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.