However, one animal stands out as a symbol of the country’s rich natural heritage: the tapir. This majestic creature is not only an important part of Belize’s ecosystem but also the national animal of the country. The tapir, also known as the Central American tapir, is a large herbivorous mammal that belongs to the Perissodactyla family. In Belize, tapirs are found in a variety of habitats, including tropical forests, savannas, and wetlands. The Mayas, for example, considered the tapir a symbol of fertility and often depicted the animal in their art and mythology.