Flora and fauna of Jamaica

Jamaica occupies an area of 11,425 km sq in the Caribbean. For a relatively small tropical island, it presents a remarkable diversity in species and ecosystems. Jamaica has the highest number of endemic birds and plants of any Caribbean island. The large number of endemic plants has led to some unique floral compositions in the forests of the Blue and John Crow Mountains and the Cockpit Country.

Flora of Jamaica

Bountiful tropical climate of Jamaica with its fertile soils are favorable for numerous plants and animals life. Jamaica’s national flower is the Blue Lignum Vitae (Guiacum officinale) while the national tree is the Blue Mahoe (Hibiscus elatus).

Vegetation is dense over most of the island, particularly in the northeast where rainfall is plenty. One can spot more than over 3000 flowering species, including the colorful Bougainvillea and almost 200 species of Orchids, over 80 of which are indigenous to the island. Among endemic trees are Cedar, Mahogany, Logwood, Rosewood, Ebony, Palmetto Palm, Coconut Palm and Pimento (Allspice). The plants brought from foreign land to Jamaica are the Mango, Breadfruit, Banana and Plantain. The impressive Blue Mountains provide perfect conditions for the cultivation of one of the world's finest coffee.

Fauna of Jamaica

The faunal life in Jamaica mainly comprises of highly diversified bird life. There are over 200 bird species in the island, 27 of which are endemic. The national bird of Jamaica is the Doctor Bird (Trochilus polytmus). Parrots, Green Todies, Cuckoos and Pelicans are particularly abundant. There are no large mammals on the island. The only native land mammal is the endangered Jamaican Hutia or Cony, a large brown rodent which looks like a guinea pig. Mongooses, imported from India in the 19^th century, are common in wild.

Jamaica is home to plenty of poison less reptiles. Crocodiles are more commonly found in wetlands and mangrove swamps along the south coast. Lizards and Frogs can be seen everywhere while Iguanas can be spotted in remote backwaters. There is a good population of snakes as well in Jamaica. The clear blue waters of Jamaica are nurtures multihued coral reefs and bright exotic tropical fish. The beaches of Jamaica are a good nesting grounds for the Marine Turtles.