Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Protected wetland sanctuary in Belize District, Belize.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a 16,000-acre landscape of lagoons, creeks, swamps, forests, and pine savanna supporting a wide range of animals. The variety of habitats creates different zones where various species live and find what they need.
The sanctuary was established as a protected area in 1984, following a 1972 evaluation that identified it as valuable for wading bird nesting. This early recognition secured its status as a place of conservation.
The area is a traditional fishing community where residents blend their way of life with conservation efforts. Visitors can see how people here work to protect the natural surroundings while maintaining local practices.
Plan to arrive early in the day when birds are most active before the heat becomes intense. Bring sturdy shoes, insect repellent, and binoculars to get the most from your visit.
The sanctuary holds Central America's largest nesting population of Jabiru storks, which arrive each November to breed in the pine savanna. This gathering makes it one of the most important spots for this species on the continent.
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