Environmental Science Internal Assessment IA

Candidate name: Tamara Russell, Kristoff Hurd, Alica Clare, Jerome

Candidate number:

School: Edwin Allen High School

Year of Examination:2023- 2024

Teacher: Miss Hall

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgement ..............................................................................................................1

Introduction .......................................................................................................................2

Project topic .......................................................................................................................3

Purpose of project ..............................................................................................................3

Methods of data collection .................................................................................................4

Field trip reports .................................................................................................................5-13

Lab Report ..........................................................................................................................14-22

Presentation of Data and Analysis.....................................................................................23-27

Discussion of Findings ..........................................................................................................28

Conclusion ............................................................................................................................29

Literature Review ............................................................................................................30-33

Recommendation ..............................................................................................................34

Bibliography ......................................................................................................................35
 Acknowledgement

As a group we would like to take the time to express our gratitude to our teacher Miss Hall and

our group members for this opportunity to work on this special project. Also thank God for

health and strength to complete this assessment and others who have helped the group to ensure

this assessment was completed.

 1

Introduction

This Environmental Science Internal Assessment (I.A) is based on species diversity within

different locations (Sites) within Jamaica. The I.A includes factors that affected species diversity,

the cause of the problems, the effect of it and the solution to the problems. The organization

(agency) that helps to protect these sites is also included. The internal assessment states the

biodiversity of different areas in Jamaica and the biotic and abiotic factors
 2

Project Topic

To study species diversity in both terrestrial and aquatic (fresh water) ecosystem in different

areas.

Problem Statement

What is the contributing effect on species diversity both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem, and

the solution to the problem.

Purpose of the project

The main purpose of the research is to enforce the fact that terrestrial and aquatic eco-systems

are very important to organisms (both plants and animals). However, the fact is that aquatic

biodiversity is very important to humans and their development, thus it should be protected from

the impacts faced by the existence of mankind. The existing aquatic lives tend to decrease in

abundance over time because of the negative impacts of pollution. Aquatic biodiversity has a

wide variety of purposes and uses. Therefore, pollution should be taken seriously into

consideration, and the threats to species biodiversity and how the problem can be avoided and

the protection of the environment (terrestrial).

 3

Method of Data Collection

The researcher has used site visits, informal interviews, lab reports and a secondary source

(websites) to gather relevant information for the completion of this research.

 4

Field Trip Report

Entry Number:

Date: November 14,2023

Site/Location: Black River, St. Elizabeth

Black River Safari is one of the largest rivers in Jamaica. It has a length of 53.4km. It is found in

the parish of St. Elizabeth. The river is surrounded by mangroves, crocodiles and other

organisms. The river got its name from the color of the water which has a dark green color from

the decomposing vegetation. It became an attraction in November of 1987. The river is a tourist

attraction in Jamaica. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty and wildlife encounters during this

excursion.

Observation:

Some species at Black River Some species seen at Black Number of species seen

River

Crocodiles Crocodiles 5

Turtles Turtles 10

Red mangroves Red mangroves Over 10

 Frogs White mangroves Over 14

Crabs Fishes 10

Wild cane Wild cane Approximately 20

Shrimp Herons 2

Fishes Egrets 2

Herons Water lily Over 10

Egrets

Thatch palm

Water lily

Mullets

Jacana

White mangroves

On the boat ride, the researcher observed the BRS and its species. There are many species of

birds, fish and plants. This tour shows their natural habitats/homes. The river is occupied by

crocodiles of different ranges of sizes starting at 12 inches (at the baby stage) up to 20 feet. The

black river safari has over 300 crocodiles plant species such as the red mangroves and white

mangroves were seen growing on the banks of the river, which is a habitat/home for birds. The

odor and the smell of the water was also observed by the researchers. It was dark in color (black

greenish) but the tour guide explained that it was because of the peat soil.

Activity: At Black River Safari, it's a captivating eco-adventure that immerses participants in the

lush beauty of Jamaica's Black River. When we arrived, we waited about 5 minutes before the

tour guide came and brought us on the boat tour. The researchers have learnt that crocodiles use

their mouth for sweating and can lay in the sun for weeks without moving for digestion to take
place. There are two types of mangroves, red and white, and these are differentiated by the color

of the bark.

The tour guide stated that the crocodiles are not aggressive only when they are troubled by

people. The tour guide told us the name of a few of the crocodiles Jerry and Phillip, he interacted

with Phillip the oldest and biggest crocodile at the river. Phillip is about 12 feet long. He told us

that they do not hunt at night and bask in the sun in the daytime. The tour guide stopped at a

point and let the students touch the mangrove. After the tour we went to the nursery to see the

turtles and the baby crocodiles. The tour guide told us once they are injured, they should take

them to the nursery and care for them. The researcher was able to hold the young crocodiles and

take pictures and touch the turtles.

Comments:

The information collected from the tour guide was useful. Protective rails and life jackets were

on the boat which gave them a sense of safety. Based on the researcher's observation there has

been a great decrease in crocodiles over the pass years because of the amount of human activities

takin place in the river this can mean that humans capture the crocodiles and harm them or sell

them.

Follow up activities:
After the observation, the researcher went to congratulate the Black River Safari team on their

good job that they are doing and encourage them to keep up the good job and the safety of

visitors.

Entry number:

Date: January 25,2024

Site/location: Trelawney, cockpit country (spring garden)

The cockpit country is in the lovely parish of Trelawney, spring garden area, epitomize Jamaica's

natural and cultural heritage spread over approximately 500 square miles of rugged limestone

terrain, this region boasts unique geological formations and diverse ecosystems. The cockpit

country has the highest diversity of plants anywhere on the island. It's a goldmine for bird

watchers and plants.

Observation:

In the cockpit country, there are a lot of rocks, Caves, underground rivers, and waterfalls are

scattered throughout the region. In the cave droplets of water were shown falling from the rocks.

This is because water goes through limestone and the rocks were limestone. People were seen

cutting down trees for livestock. They were also birds' example Jamaican blackbird and red-

billed stream tail.

Activity:

At cockpit country, the researchers were educated about the area (trelawny) that it is an area

where farming is done. The researchers were also educated about the threats the environment

faces. One being deforestation (it is the cutting down of trees) which is a problem for the

different species that live there. Trees are also being cut down for livestock purposes. Another

threat that the environment faces is the bauxite mining which causes less species to be available.

The researchers also took a tour of the forest and they saw the formation of limestone rocks. The

researchers also visited a cave and inside it was growing upwards (stalagmite). The cave is also a

habitat for bats. When both the stalactite and stalagmitic are combined they form a pillar. The

researchers also saw a river and it is used for domestic purposes

Comments:

The researchers observed that in the cockpit country most of the surroundings are clean with no

garbage pollution. The cutting down of the trees for livestock and not being planted back causing

deforestation can be solved by replanting the trees.

Follow up activities:

The researcher would have written a letter sending to the organization implementing some

satisfactory by which the environment can be conserved more. The organization can post flyers

or use social media to inform people that deforestation and bauxite mining can be very harmful

to both the environment and humans.

 9

Entry number:

Date: March 18, 2024

Site/location: blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (BJCMNP)

Blue mountain and John Crow Mountain is in Kingston, Eastern Jamaica. The park covers 495.2

square km. The park itself is a tropical rainforest in north-east Jamaica. In the park there is a

wide range of biodiversity which includes over 800 species of plants which include lichen and

200 species of animals which are both residents and migrants that include the giant swallowtail

butterfly (Papilio Homerus).

Objective:

(1) To observe the biodiversity (terrestrial) in that area.

(2) To observe the abiotic factors affecting the species diversity within that area

observation
In the park it was observed that there are a numerous number of native plants and animals at the

Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park

Activity:

The researcher was initially acquainted with the environment through a comprehensive

PowerPoint presentation. It highlighted key characteristics such as the acidic and porous soil in

the Blue Mountains, which results in low nutrient levels due to leaching. Conversely, the John

Crow Mountains exhibit shallow and stony soil compositions. Following the presentation, we

embarked on a guided tour up the mountain. The panoramic vistas presented a breathtaking

perspective of the natural world. The tour guide provided insights into various plant species,

including Epiphytic plants, hot lips, ferns, and old man beards, enriching our understanding other

diverse flora. Subsequently, we ventured on a hiking expedition to further explore the

surrounding environment.

Comments:

The researcher has observed that BJCMNP is clean surroundings, no garbage and clean and

fresh air. There are some problems such as cutting down the trees. Also, the BJCMNP had buffer

communities which helped to protect and conserve this area as best as possible. However, the

government needs to do more about this problem.

Follow up activities:

The researcher would write a letter to the government Ministry of Agriculture and the

Environment implementing suitable measures to deal with this problem. The government can put

up some harsh penalties for individuals who are found doing this act.
 11

Entry number:

Date: April 10, 2024

Site/location: Portland Bight Protected Area

The Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA) is a significant conservation area located on the

southern coast of Jamaica. Encompassing approximately 1,876 square kilometers (724 square

miles), it is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including dry limestone forests, mangroves,

seagrass beds, and coral reefs. The PBPA serves as a critical habitat for numerous species of

plants and animals, some of which are endemic or endangered. It provides nesting grounds for

sea turtles, feeding areas for migratory birds, and breeding sites for fish and other marine life.

Objective:

(1) To observe the diversity of species and compare them in both terrestrial and aquatic

(2) To observe the abiotic and biotic factors affecting the species within the different areas.
Observation:

In the Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA), a diverse array of ecosystems thrives, including

dry limestone forests, mangrove forests, wetlands, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and shrublands.

While not all ecosystems were explored, ecotones between them host unique plant and animal

species from adjacent biomes. The PBPA boasts remarkable species diversity, facing both biotic

and abiotic challenges. Observations revealed the impact of industrial waste on species within

the area, both on land and in the air. In Jackson Bay, trees were felled and used for charcoal

production, contributing to environmental degradation. Furthermore, a section of the mangrove

forest was devastated by Hurricane Ivan in 2005, leading to reforestation efforts, albeit with slow

growth rates. Dumping activities along Jackson Bay beach exacerbated environmental

degradation, affecting nearby mangrove swamps, which suffered from increased salinity and

reduced freshwater inflow. Additionally, rising sea levels pose a threat to the area's ecosystems.

Activity:

The researcher went on a tour of the different sites. The tour guide gives us some information on

the sites we were going to visit. From the dry limestone forest, the different groups were able to

view the ecosystem though a binocular. After that different sites were visited within the areas

and pictures were taken.

Comments:

The surroundings were not clean. Industries are polluting the water and the atmosphere. The

black smoke coming from industries is not good for humans and animals also the chemicals or

waste which are decomposed into the water will affect the species diversity in the aquatic

environment. This need to be improved

Follow up activities:

The researcher sent a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment and the other

organizations that help to monitor the Portland Bight Protected Area. A suggested some suitable

measures they could put in place to deal with the problems.

13

Experiment Number: lab #1

Date: April 10, 2024

Title: Water Parameter

Aim: to determine the PH of a sample of water collected from a section of the Portland Bight

protected area (PBPA)

Apparatus/materials: sample of water, 250ML beaker, pH meter, Whatman filter paper, funnel

Procedures:

(1) water sample was co

(2) 100ML of the water was filtered into the 250MLbeaker using a whatman nnumber two (2)

filter paper and a funnel.

 (3) The sample was allowed to stand (settled) for fifteen (15) minutes.

(4) observation was made, and reading was recorded.

Observation:

TABLE SHOWING RESULT OF THE pH WATER SAMPLE COLLECTED FROM A

SECTION OF THE PORTLAND BIGHT PROTEECTED AREA

Sample EC PH and H2O

1 48.23 VH 8.1 N

2 52.10 VH 8.2 N

Optimum Range 0.25 65.8

Key

VH- VERY HIGH

N- NORMAL

Discussion:

pH stands for "potential of hydrogen." It measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution on a

scale from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, while lower values indicate acidity, and

higher values indicate alkalinity. PH means potential of hydrogen which is a numeric scale used

to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. The pH of water plays a crucial role in

determining the health and survival of aquatic life. Fluctuations in pH can directly affect the
physiology, behavior, and reproduction of aquatic organisms. For example, many fish and

amphibians have specific pH ranges within which they can thrive, and deviations from these

ranges can lead to stress, disease, or even death. Additionally, changes in pH can alter the

solubility of nutrients and toxic substances in water, further impacting the overall ecosystem

health. Therefore, maintaining a stable pH level is essential for the well-being of aquatic life.

If the pH of water becomes too low (acidic), it can lead to harmful effects on aquatic life. Acidic

water can damage the gills and skin of fish, impairing their ability to breathe and absorb essential

nutrients. It can also affect the availability of certain minerals and nutrients. If the pH of water

becomes too high (alkaline), it can also pose significant challenges to aquatic life. High pH

levels can lead to stress or even mortality in many aquatic species, particularly those adapted to

neutral or slightly acidic conditions. Alkaline water can also affect the solubility of minerals and

nutrients, potentially leading to nutrient imbalances or deficiencies in aquatic ecosystems.

The pH of water can change due to various natural factors such as atmospheric deposition,

geological processes, and biological activities, as well as human-induced factors like pollution

and land use changes.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that the pH of the water sample collected ranged between 6.0-9.0.
 16

Experiment Number: lab #2

Date: April 10, 2024

Title: To look at aquatic environment (parameter that affects species diversity)

Aim: To measure water parameters to determine the quality of the water present at a welcome

beach.

Apparatus/materials: Secchi-disk, dept sounder, G.P.S meter

Procedures:

(1) To determine the visibility of the water

(2) A dept sounder was lowered into the water in that area
 (3) A Secchi-disk was lowered into the water until it disappeared and the dept it disappeared

was recorded

(4) A G.P.S. was used to determine the exact location.

Observation/Results:

TABLE SHOWING RESULTS AFTER THE QUALITY OF THE WATER

PARAMETER WAS DETERMINE, A SECTION AT WELCOME BEACH

LOCATION G.P.S READING DEPT SOUNDER SECCI-DISK

READING

Site 1 17 N 56.236 sec 16.53 meter 4 meters

Site 2 5 N 56.682 sec 16.60 meter 3 meters

Discussion:

Water depth refers to the distance from the surface of a body of water to its bottom, typically

measured vertically. variations in water parameters at different sites along the Welcome Beach.

These parameters, including water depth, Secchi disk readings (indicating water transparency),

and GPS coordinates, provide valuable insights into the quality of the aquatic environment and

its potential impact on species diversity.

The Secchi disk readings, which measure water transparency by determining the depth at which

the disk disappears, are particularly relevant to understanding the availability of light for

photosynthesis. In Site 1, where the Secchi disk disappeared at 4 meters depth, there might be

lower light penetration compared to Site 2, where it disappeared at 3 meters depth. This
difference in light availability could affect the distribution and growth of submerged aquatic

plants, which play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by providing habitat, oxygen, and food for

various organisms.

The transparency of the amount of sunlight able to reach certain dept of site (1) one. And site (2)

can be affected by the color of the water.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that the quality of the water present at welcome beach a section

of Portland Bight Protected Area, at site 1 the water quality is better than of site 2. The

availability of light and transparency of the water at site 1 is better for living organisms. 18

Experiment number: lab #3

Date: April 10, 2024

Title: Aquatic Environment Parameter

Aim: To measure the quality of water present in a section of Portland Bight Protected Area

(PBPA)

Apparatus/materials: YSI Parameter Probe and dept sounder

Procedure: (1) The YSI meter was lowered into the water at two different sites in Portland Bight

Protected Area
Observation/Results:

TABLE SHOWING RESULTS AFTER THE QUALITY OF WATER WAS MEASURED,

A SECTION OF PORTLAND BIGHT PROTECTED AREA.

LOCATION DEPTH TEMPERATU D.O SOLINITY pH

meter RE Degree (DISSOLVED PPT

Celsius OXYGEN)

PPM

Site 1 1m 27.90 c 5.8 34.35 10.25

Site 2 2m 30.00 c 5.2 34.40 10.40

Site 3 1m 26.60 c 5.5 32.79 8.60

Site 4 2m 29.00 c 5.08 33.15 8.90

Discussion:

Temperature: Site 2 recorded the highest temperature at both depths, indicating potential thermal

stratification. Site 3, on the other hand, exhibited the lowest temperature readings.

Dissolved Oxygen. D.O levels were relatively consistent across all sites, with Site 1 showing

slightly higher levels compared to Sites 2, 3, and 4.

Salinity: Salinity values varied slightly among the sites, with Sites 1 and 2 having similar salinity

levels, while Sites 3 and 4 exhibited slightly lower salinity readings.

pH: pH levels were higher at Sites 1 and 2 compared to Sites 3 and 4, indicating potential

alkalinity differences between the locations.

Conclusion: within the limits of experimental error, it can be said the water parameters affect the

distribution of species living in the water, whether it has a negative impact or a positive impact.

Each water parameter affects each other either to increase it or decrease it.

20

Experiment Number: lab #4

Date: April 10, 2024

Title: Aquatic Environment Parameter

Aim: To determine the potassium present in sample of waters collected from Portland Bight

Protected Area

Apparatus/Materials: Potassium Dichromate, beaker, water sample, test tube holder, filter

paper, funnel, flame photometer

Procedures:

(1) 10ML of water sample was filtered into the beaker using a Whatman number two filter

paper and funnel.

(2) Dilution of the sample was done using a dilution factor of one 50ml of filtrate to make up

50ml with the di-ionized water as the potassium was too high.

(3) The reading was done using a flame photometer.

(4) The procedure was repeated for all four samples.

Observation:

The sample turned “murky” when the dichromate was added.

Data Collection/Results:

21

TABLE SHOWING RESULTS OBTAINED TO DETERMINE THE POTASSIUM

PRESENT IN SAMPLE OF WATERS COLLECTED FROM THE PORTLAND BIGHT

PROTECTED AREA.

SAMPLES COLOUR CHANGE READING

1 Slightly blue 68

2 Slightly blue (little bluer 98

than sample one)

 3 Slightly blue (little bluer 151

than sample two)

4 Blue 526

Discussion:

Color Change: The samples exhibited a progressive increase in color intensity, as indicated by

the spectrophotometer readings. Sample 1 had the lowest reading, indicating a slight color

change, while Sample 4 showed the highest reading, indicating a significant color change.

Conclusion: The researcher can conclude that the importance of potassium to aquatic animals

prefer to live in water with the availability of potassium at a high level.

22

Presentation Of Data and Analysis

The researcher will be using pie charts, bar graphs and tables to show the data that was collected.
 Figure 2.1 shows pollution affecting the different locations/sites.

The diagram above shows pollution affecting the different locations. As shown above the
diagram shows site one which has the highest pollution is water pollution 20% then land
pollution which is 15% and the less pollution 10% which is air pollution. For site 2 the highest
pollution is water pollution 10% and then land pollution which is 5%. Site 3 the only pollution in
this area is land pollution which is not affecting that much at 5%. Site 4 is the most affected site
of all four, the highest pollution affecting that area is air pollution 90%, water pollution which is
75% and land pollution which is 70%. The pollution affecting the sites the most is water
pollution, land pollution and air pollution.

23

SITES FACTORS AFFECTING THE SPECIES

1 Pollution, hunting and killing of species
2 Deforestation, Industries
3 Deforestation and invasive species
 4 Fishing, pollution, industries and invasive
species

Figure 2.2 showing the factors affecting the species at the different Site

The table above shows factors that affect the species diversity that was visited. The factor at
Cockpit country is deforestation and industries. The people living in the area around cockpit
country are mostly yam farmers, so they tend to cut down the younger trees for yam sticks and to
plant. At Black River Safari is mostly affected by pollution, hunting and killing of species. The
invasive species in this area compete with the endemic species of that area. The BJMNP is
affected by deforestation which will cause soil erosion. PBPA is mainly affected by industries
within their area which continue to affect the species diversity that is there, fishing and pollution
which will cause a decrease in species diversity.

24
 Line graph showing pH against temperature
12

10

6
pH

0
27.9 30 26.6 29

Temperature 0 C

Figure 2.3 shows Ph against temperature after the quality of water was measured, a
section of the Portland Bight Protected Area.
The line graph represented the pH against the temperature. On the graph when the temperature is
twenty-seven-point nine degree Celsius (27.9 0C) the pH was ten point two, five (10.25). As
temperature increases to thirty degrees Celsius (30 0C) the pH increases to ten point four, zero
(10.40). The temperature decreases to twenty-six-point six degrees Celsius (26.6 0C), the pH
decreases to eight point six, zero (S8.60). Has the temperature increases to twenty-nine degrees
Celsius (29.00 0C); the pH increases to eight point nine, zero (8.90).

25
Figure 2.4 showing the temperature of four sites at a section of the Portland Bight
Protected Area

The bar graph above shows the temperature at the different locations in Portland Bight Protected
Area). The temperature is twenty-seven-point nine degree Celsius at site 1. Site 2, the
temperature increases to thirty degrees Celsius. Site 3, the temperature decreases to twenty-six-
point six degrees Celsius. At Site 4, the temperature increases to twenty-nine degrees Celsius.
Not only does high temperature affect species diversity but low temperatures do. Temperature at
which the species can cope which is their optimum temperature.

26
Figure 2.5 showing the percentage of species present at the different location/site.

Figure 2.5 shows a bar graph of temperature at the different locations (a section of the Portland
Bight Protected Area). At Site 1, the temperature is 27.9 c. Site 2, the temperature increases to
30.0 c. Site 3, the temperature decreases to 26.6 c. At Site 4, the temperature increases to 29.0 c.
Not only does the high temperature affect species diversity but low temperature. Temperature at
which the species can cope which is their optimum temperature

27
 Discussion of findings

The data and analysis indicate pollution stands out as the primary factor influencing species

diversity across the four sites. The researcher aims to explore how factory waste and improper

garbage disposal contribute significantly to pollution levels in these areas. Notably, Site 4

exhibits the highest pollution levels alongside the greatest species diversity. However, it's

anticipated that prolonged exposure to pollution will eventually lead to a decline in species

inhabiting these areas. Laboratory findings reveal a correlation between water temperature and

pH levels, impacting aquatic organisms' survival, as these organisms thrive within specific pH

ranges. Any deviations, such as an increase in water pH, can adversely affect aquatic life. The

collected information highlights that fishing activities are most prevalent at Sites 1 and 4, with

some activity also observed at Site 2. It's noted that residents are primarily engaged in fishing

within their communities. At Site 4, pollution is a daily occurrence, indicating a lack of

awareness among individuals regarding the importance of preserving aquatic environments. The

researcher emphasizes the need for greater attention from environmental agencies to protect Site

4, particularly within the Portland Bight Protected Area.

 28

Conclusion

Based on information collected throughout this research it can be concluded that Site 4 has the

highest level of pollution and Species Diversity (60%). People are aware of the factors that

pollution is reducing the abundance of aquatic lives within the sites, such as homes and people

within households. As a result, the level of pollution on the different locations has been on the

rise and is most evident on the fish pollution.

 29

Literature Review

According to the (IUCN) World Conservation Union, species diversity considers of all

the species present within various terrestrial (fresh water) aquatic and marine habitats. The

organization also stated the importance of biodiversity (values and benefits) and the threats

to biodiversity also known as biological diversity. Species diversity takes into consideration

species richness, which is the total number of different species in a community.

In the Caribbean, the hotspot supports on important biodiversity within its diverse terrestrial

eco-system with a high proportion of immediate, making the region one of the world's greatest

centre of biodiversity. The Caribbean hotspot has dozens of highly threatened species. The

hotspot is also remarkable for the dominate nature of its fauna stated by global species according

to the Caribbean Island hotspot 2013.According to (U.N.E.P) United Nations Environment

Programme the region holds almost one half of the world’s tropical forest, (33%) thirty-three

percent of its total mammals, (35%) thirty-five percent of its reptilian species, (41%) forty-one

percent of birds and (50%) fifty percent of its amphibians, thus (50%) fifty percent of the plant

life of the Caribbean is unique. Of the Caribbean with an area of 11,425-kilometer square.

Therefore, although Jamaica is a relatively small tropical island, it has a remarkable diversity of

species and eco-systems. Jamaica Information retrieved from the www.Jamaica.org.jm state that
Jamaica is the third largest island has a high level of endemism for invertebrate and vertebrate.

Some of these species are protected by the Wildlife Protection Act and are considered

endangered or emetically endangered.

Jamaica marine species diversity is rich and includes species of fish, sea anemones, black corals,

sea fans, stony corals, molluscs, turtles and marine mammals including whales, dolphins and

manatees. Regarding plant species, Jamaica has been rated fifth in island of the world for

endemic plants. Approximately two hundred and twenty-one (221) endemic species are classified

as critically imperilled and especially vulnerable to extinction. There is no limited information on

the ecology and population status of freshwater animals and plants especially endemic species.

(bestjamaica.com/black-river-safari.htm) state that the Black River Safari is the largest navigable

river and through the island's longest wetland area, the Black River Lower Morass. Over a

hundred (100) species of birds have been recorded in the Black River Morass. The vegetation is

of special interest with three species of mangroves, thatch palms, royal palms and fresh water

swap forest dominating. On February 7, 1998, Jamaica become a member of the Ramsar

conversation and was then known as Ramsar Site. Therefore, Jamaica has been given the charge

of ensuring wise use of its wetland as well as to establish reserves and promote training in

wetland research and management.www.cockpitcountry.com/Biodiv&Cons.htm state that in

central Jamaica of one thousand square kilometre (1000sqkm) of land is located the Cockpit

Country which is the largest configures wet limestone forest remaining in Jamaica. The calcium

carbonate primarily makes up limestone is an element easily eroded by carbonic acid naturally

found in rain and surface water. The rain and the surface water worked its way through the
vertical space in the rocks connecting horizontal fissures in the limestone erode the rocky

surface. Although the external surface of a rock

dries quickly after the rain, the water inside circulates for a long time. There are twenty-nine (29)

species endemic to the Cockpit Country. At least ninety-four (94) of Jamaica one hundred and

twenty-five (125) butterflies are found in the Cockpit Country. The Windsor’s Cave is an

important roost for bats a colony of at least one hundred thousand (100,000) lives there and is

responsible for the slippery ‘med’ that cover the floor. The cave has the largest bat population

and fascinating and beautiful formation of the limestones. The Blue and John crow mountain

Nation Park (BJMNP). According to Jamaica clearing house mechanism (2010), the BJMNP is

of global significance because of its high biodiversity and protects over one third of the natural

and close bread leave forest remaining in the island. The Blue and John Crow Mountain is

protected by many organizations and bodies. They ensure that local communities around the area

are aware of the site’s protected status and involve in the conservation of the conservation of the

resources of the area. The biodiversity of the Blue and John Crow Mountain there is a high

percentage of plants and animals’ species that are endemic to Jamaica and at Blue and John

Crow Mountain. There is a variety of large trees to small shrubs; there are also, a variety of ferns

and other small plants species that grows on dead and living tree trucks. Because of the high

level of biodiversity at BJCMNP there is climate change mitigation and adaptation which results

in the reduction of global warming, soil conservation, where trees rebuke soil erosions, provides

water supply, recreational opportunities and agricultural, horticulture and pharmaceutical

products. Endangered or endemic species at this site are protected by organizations that conserve

them. These conservation programs help to improve the biodiversity. Evidence from the Nation
Park’s monitoring and evaluation Program, indicates that species populations of plants and

animals have recovery and even increase.

According to blue and john crow mountain. or Portland Bight Protected Area which is site 4 is

one of the most important areas in the Caribbean for its biodiversity. This area contributes to the

local and nation economy in many ways, supporting fishing, bird shooting, coastal protection,

climate maintenance and many other things. According to CEPF the PBPA contains the Hillshire

Hill and Portland Ridge in the parishes of St. Catherine and Clarendon respectively. These areas

have the largest dry forest remaining in Jamaica. The PBPA is an area of many species of plants

and animals to take refuge to survive. According to anoleannals.org (2013) the PBPA covers

several offshore cays. According to C-CAM (1998).

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Recommendation

❖ Place much emphasis on placing garbage in garbage disposal bins.

❖ Provide more garbage disposal sites.

❖ The factory needs to build waste catchments at their locations.

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Bibliography
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