Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary
| Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
Map of Belize | |
| Location | Toledo District, Belize |
| Coordinates | 16°08′22″N 89°10′21″W / 16.1393209°N 89.1725409°W |
| Area | 5,492 acres (22 km2) |
| Established | 1998 |
| Governing body | Co-managed by Aguacaliente Management Team |
The Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature reserve in the Toledo District of southern Belize. It encompasses approximately 5,492 acres (22.23 km2) and was declared a sanctuary in 1998. It encompasses a unique wetland ecosystem, featuring freshwater lagoons and a distinctive hot spring, all interconnected by various creeks, which give the sanctuary its name "Aguacaliente" (Spanish for "hot water"). The sanctuary is one of the critical protected areas for the preservation of biodiversity in the region and serves as a critical habitat for a wide array of wildlife, particularly numerous bird species, including endangered ones, that utilize the lagoons for feeding and as a migratory stopover.