Bladen Nature Reserve is the ‘crown jewel’ of Belize’s protected area system
Bladen Nature Reserve is the ‘crown jewel’ of Belize’s protected area system. Considered to be one of the most biodiversity-rich, and geographically unique areas within the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, Bladen forms a significant portion of the Maya Mountains Massif.
Bladen’s large expanse of primarily forested uplands and valleys are essential for the survival of regionally iconic species such as the jaguar (Panthera onca), scarlet macaw (Ara macao), white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) and harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja). Furthermore, Bladen provides a refuge for more than 57% of all mammal species known in Belize. Bladen plays a vital role in restocking animal populations in surrounding forests and downstream freshwater habitat. Communities can benefit from a healthy game species population.