Did You Know
A Biodiversity Hotspot – Jamaica is home to over 8,000 recorded species of animals, with high levels of endemism, meaning many of these species are found nowhere else in the world!
Bird Paradise
Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in Jamaica, including 30 endemic species such as the Jamaican Tody (Todus todus) and the Doctor Bird (Trochilus polytmus) , Jamaica’s national bird
Endemic Frogs
Jamaica has 21 frog species found nowhere else, including the Jamaican Laughing Frog (Osteopilus ocellatus) and the Jamaican Snoring Frog (Osteopilus crucialis)
Incredible Reptiles
Jamaica is home to 33 endemic reptile species, including the Jamaican Iguana (Cyclura collei) , the Jamaican Boa (Chilabothrus subflavus) , and a variety of lizards, geckos, and non-venomous snakes
Bats Rule the Skies
Jamaica has 21 species of bats including 5 endemic species found nowhere else on earth making up over 75% of the island’s native land mammals.
Giant Butterfly
The Jamaican Giant Swallowtail Butterfly (Pterourus homerus) is the largest butterfly in the Americas, with a wingspan of up to 6 inches (15 cm)
Hidden Treasures in Caves
Jamaica’s limestone caves are home to rare species such as the Jamaican Blind Cave Crab (Sesarma verleyi) and the Jamaican Cave Velvet worm (Speleoperipatus spelaeus)
Rich Marine Life
Jamaica’s waters host over 600 species of fish, including the Stoplight Parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) , the Sergeant Major (Abudefduf saxatilis) and the Blue Chromis (Chromis cyanea)
The Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ) Zoology Collection houses representatives of all these groups of fauna. We are available to help identify species and answer any queries about Jamaican wildlife!