Rio Bravo Conservation & Management Area, Nature reserve in Orange Walk District, Belize.
Rio Bravo Conservation Area is a nature reserve in northwestern Belize covering about 360 square miles of broadleaf forest, pine forest, and wetland habitats. The landscape shifts between different types of forest and open water areas.
The area was established in 1988 when an environmental organization purchased about 110,000 acres from the local agricultural company Gallon Jug. Since then, the protected land has been expanded over time.
The reserve contains more than 60 archaeological sites from Maya times, including La Milpa with one of the largest central plazas of the Maya world. These sites show how the region was inhabited and used for centuries.
Two field stations named La Milpa and Hill Bank offer basic lodging for researchers and visitors. These bases serve as starting points for wildlife watching and forest walks.
The area is home to more than 390 bird species and over 70 mammal species, including jaguars and spider monkeys. This concentration of animal diversity makes it globally important for conservation.
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