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The Jamaican Wildlife and Nature

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jamaican_boa_snakeJamaican Wildlife and Nature | Jamaican Boa

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

For many visitors, Jamaica represents a slice of paradise. For some, it’s the white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, gorgeous sunsets and luxury resorts that hold the most appeal. While for others it’s the opportunity to embrace nature such as hiking or camping in the blue mountains, exploring various caves and waterfalls, bird-watching and discovering the many species unique to the island.

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Here are 9 common questions about Jamaican wildlife and nature, that you may find insightful.

1. What is the nature of Jamaica?

Jamaica is commonly referred to as “ the land of wood and water”, so it should come as no surprise that the island is surrounded by luscious rainforests, waterfalls, rivers, rugged mountains and hillsides, and lush greenery. Even in urban areas, you will find a significant number of gardens, parks, palm tree-lined streets and other forms of more manicured greenery, so no matter where you are in Jamaica you will get a feeling of being close to nature.

2.What are some facts about nature in Jamaica?

  • There are 4 significant mountain ranges in Jamaica. The Blue, John Crow, Don Figuero, and Cockpit Country mountain ranges are all located in Jamaica, which is an extremely mountainous island.

  • Jamaica has 120 rivers, however, some are located underground. Three major rivers are Rio Minho, Great River and Black River.

  • Jamaica has 8 well-known healing mineral springs that are believed to have therapeutic properties, providing relief for many bodily pains and ailments.

  • Around 20 botanical gardens, some of which are several hundred years old, and about 3,000 species of natural flowering plants and thousands of species of non-flowering flora can be found in Jamaica.

  • About 150 kinds of butterflies and moths, including 35 native species and 22 subspecies, can be found in Jamaica. The Jamaican swallowtail butterfly, the biggest in the Western Hemisphere, also calls it home.
attractions_in_negril_jamaica_blue_hole_mineral_springBlue Hole Mineral Spring

3. What is the largest forest in Jamaica?

The Cockpit Country is the most significant contiguous forest in Jamaica, and it is thought to be home to 1,500 vascular plant species, 400 of which are endemic to the island.

4. What is the biggest cave in Jamaica?

There are over 100 caves in Jamaica and the largest is the Gourie Cave. West-central Jamaica's Manchester Parish is home to the sizable river cave known as Gourie Cave. It is the longest cave on the island, at 3505 meters.

jamaica_butterfly_polydamasthyamus2.jpgJamaican Butterfly

5. What animals are protected in Jamaica?

Along with most species of birds, here are the protected animals in Jamaica:

  • Sperm Whale
  • Baird’s beaked Whale
  • Short-finned pilot Whale
  • Humpback Whale
  • Common Bottlenose Dolphin
  • Pantropical spotted Dolphin
  • West Indian Manatee
  • Caribbean Monk Seal (Pedro Seal)
  • Jamaican Hutia (Coney)
  • American Crocodile
  • Jamaican Iguana
  • Yellow Snake/Jamaican Boa
  • Green Turtle
  • Hawksbill Turtle
  • Loggerhead Turtle
  • Atlantic Kemps Ridley
  • Leatherback turtle
  • Reid Seahorse
  • Jamaican Kite Swallowtail
  • Giant Swallowtail Butterfly
  • Black Coral
  • White Coral

6. How many endangered species are there in Jamaica?

There are over 300 endangered species in Jamaica, the majority of which are plants. There are also mammals, fishes, amphibians, birds, reptiles and other invertebrates.

doctor_bird_feeding_on_handJamaican Doctor Bird

7. What are 3 native animals of Jamaica?

Jamaica is home to several species that are only found there, including the Jamaican Hutia, Yellow-Billed and Black-billed Amazon Parrots, the Doctor Bird (the country's official bird), the Jamaica Iguana, the Jamaican Giant Galliwasp, and the Jamaican Swallowtail Butterfly.

8. What is the top predator in Jamaica?

The Jamaican Boa, also called the Yellow snake, is the largest natural terrestrial predator on the island. They hang from tree branches in order to catch their food, such as bats or birds, as they fly by. The prey is rapidly enveloped in constricting coils after being caught and then swallowed whole.

scorpions_in_jamaica.jpgJamaican scorpion

9. What is the most venomous animal in Jamaica?

The violin spider and fiddle-back spider are additional names for the brown recluse. It might be the most lethal animal in Jamaica, not only due to its aggressiveness but also because of its strong venomous bite, which damages generalized tissue by destroying red blood cells. The Jamaican forty-leg and scorpion are close behind.

Jamaica is not only a popular destination for its beautiful beaches and rich culture but is also home to an array of fascinating wildlife and breathtaking natural landscapes. From the endangered Jamaican iguana to the lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls, the country's diverse ecosystem attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

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References & Sources For Jamaican Wildlife and Nature

  1. Jamaica: number of threatened species by type 2022 | Statista. (n.d.). Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/978559/number-threatened-species-jamaica-type 
  2. Animals in Jamaica - Jamaican Animals - Indigenous and Foreign. (2023, March 27). My-Island-Jamaica.com. https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/animals_in_jamaica.html
  3.  Animals of Jamaica|https://animalia.bio/jamaica-animals 

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