FLORA & FAUNA IN JAMAICA

Jamaica is the third largest island of the Caribbean with an area of ~ 11,425 km 2 . For a relatively small tropical island, it has a remarkable diversity of species and ecosystems. Jamaica has the highest number of endemic birds and plants of any Caribbean island. The large number of endemic plants including many orchids has led to some unique floral compositions in the forests of the Blue and John Crow Mountains and the Cockpit Country.

Among the variety of terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems are dry and wet limestone forests, rainforest, riparian woodland, wetlands, caves, rivers, seagrass beds and coral reefs. The global value of Jamaica's biodiversity is indicated by the number five ranking of its endemic flora and fauna amongst islands worldwide.
Some of the animal species of Jamaica include:

the endangered Swallowtail Butterfly Seaturtles ( Leatherback, Loggerhead, Green Turtle and Hawksbill) Manatees Jamaican Iguana Crocodiles Jamaican Huita or Coney Mongoose

Jamaica does not have any dangerous animals and is completely safe for walking and hiking in the countryside.

Much of the beauty of the Blue Mountains can be attributed to the stunning diversity and intricacy of its forests; from moss covered slopes, gullies filled with strands of primeval looking ferns, to the gnarled and stunted trees of the peak. In total, there are over 500 flowering plant species in the Blue Mountains, of which some 240, or nearly half, are unique to Jamaica.

The island is especially hospitable to orchids because of its climate. With topography ranging from the tropical coastland to the thickly vegetated hills, the island fosters the growth of many wild orchids, from the tiny Lepanthes species to the Phaius tancarvilleae, which can reach a diameter of about 4 inches.
There are 230 species of orchids of which 60 are endemics. Of the Lepanthes 31 species are endemic. This genus is important biologically and phytogenically. In addition there are over 580 types of ferns of which 11% are endemic.

To experience flora and fauna hikes guided by local experts can be arranged.

 

Tel.: 876 993 7267

Skypename: mockingbirdees

Email: info@hotelmockingbirdhill.com or mockbrd@cwjamaica.com

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