Jamaica

About Jamaica

Jamaica is situated in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba and West of Hispaniola. It is the third largest island in the Caribbean and has an area of 10,990 square kilometers (4,243 square miles) and a total coastline of 1,022 kilometers (634 miles). There are 336,000 ha of forest which provides habitat for biodiversity especially endemic plants and animals. It is estimated that there are at least 3,304 species of vascular plants in Jamaica of which 923 or 27% are endemic including 22 species of Bromeliads, 60 species of orchids, 67 species of ferns, 10 species of cacti, 7 species of palms and 1 species of grass. The species diversity among terrestrial vertebrates is varied with 67 species of land birds, 39 species of shore and seabirds and 22 species of amphibians. It is also estimated that among invertebrates there are 133 butterflies, 48 fireflies, 26 jumping spiders, 59 ants and 514 land snails. Jamaica has a rich diversity of marine animals including 572 species of fish, 8 species of black corals, 64 species of stony corals, 43 species of soft corals, 32 species of sharks and rays, 6 species of sea turtles, 455 species of crustaceans, 825 species of molluscs and many marine mammals including whales, dolphins and manatees. Marine plant species in Jamaica are dominated by 3 species of seagrasses and 386 different macro-algal species including calcareous algae. Jamaica\’s freshwater species are not as diverse as the terrestrial or marine species animal species include 4 endemic freshwater fish, 2 families of shrimp and the endemic freshwater turtle. Freshwater plant species are understudied as a group but are known to include 2 freshwater plants. There is also 1 freshwater mammal. Jamaica has over 1,000 caves as a result of its limestone structure. These caves are home to a number of species such as endemic bats, crabs, crayfish and a species of Onychophorian. The Island of Jamaica is ranked 5th among Islands in the world in terms of plant endemism.

Contact Information:

Mrs. Shelia Harvey
Chief Plant Quarantine Inspector
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
Hope Garden,
Kingston,
Jamaica
Tel: 977 0637 / 977 6401
Fax: 977 6992
Email: syharvey@moa.gov.jm

IAS Work in Jamaica

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National Invasive Alien Species Strategy & Action Plan – Jamaica 2014-2020 (NIASSAP)

The National Invasive Alien Species Strategy and Action Plan (NIASSAP) aims to guide the work of…

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The Pet Trade Pathway Toolkit – Jamaica

This Pet Trade Pathway Toolkit is the first output under Jamaica’s 2014-2020 National Invasive Alien Species…

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National Invasive Alien Species Strategy & Action Plan (NIASSAP) – 2014-2020

Invasive alien species (IAS) are alien (non-native) species whose introduction and/or spread threaten biological diversity. They…

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The Jamaican Iguana Pilot Final Report 2014

Following another successful campaign during the 2011-2012 period, the JIRG once again recorded a record year for…

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Lionfish Project Technical Report

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are a major threat to the vulnerable marine, freshwater and terrestrial biodiversity.…

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Black River Pilot Project

The Black River morass is the largest freshwater wetland ecosystem in Jamaica and the second largest in…

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Animal, plant protection made easier by NEPA – As reported in Jamaica Star

Jamaica is more prepared to handle and manage protection of its native plants and animals as…

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Jamaica reports big drop in lionfish sightings – As reported in The Economic Times

KINGSTON (JAMAICA): Jamaica is reporting a big decline in sightings of lionfish, the voracious invasive species…

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NEPA better equipped to protect plants, animals – As reported in the Jamaica Gleaner

JAMAICA IS now more prepared to handle and manage the protection of its native plants and…