What exactly is a Rainforest?

A rainforest is a subcategory among the basic types of forest that generates over eighty feet of rainfall a year, making it extremely different from all other kinds of forest. Under rainforest are also two other types: the tropical and temperate rainforests. 

Tropical rainforest have one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. They are mostly found in South America, Southeast Asia and Africa that houses variety of species of plants and animals. Majority of tropical rainforests are on or near the equator, accounting for a very suitable climate. 

On the other hand, temperate rainforests are mostly found near coasts of almost all continents except Africa and Antarctica. Its average climate is mostly affected by a nearby ocean. Huge coniferous trees dominate the area, accompanied by lichens and mosses.

Did you know that just like the Earth, rainforests also have distinct layers? In fact, there are four:

Emergent Layer. It is the topmost part of a rainforest. The tallest of the tallest trees occupied this layer, approximately 200 feet above the forest floor. The emergent layer is the brightest layer receiving the greatest amount of sunlight. It is directly above the canopy layer.

Canopy Layer. It is considered the life sustaining layer which provides roof to the other two under layers. Most of the rain is stopped in this area; it is in the canopy that most trees in the rainforest are found. There are plants that grow in this area but their roots did not reach the ground, the air plants.  The canopy is composed of thick layer of branch systems that absorbs ultraviolet rays from the sun. Several species of insects, birds and mammals are found in this area.

Understory Layer.  This layer separates the canopy layer to the forest floor. The understory receives little amount of sunlight making it a dark area composed of vines and dense vegetation. Trees in the understory are only 12’ – 15’ in height, and mostly with broad leaves. 

Forest Floor. It is the lowest layer, commonly called the ground layer. Amount of sunlight received is very least in this area, making it very dark and unsuitable for growing plants. However, there are mosses, ferns and low growth plants that live in here. The forest floor is composed of dead leaves, twigs, and is an active site of decomposition. 

Knowing About the Jamaican Boa

The Jamaican boa, the yellow constrictor or sometimes yellow snake, as the local people termed it, is snake specie found throughout Jamaica. Contrary to the connotation of many, it is not venomous. It can also be beneficial in a way that it lessens the number of rodents in farms by eating them, that’s why it is a friend to farmers. But unfortunately, a large number of it is killed annually due to a strong belief by locals that they are venomous.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS AND DESCRIPTION

This snake’s adult size can reach to about 6 feet. It is generally golden yellow or orange in color, with bands of black in its back. Olive green is the color of the top of its head lined with black stripes. In Jamaica, male boas are larger than the females unlike in South American species. This specie is arboreal and feeds on birds, rats but it can also hunt for food on the ground like frogs. It kills the prey by squeezing it around its large body and then, swallows it whole.

HABITAT

The Jamaican boa is not imported species; it is indigenous to Jamaica, though some species that can only be found in South America are transferred to the Caribbean to permanently dwell there. The boa prefers sugarcane fields or limestone forest as its habitat. They can also live on trees and caves.

LIFE CYCLE

Jamaican boas breed in late winter. And it is interesting to know that unlike other snakes, Jamaican boas give birth not with eggs but to a live young in early winter. When the young snake develops, it undergoes ecdysis, or the shedding of skin as a whole in snakes. It only feeds on small amphibians like lizards. When it became an adult, it can reach up to 6 feet as mentioned earlier. It now has the ability to use its size and strength to constrict preys.

LIFE SPAN

A Jamaican boa can live utmost 35 years. These species of reptile are now facing extinction due to introduction of non-native animals on Jamaica which feeds on them. In addition to this, habitat destruction is also one of the major forces that led these animals to enormous decline in number.