The
visitors' entrance to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is located
at Maya Centre, which is at Mile 15 of the Southern Highway in the Stann
Creek District. The Cockscomb Basin headquarters is located some 6 1/2
miles west of the visitors' entrance to the sanctuary. Situated within
the shadows of the Maya Mountains, the sanctuary encompasses some 100,000
acres of tropical moist forest that rises from 300 feet above sea level
to approximately 3675 feet at the summit of Victoria Peak. Originally
established in 1984 as a reserve to protect a large jaguar population,
as well as other resident wildlife, the sanctuary is also known as " The
Jaguar Preserve". Since, the sanctuary is home to numerous members of
the cat family, there is also a large population of mammals and birds
to support the food chain. Therefore, even though you may not see a jaguar
or another carnivore during your visit, the opportunity to see herbivorous
animals, a multitude of birds, and beautiful flora is always present.
