff Bat
Frogs, Toads, Turtles, most notably the Central American River Turtle
American Crocodiles, 17 species of Lizards, 27 species of Snakes
118 fish species recorded: 3 families and 6 species of exclusively freshwater fish, 5 families and 35 species of brackish-water fish with some salt tolerance, and 30 families and 77 species of marine fish
This list is far too extensive to include here. The rainforest seems to forever yield new species to be discovered. The rainforests located here abound with exotic flora and fauna, and offer visitors a chance to encounter most of these species up close. Coupled with these natural wonders, Belize has the legacy of the Mayan people as evidenced through numerous important ruins, dwellings and artifacts.