Wildlife officials have successfully recaptured a female jaguar linked to livestock predation in the Belize District, bringing relief to residents of Lemonal Village while highlighting Belize’s ongoing efforts to manage human–wildlife conflict.
According to a press release from the Belize Forest Department, the jaguar – known as Anri – was secured on the morning of March 15, 2026 after several weeks of monitoring and trapping operations in the area.
The animal had been moving near the community of Lemonal Village in the Belize District, where reports of livestock predation were first received in early February. Forestry officers, working alongside the Corozal Sustainable Future Initiative Jaguar Capture Team, launched an investigation that included site visits and the installation of camera traps to confirm the identity of the predator.
When the footage was reviewed about two weeks later, the animal responsible was identified as Anri, a jaguar that had previously been captured and fitted with a satellite tracking collar in August 2025.
A tracked jaguar returns
Anri first came to the attention of wildlife officials last year after she was reported as a potential conflict jaguar in the Stann Creek District. At that time, veterinarians conducted a full health assessment and confirmed that she was physically fit, with intact canine teeth and no obvious injuries.
Following that evaluation, the jaguar was fitted with a satellite collar and released away from the conflict site within the Northeastern Biological Corridor, allowing scientists to track her movements through Belize’s forested landscapes.
Telemetry data later showed that Anri traveled widely through natural habitats and wildlife corridors following her release. However, in early February this year, reports of livestock losses in Lemonal Village prompted authorities to investigate whether the same animal had moved into the area.
Monitoring leads to recapture
Once camera traps confirmed Anri’s presence, the Corozal Sustainable Future Initiative Jaguar Capture Team set a trap on February 27. After weeks of monitoring the site, the jaguar eventually entered the trap on the morning of March 15 and was safely secured.
The Forest Department says the capture was carried out without injury to the animal, and a certified veterinarian is now conducting another full veterinary and physical assessment.
Early observations suggest that Anri may have a damaged canine tooth. Wildlife specialists say this could affect her ability to hunt natural prey in the wild and may partly explain why she turned to livestock.
The outcome of the veterinary examination will help determine the most appropriate next step for the animal.
Managing conflict between wildlife and communities
Human–wildlife conflict is an ongoing challenge in Belize, which is home to one of the largest remaining populations of jaguars in Central America. As development expands into forested areas, encounters between people, livestock, and large predators occasionally occur.
In such situations, the Forest Department typically seeks to capture and relocate the animal rather than destroy it.
In Belize, jaguars that cannot safely return to the wild are often relocated to the well-known wildlife refuge, the Belize Zoo, where they can be cared for while also serving as ambassadors for wildlife conservation.
This approach allows authorities to protect both rural livelihoods and the country’s important wildlife populations.
Community cooperation praised
Officials also acknowledged the cooperation of residents in Lemonal Village during the monitoring and capture operation.
Community members reported livestock losses and allowed officers access to the area to install cameras and traps, which ultimately helped confirm the identity of the jaguar and guide the capture effort.
The Forest Department thanked the village for its patience while officers worked to safely resolve the situation.
Further updates on Anri’s condition and her eventual placement will be provided once the veterinary assessment is complete. For now, wildlife authorities say the successful capture represents an important step in balancing the protection of Belize’s iconic jaguars with the safety and livelihoods of rural communities.