THE montane rain forests of the BJCMNP provide the perfect home and refuge for Jamaican and migratory birds. This also makes it a bird watcher’s dream.
The national park is the largest harmonious tract of remaining primary forest in the island, covering a range of habitat types and altitudinal zones. This reputation is proudly mentioned by Dr. Susan Otuokon, Executive Director of the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT) whose mandate it is to manage and promote the attributes and use of the park.
We sat down with Dr. Otuokon recently who was all too willing to share with us the biological diversity which makes the Blue Mountains a treasure trove for birders.
“All of the island’s 28 endemic species of birds can be found in the Park and most of the island’s 256 species of indigenous land birds are found here as well. These include the Crested Quail Dove – also known as Mountain Witch, the White-eyed Thrush, Jamaican Becard, Jamaican Tody, Jamaican Woodpecker, Red-billed Streamertail, Jamaican Vireo and the Rufous-throated Solitaire commonly heard at Holywell Recreational Park” she said.
The BJCMNP, Dr. Otuokon explained, is home to 220 migrant and resident bird species and has been identified by Bird Life Jamaica as the second most important bird area in the island. The area is also said to be the largest intact wintering habitat blocks for migratory birds in the insular Caribbean.
Still, our bird population is susceptible to human interaction. Dr. Otuokon urged the need to safeguard the pristine areas and repair those which have been damaged by human activities.
“Our birds are sensitive to forest conversion, degradation and destruction. Bird distribution in the park thrive best in natural rainforest rather than ruined areas and coffee habitats. It is therefore important for us to plant new trees and replant and repair where there has been damage” she said.
The Yallahs-Hope Project aims at replanting some 520 hectares through a mixture of timber trees and agro-forestry. The added plant coverage will support the sustainable livelihoods of the buffer zone communities as well as commence the biological cycle for the creation of multiple ecosystems ably supported by and supporting the survival of our feathered friends.
A Bird's Paradise
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