The Jamaican rainforest is a significant place of refuge for a wide variety of plants and animals. The tropical climate of the country has become a great asset for growth and survival of different species from the endemic ones up to those introduced to the country by foreign settlers.
An extreme variation among the species of plants and animals can be traced back to Jamaica's history. Before the colonization of the Spaniards, the area is deeply covered by forests, however, the foreigners made several clearings of the forest for timber to be used in buildings. Others are cleared for cultivation of crops. Despite these historical developments, Jamaica still has a lot to boast when it comes to the worlds' best for plants and animals.
Jamaica's Pride: Plants
Everywhere in Jamaica are areas fitted with varied plants and flowers; wherever you go, nature is always close by your side.
In rainforests or other areas often showered with great rainfall, species of trees and plants to expect are bamboo, ferns, rosewood, and ebony among others. There are over 900 species of vascular plants present in Jamaica. In fact, the Blue Mountains and the John Crow Mountains are great places to experience a great welcome from Jamaica's plant life. Aside from the mentioned endemic species of trees, there are also some introduced species that are still being cultivated and bring pleasure and charm to almost every place. These are mango trees, banana, citrus trees and breadfruit.
It's overwhelming to know that 27 percent of over 3,000 plant species can't be found on no other place but Jamaica alone. Furthermore, the world's finest coffee is cultivated in the plantations of Blue Mountain.
Jamaica's Pride: Animals
Jamaica's animal life can be first represented by its diverse bird life. There is an abundance of bird species reaching 200 considering the country as a great place for bird watching. Among the notable species are 2 endemic parrots, hummingbirds, and cockatoos. The Jamaican Iguana, of course, is also one of the top-of-the-list species; the mongoose, which was naturalized in Jamaica and the different species of butterfly numbering up to 100 which includes the giant Swallow-tail Butterfly.
The land areas do not just offer a wide array of amazing animals, but also the bodies of water. Freshwater and saltwater fishes abound Jamaica including mackerel, jack, tuna, kingfish, jewfish, snook, and mullet. There are also several species of sea turtles that accentuate the richness of Jamaican waters.
An extreme variation among the species of plants and animals can be traced back to Jamaica's history. Before the colonization of the Spaniards, the area is deeply covered by forests, however, the foreigners made several clearings of the forest for timber to be used in buildings. Others are cleared for cultivation of crops. Despite these historical developments, Jamaica still has a lot to boast when it comes to the worlds' best for plants and animals.
Jamaica's Pride: Plants
Everywhere in Jamaica are areas fitted with varied plants and flowers; wherever you go, nature is always close by your side.
In rainforests or other areas often showered with great rainfall, species of trees and plants to expect are bamboo, ferns, rosewood, and ebony among others. There are over 900 species of vascular plants present in Jamaica. In fact, the Blue Mountains and the John Crow Mountains are great places to experience a great welcome from Jamaica's plant life. Aside from the mentioned endemic species of trees, there are also some introduced species that are still being cultivated and bring pleasure and charm to almost every place. These are mango trees, banana, citrus trees and breadfruit.
It's overwhelming to know that 27 percent of over 3,000 plant species can't be found on no other place but Jamaica alone. Furthermore, the world's finest coffee is cultivated in the plantations of Blue Mountain.
Jamaica's Pride: Animals
Jamaica's animal life can be first represented by its diverse bird life. There is an abundance of bird species reaching 200 considering the country as a great place for bird watching. Among the notable species are 2 endemic parrots, hummingbirds, and cockatoos. The Jamaican Iguana, of course, is also one of the top-of-the-list species; the mongoose, which was naturalized in Jamaica and the different species of butterfly numbering up to 100 which includes the giant Swallow-tail Butterfly.
The land areas do not just offer a wide array of amazing animals, but also the bodies of water. Freshwater and saltwater fishes abound Jamaica including mackerel, jack, tuna, kingfish, jewfish, snook, and mullet. There are also several species of sea turtles that accentuate the richness of Jamaican waters.
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