Bladen Nature Reserve, Protected rainforest in Maya Mountains, Belize
Bladen Nature Reserve is a large protected area in the Maya Mountains featuring more than 20 ecosystem types ranging from valleys to highland terrain. The landscape includes rivers, streams, caves, and extensive sections of ancient forest that create a complex natural environment.
The site was settled by ancient Maya communities thousands of years ago who established settlements and extracted mineral resources from the area. Archaeological investigations have uncovered remains of structures and communities from this distant period.
The reserve contains multiple archaeological sites where researchers discovered evidence of complex Maya structures and communities of approximately 10,000 inhabitants.
Access to the reserve is limited and requires special permits from environmental authorities. Visits are mainly permitted for educational and research purposes, so interested visitors should inquire with officials beforehand.
The reserve is home to exceptional animal diversity, including hundreds of bird species as well as numerous mammal and reptile species. This remarkable range of fauna makes the area a vital refuge for rare and threatened species in Central America.
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