The island is famous for its wide range of ecosystems, from stunted forests atop the highest peaks to rainforests nestled in valleys, as well as savannas and dry sandy areas that support only cacti and other drought-resistant plants. Jamaica’s diverse forest types, especially its wet limestone forests, play a vital role as important havens for its abundant biodiversity. These forests host numerous plant and animal species found nowhere else, making significant contributions to the island’s distinct ecological makeup.

Cockpit Country, a region of wet limestone forests, stands out as a crucial hub for Jamaica’s biodiversity and unique species. It is home to a diverse array of plants and animals found exclusively in Jamaica, such as the Jamaican boa and the Jamaican coney.

	Score	Rank	Change
Total Score – NCI 2024	57.87	58	N/A
Land Management	52	102	N/A
Protected Areas (Terrestrial)	67	84	N/A
Ecological Representativeness of Terrestrial Protected Areas	100	1	N/A
Connectedness of Terrestrial Protected Areas	34	150	N/A
Protected Areas (Marine)	2	104	N/A
Pristine Habitat (Converted Land)	100	1	N/A
Sustainable Nitrogen Management (Soil Pollution)	39	87	N/A
Sustainable Pesticide Use	19	110	N/A
Threats to Biodiversity	61	101	N/A
Threatened Species (Terrestrial)	72	158	N/A
Threatened Species (Marine)	64	63	N/A
Threatened Species’ Coverage by Protected Areas	100	1	N/A
Species Coverage by Marine Protected Areas	88	84	N/A
Species with Declining Populations (Terrestrial)	7	151	N/A
Species with Declining Populations (Marine)	0	10	N/A
Depleted Fisheries	38	16	N/A
Fishery Pressure in the High Seas	100	66	N/A
Invasive Species Pressure	83	137	N/A
Capacity and Governance	67	79	N/A
Total Management Cost	99	43	N/A
Conservation Culturomics	39	114	N/A
Conservation Legislation	38	95	N/A
Ratification of CBD	100	1	N/A
Ratification of CITES	100	1	N/A
Political Stability and Absence of Violence	50	63	N/A
Control of Corruption	50	66	N/A
Government Effectiveness	62	43	N/A
Future Trends	54	25	N/A
Climate Change Mitigation	54	25	N/A

Four pillars elaborated:

Land Management

Jamaica possesses an extensive network of nearly 300 protected areas, comprising diverse ecosystems and landscapes. These designated areas encompass national parks, forest reserves, marine parks, and special fishery conservation zones. Notable among Jamaica’s marine protected zones are the Montego Bay and Negril Marine Parks, renowned for their vibrant coral reefs, varied fish populations, and endangered sea turtles. These zones play a pivotal role in preserving marine biodiversity and supporting local fishing activities.

On land, Jamaica’s protected areas like the Cockpit Country Forest Reserve and the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park safeguard lush rainforests, towering peaks, and distinctive wildlife. These regions provide crucial ecosystem services, including water purification and carbon storage.

Threats to Biodiversity

Jamaica’s biodiversity faces numerous threats, including habitat destruction, overexploitation, the influence of invasive species, limited enforcement of environmental laws, insufficient recognition of the value of natural resources, inadequate land use planning, pollution, and the effects of climate change. Given the significant reliance of Jamaica’s economy on its natural resources, these threats can have far-reaching consequences, impacting both the country’s economy and its environment.

Capacity and Governance

The Jamaican government has made efforts to aid in the conservation of its rich biodiversity and ecosystem. One such effort is the establishment of protected areas, such as national parks, forest reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries, which are managed by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). The government has also implemented a number of policies to protect endangered species, such as the Jamaican iguana and the Jamaican crocodile, and has worked with local communities to promote sustainable practices, such as the use of renewable energy and the conservation of water resources.

Additionally, the government has collaborated with international organizations to support research and conservation efforts, such as the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Development Programme.

Future Trends

Jamaica’s National Strategy and Action Plan for Biological Diversity underscores the nation’s dedication to sustainable development, prioritizing the preservation and responsible utilization of biodiversity. The plan emphasizes the integration of biodiversity considerations into national policies and decision-making frameworks, recognizing its critical role in Jamaica’s economy and overall welfare. Aligned with Vision 2030 Jamaica, the plan presents avenues for realizing the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, aimed at safeguarding global biodiversity and ecosystem services, thereby harmonizing conservation efforts with broader national development objectives.

Biodiversity

Jamaica’s coastal areas and marine environments are equally important for biodiversity. The island’s coral reefs, particularly those along the north and west coasts, are teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and various invertebrates. These reefs play a crucial role in the health of marine ecosystems and provide important services such as coastal protection and tourism opportunities. Mangrove forests, found along the island’s coastline, are vital for both terrestrial and marine species. They serve as nurseries for many fish species and provide habitats for birds, crabs, and other wildlife. The wetlands, such as the Black River Morass, support a diverse range of species, including the endangered American crocodile and numerous bird species like the West Indian whistling duck and the snowy egret.

The dry limestone forests and savannas in the southern parts of Jamaica add another layer of biodiversity. These areas are home to unique plant communities and various reptiles, including the Jamaican iguana, which has been brought back from the brink of extinction through concerted conservation efforts.

In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to Jamaica only):

	Species (World rank)	Threatened	% Threatened	Endemic	% Endemic
Mammals	49 (#162)	7	14.3%
Birds	201 (#168)	10	5.0%	32	15.9%
Reptiles	52 (#121)	25	48.1%	3	5.8%
Amphibians	25 (#87)	15	60.0%
Fishes	635 (#92)	41	6.5%	3	0.5%
Plants	3,734 (#94)	215	5.8%	25	0.7%