The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the places that you need to visit inBelize. Learn more about the many sights and activities you can enjoy while staying in CockscombBasin Wildlife Sanctuary Lodging.
History of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Southern Belize, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary sits below the peaks of 
the Cockscomb Range. The name ‘cockscomb’ is derived from the jagged look of the range when seen from the north or south. This place was declared a forest reserve in 1984, and a part of it was set aside to be transformed into a wildlife sanctuary. In 1993, the whole basin was declared a wildlife sanctuary and new movements were taken to the Trio Valley. Today, over a hundred thousand acres are protected following a big international effort to save the juguar population of the basin.
Recorded History of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
The ancient Mayas were believed to be the first inhabitants of the basin, as evidenced by the ruins of Chucil Baalum, a small ceremonial site from the Classic Period of the Mayan Civilization. The Golds worthy expedition in 1888 was the first known attempt to head to the peak of the Cockscomb Range. Up there, they found loggers already go here, acquiring mahogany cedar. The logs floated down South Stann Creek to the coast and are then brought to Belize City. Many of the names on the basin’s map retained the interesting names of timber caps like ‘Go to Hell Camp’ and ‘Sale Si Puede.’ All these camps were reclaimed by the jungle long ago.
Cockscomb Basin Plants and Animals
With a history of logging and hurricanes, a mosaic of mature and dense secondary forests was made, with canopies of up to 120 feet. The basin has a maze of creeks and tributaries, all merging to make the headwaters of its two man rivers: Swasey Creek and South Stann Creek. Sittie River, the third river, has a part touching the northern part of the basin. Its two main seasons are dry and wet, with dry being the more distinct. Dry season runs from January to May, while the wet season offers 100 to 180 inches of rain fall. Because of such amount, vegetation in the basin is characterized as a tropical moist forest. The Cockscomb Basin has shallow granite-based oils with low nutrient content. Similar to most oils of tropical forests, without the dense vegetation covering the jungle, the heavy rains in the region lead to severe erosion. Thus, the basin is transformed into a virtual wasteland, and the rest is ruined.
The Cockscomb basin contains the highest density of jaguars recorded anywhere in the world. Jaguars are considered the third biggest member of the cat family, with adult males measuring up to 6 feet from nose to tail and weighing up to 200 pounds. Males have overlapping territories of up to 16 square miles. The females do not overlap and measure just a third of the males. Apart from jaguars, the diverse ecosystem of the basin offers protection to a large percentage of the plant and animal species in the country, including the endangered tapir, ocelot, margay and macaw. Considered to be a birder’s paradise, the lush jungles of the basin is home to over 300 recorded species. Some of the most interesting species include keel-billed toucan, scarlet macaw, king vulture, boa constrictors, iguanas and the red-eyed tree frog. The jungle has a wide range of plant species like giant tree ferns, orchids, airplants and climbing vines. Some of the more popular tree species are cohune palm, mahogany, ceiba and yemeri.
Wildlife Sanctuary: Visitor information at Cockscomb Basin
Adventure lovers will love the extensive trail system in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife. It has unique features that any hiker or any level will enjoy. All of these trails loop back to the Visitor Center which also serves as the starting point. A night hike would be a nice experience. Swimming in the streams and waterfalls of the basin is a must-do. Other amenities in the sanctuary include a camp ground, picnic area, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary lodging with communal kitchen, and drinking water for cooking and showers. Consider availing of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary budget travel for overnight tours with pre-cooked meals.