Jeopardized jaguars

Belize has always been regarded as being a progressive and forward-thinking nation when it comes to the protection of its natural resources. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the only designated jaguar reserve in the world. Only 800 of them are remaining in Belize, and have been facing many challenges : deforestation, prey population decline, or persecution by farmers. Another significant issue less commonly known is the haunting of these animals to make exotic jewelry from their teeth and their claws, adressing a demand from tourists visiting the country in search of some authentic souvenir to bring home. These visitors are not usually aware of the illegal business behind this purchase. When they pick up and buy a necklace with a tooth or a claw pendant, they don't see a beautiful and mighty innocent animal being shot for the only purpose of satisfying their souvenir appetites. Although owning and wearing a piece of jewelry made of jaguar canine tooth or claw is illegal in Belize, no one is ever fined or arrested for this offensive behavior. If Belize wants to be taken seriously in its stewardship profile over the big cats of Americas, a change must happen.

Canine tooth replica

Recently a young jaguar was given to Belize zoo. Barely three month old, this little young fellow should have been still with its mother. But its mother was shot by a poacher. People wearing jaguar artifacts are not allowed entry at the Belize zoo. Their Education Department has launched a campaign against jaguar hunting, displaying and distributing flyers countrywide to raise tourist awareness regarding the issue. The Belize Forest Department, Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), Programme for Belize, Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) and Panthera, the international cat conservation organization, have all been proudly participating in the campaign.

Please think twice before puchasing any items made from animal parts. As long as there will be a demand for it there will be hunting.