| Conservation |
Jamaica is biologically rich, with many endemic species, but habitats are threatened by the rapid conversion of primary forest into plantations. Few areas are protected as nature reserves or parks. On land converted to agricultural use, soil degradation and water shortages have occurred. Coastal waters are polluted by industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills.
The following information is to be sought:
- Status of knowledge of the freshwater fauna;
- Existence of conservation plans;
- Information on major aquatic habitats or sites within the country;
- Current major threats to species;
- Future potential threats to species;
- Contact(s) for further information. |
| Geography and Climate |
Jamaica is the third largest island of the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. Cuba is to the north of Jamaica, and Haiti is to the east. The terrain is mountainous, except for several tracts of lowland in the southern coastal area. The principal range, situated in the eastern section of the island, is the Blue Mountains. Blue Mountain Peak (2,256 m) is the highest summit in the country. A series of lesser mountains extends generally west to the end of the island, surmounting an extensive plateau. Thermal springs occur in various areas. Many small unnavigable rivers traverse the island.
Tropical climatic conditions prevail in the coastal lowlands of Jamaica. The mean annual temperature in this region is about 27°C, but northeastern trade winds frequently moderate the extremes of heat and humidity. Mean annual temperatures in the plateau and mountain areas average about 22°C at elevations of about 900 m, and are considerably lower at greater elevations. Annual precipitation is characterized by wide regional variations. More than 5,080 mm of rain are deposited annually in the mountains of the northeast. In the vicinity of Kingston, the annual average is 813 mm. The months of maximum precipitation are May, June, October, and November. The island is subject to hurricanes in late summer and early autumn.
Ref. Microsoft, 1996 |