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Jamaican
Biological Diversity
Jamaica is
the third largest island of the Caribbean with an area of ~
11,425 km2. For a relatively small tropical island,
it has a
remarkable
diversity of species and ecosystems.
Jamaica has
the
highest number of endemic birds and plants for any Caribbean
island.
Furthermore, the high plant endemicity has led to some unique
floral compositions in the forests of the Blue and John Crow
Mountains and the Cockpit Country. Among the variety of
terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems are dry and wet
limestone forests, rainforest, riparian woodland, wetlands,
caves, rivers, seagrass beds and coral reefs. The global value
of Jamaica’s biodiversity is indicated by the number five
ranking of its endemic flora and fauna amongst islands
worldwide.
Biodiversity
is an integral part of our daily lives.
Yet the level of awareness and recognition of its importance is
very low considering the destruction, alteration and pollution
of our natural resources. Food, clothes and shelter all come
from the components of biodiversity. The different species of
crop plants, livestock, fresh water and marine fishes are the
sources of agricultural industries. Selective plant and animal
breeding enable the cultivation of pathogen-resistant crops or
hybrid species which tend to be healthier than the parent stock.
Variety in Jamaican craft items such as the straw baskets made
from the sisal plant, wicker furniture from the Philodendron
plant, leather products and rugs from cow and goat hides depends
on the diversity of our flora and fauna. Services provided by
the forests including watershed areas which provide groundwater
and surface water resources, stabilization of the world’s
climate by absorbing solar radiation and prevention of soil
erosion are often taken for granted. Other forests like
mangrove forests along the coast, act as wave breakers and
protect the coastline from storm surges and extensive flooding
during storms and hurricanes.
The ways in which different societies
define their
culture
are
intimately linked to
biodiversity. Our national
and local dishes (Ackee and Saltfish), our national bird
(Red-billed Streamertail Hummingbird), our national tree (Blue
Mahoe), our national flower (Lignum Vitae) and even the name of
some countries, are typical examples. The name Jamaica is said
to be derived from the Amerindian name ‘Xaymaca’, meaning land
of wood and water. Every culture has folk songs and tales which
are usually based on the natural history of a country. Then
there is folk medicine, still alive among the indigenous peoples
of the world and forming the basis for much scientific research
and discovery.
It is necessary to
identify the components of biodiversity that must be conserved
and sustainably used. There are several information gaps for
Jamaican biodiversity which can only be met through more
inventories and research. In light of the growing concerns that
Earth is experiencing rapid increases in species extinction,
ecosystems and their components, endangered, threatened, and
vulnerable species are priority issues.
Past extinctions of species
or irreversible habitat destruction serve as reminders to the
inevitable consequences of irresponsible or indifferent
attitudes towards the care of our biodiversity.
Effective conservation of our biological resources is
dependent on acquiring the relevant information which leads to a
better understanding of our biodiversity, effective management
of protected areas, sustainable harvest rates and sustainable
uses of biodiversity.
References:
Natural Resources Conservation Authority, Ministry of
Environment and Housing. State of the Environment The 1997
Report.
United Nations
Environment Programme. 1995. Global Biodiversity Assessment.
Cambridge University Press.
Natural History Division
Institute of Jamaica
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