Did You Know?

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.

Jamaican Tody
Doctor Bird

Photos: World Bird Traveler and Dubi Shapiro, Oisbaux Birds

Jamaica has 21 frog species found nowhere else, including the Jamaican Laughing Frog (Osteopilus ocellatus) and the Jamaican Snoring Frog (Osteopilus crucialis).

Jamaican Laughing Frog
Jamaican Snoring Frog

Photos: Richard L. Goldberg (left), Timoteo_b on iNaturalist (right)

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.

Jamaican Yellow Boa
Jamaican Iguana

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.

Mexican Free-tailed Bat

Photo: Josh Hydeman

The Jamaican Giant Swallowtail Butterfly (Pterourus homerus) is the largest butterfly in the Americas, with a wingspan of up to 6 inches (15 cm).

Jamaican Giant Swallowtail Butterfly

Photo: Vaughan Turland

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).

Jamaican Cave Velvet Worm
Jamaican Blind Cave Crab

Mary J. Rathbun, Wikimedia Commons

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).

Stoplight Parrotfish
Blue Chromis
Sergeant Major

Photos: Florent’s Guide to the Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean Reefs