Zoology

The Zoology Department of the Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ) is dedicated to studying, preserving, and promoting Jamaica’s unique wildlife. Our work supports conservation efforts, scientific research, and public education to ensure that future generations can appreciate and protect our island’s rich biodiversity.

WHat we do

Research and Species Identification

Biodiversity Conservation

Support Education and Public Awareness

Ongoing Projects

Digitizing the collections

A sneak peek in our collection

Specimen of American Crocodile

Specimen of Hawksbill Turtle

Specimen of Jamaican Coney

Did You Know

Jamaica is a bird paradise?

Jamaica has snoring frogs?

Jamaica has a giant butterfly?

The Museum’s zoology collection consists of over 110,000 specimens. It contains specimens from other countries in the Caribbean, and represents a wide variety of faunal classes including insects, spiders, mollusks, crustacea, amphibians, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals. The collection houses two (2) specimens of the extinct Jamaican Petrel, Pterodroma Caribbean and several specimens of species classified as threatened, rare or endangered. The oldest specimens include a moth from 1879.

JAMAICAN BATS EXHIBITION

The Zoology Department of the Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ), in partnership with Bat Conservation International (BCI) and the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), will be presenting an exciting new exhibition on Jamaican Bats! This exhibition will feature several of Jamaica’s bat species, with a special focus on two critically endangered species that are found in only a few caves on the island. Visitors will learn about ongoing local and global conservation efforts aimed at protecting these species and the important role bats play in our ecosystems. The exhibition will also challenge negative misconceptions about bats and highlight their ecological significance. The exhibition is scheduled for completion by May 2025, with an official opening in June 2025. Stay tuned for updates!