...and Fascinating Butterflies
Most of the island’s 24 species of lizards can also be found in the BJCMNP. Four of the 6 endemic extant snake species are found within the national park. The Jamaican Boa or Yellow Snake is the most impressive species and also the most threatened. The nocturnal animal can grow up to 3metres in length and preys on birds and their eggs, small mammal like rats and mongoose.
THE BJCMNP provides an excellent habitat for small phylum Onychonophora known popularly as velvet worms or walking worms. Due to the area’s wet climate, there are about 70 species of these shy creatures that are able to hide in very tight crevices.
BUTTERFLIES are the best-studied group on terrestrial invertebrate in the island. There are some 119 species, with 19 species and 12 subspecies endemic to the island.
A number of endemic and non-native butterflies are found within the BJCMNP
The national park forms one of two remaining habitats for the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly – endemic and endangered animal protected by the Wild Life Protection Act (1945).
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