Endangered Animals in Jamaica

Jamaica’s diversity when it comes to wildlife is not a secret to many. But despite its natural richness, it’s sad to know that varieties of animal species are already or some are near to extinction. However, their government has been striving hard to save these existing species. Here we have listed some of the nearly extinct species and the factors that brought them to such situation.

The Jamaican Iguana

Being the island’s largest land animal, this specimen has invited interests within or outside the island. It is the rarest specie of lizard in the world with just about 50 individuals alive.  The Jamaican Iguana is on the endangered list since adult population is thought to be only 200. Threats to this animal include burning of charcoal by locals resulting to destruction of their natural habitat and also some other animals like namelycats and dogs.

The Jamaican Boa

Also known as the yellow snake, this animal is identified with its black and yellow color. It is widely distributed in the island with a length of about 3 meters. Deforestation and development are the primary factors of extinction. Moreover, it has been reported that people are killing them fearing that they are poisonous, but they’re actually not.

The Jamaican Giant Swallow Tail Butterfly

This is the largest butterfly of the Americas and Caribbean Islands having a wingspan of six inches. The swallowtail is now only found on isolated parts of the island. Main threats are loss of habitat and illegal commercial collecting.

American Crocodile

Being the only family of crocodiles living in Jamaica, it is one of the largest reptiles in the island. They inhabit wetlands along the Southern Coast. Extinction is due to decline in their natural habitat.

The Jamaican Blackbird

Jamaican Blackbird became extinct primarily because of loss of habitat. It can only be found in Jamaica’s Cockpit Country, an area for conservation of different species. The decline in habitat is due to bauxite mining, and significantly, afforestation. Removal of trees for burning and coffee plantation are other contributory factors.

The Jamaican Petrel

Also known as the Blue Mountain Duck, petrel is a small seabird that remains on the critically endangered list. This species was last collected in 1879nd has a drastic decline in number in the 19th century. The presumed cause of its loss is predation of introduced rats which took eggs and mongooses that take incubating adults.

Zip line Adventure in the Rainforest of Jamaica

Zip line is indeed a fun and thrilling adventure to experience. In this undertaking you will feel the rush of the air as you swing from tree to tree or in some cases, buildings and at the same time feed your eyes with the wondrous sights to see.

When traveling to the Caribbean, one of the countries you should not miss visiting is Jamaica. Resting at the Caribbean see, Jamaica, one of the largest islands in the Caribbean has been one of the top travel destinations in this side of the globe. It is home with wide range of animals, tame and wild alike. Also nesting on its ground are plants of all sorts. Flowers bloom along their luscious land and birds fly on top of trees.  

Aside from the flora and fauna you’ll see, Jamaica is known for its zip line adventures in the rainforest. A zip line adventure is you being harnessed on strong cables attached on pulleys and sliding from top to bottom of the cables. It is a propelling-gravity adventure you, your family and friends can enjoy.

Fly like birds as you pass through tree canopy. See birds, animals and the trees from above. Like other zip line adventure, you will be tied or clipped on ropes and be sliding together with the air. Don’t fret for it will be a safe adventure for your local travel masters will make sure you wear the harnesses, climbing helmets and chest harnesses. You will definitely be thrilled in this adventure inside the rainforest. Aside from zip line adventure, you can take a tour inside the rainforest and experience some other adventures as well. 

There are other adventures you can do while in the Jamaican rainforest if you want to take a break from zip lines. You can try riding on cable cars. They are somewhat like zip lines but in this case you will not be clipped on ropes but you will be riding on cable cars instead together with some of your travel buddies.  You can also do bobsled rides or just walk along the rainforest and experience a more personal encounter with the animals and a close look on the plants and the flowers around. 

Reserve a trip now and have a travel tour to Jamaica to experience this for yourself. Feel the rush of air as you slide and feast your eyes on the wondrous surroundings in their zip line adventure.

Checking the Weather in Jamaica before Traveling

Before gearing up for a travel in Jamaica, it is a must for a traveler most especially the non local ones that they check upon the weather first. It is for them to make sure that when they arrive at Jamaica, it is a weather that is suitable for exploring the place. It will not be that hard to see what Jamaican weather will be when you visit the country for there are locations wherein weather follows a trend. However, just to be sure, you can always check on their weather bulletin or local weather reports. 

In general, Jamaican weather is bright and sunny. Thus, making it a perfect destination for those who would like to have an outdoor escape and travel in their beautiful country. The most visited vacation spots in Jamaica are their beaches and of course their rainforest which is rich in plants and flora. 

However, though Jamaican weather mostly follows a trend, some places have a variety of weather condition which changes from time to time. Like when in a year where there are more rains than bright sunshiny weather. But don’t you fret; this kind of weather will still be alright for travelers who like to visit Jamaica’s rainforest. It will still be a fine time and will not ruin your vacation.

Reason why you need to check on Jamaican weather is because of its extreme high temperature at some time. Most would want to visit the country when the weather is fine. But when temperature are considered high, travelling around can be difficult and not enjoyable. Check on what you will expect in terms of the weather in the different seasons wherein you can plan of when to schedule your trip. In the middle of summer, expect higher temperature which can make your vacation hard but this is the time wherein prices for travel packages and hotel reservation are a lot cheaper.

Knowing the weather you’ll arrive in will also help you choose of what clothes to bring. Basically, you need clothes suited for a warm weather because it is mostly warm in Jamaica. Though in some cases, rains and low temperature can arrive so it is wise to have few pairs of cold weather-suited apparel just in case you will need them. 

There are plenty of places wherein you can look for weather reports or bulletin, one of the most popular one is thru the internet. Check on their local Weather Channel Online website for information. You can also dial your travel reservation company which is knowledgeable of what the general weather in Jamaica will be. You can visit websites of local travel sites or resorts in Jamaica as well. 

In conclusion, taking note of the weather condition in Jamaica on the time of your travel or upon planning will save you from trouble of ruining your vacation.