Protecting Belize’s National Animal: The Belize Tapir Project’s Conservation EffortsDriving Conservation Through Research and EducationBelize is home to one of Central America’s most iconic wildlife species—the Baird’s tapir, the country’s national animal. Founded in 2008, the Belize Tapir Project was established after Dr. Poot observed an alarming increase in tapirs being struck by vehicles, particularly along the Burrell Boom Road. Frederick’s Remarkable Return to the WildOne of the Belize Tapir Project’s most recent success stories is Frederick, an injured tapir rescued earlier this year after wandering into a family’s yard in Blue Creek, Orange Walk. Citizen Science to Help Protect WildlifeAs development continues across Belize, the Belize Tapir Project is expanding its conservation efforts through a new Road Ecology Project, aimed at collecting nationwide data on wildlife road fatalities. As Belize continues to grow, the Belize Tapir Project is encouraging the public to become active participants in wildlife conservation.