Below you can find a complete list of Jamaican animals. We currently track 202 animals in Jamaica and are adding more every day!
Many areas of Jamaica are a wonderland of rich flora and fauna. Most visitors that travel to the island are looking for beaches and culture. Many leave impressed by the native wildlife. There are insects, lizards, snakes, crabs and so much more.
Jamaica is a world of diverse animals and a natural paradise.
The Official National Animal of Jamaica
The red-billed streamertail is the national bird of Jamaica. A member of the hummingbird family, the streamertail is also known as the scissor-tail or doctor bird.
This is a beautiful, multi-colored creature found among flowering plants in closed forests. It’s noted for a long, curved, slender beak. The mature males have two tails that stream as they fly.
People on the island use the bird’s feathers as decorations during traditional events. Besides being Jamaica’s national bird, the red-billed streamertail is also found in Africa, America, Europe, and Canada.
Where To Find The Top Wildlife
Jamaica is the land of wood and water, a natural wonder of rolling green hills and stunning views. Animal lovers look to see the most wonderful native creatures, many unique to the island.
Manatee
The manatee likes coastal waters that are shallow and brackish. The gentle creatures are also called sea cows. You can spot them in their habitats along Jamaica’s southwest coast.
The manatee is infrequently spied on in the north too. The native animals surface often because they breathe air. Posing no risk to humans and being vegetarians, you can actually swim with the manatee.
Patoo
The patoo is an elegant bird. The species here include the Jamaican owl and the barn owl. Sadly, the populace has a fear of owls and tends to harm them on sight.
The barn owl is an amazing sight. Under a bright moon, it’s seen perched on posts or trees in Kingston. The light gives the white-colored owl a Halloween-ish glow.
Also known as the potoo, this owl is endemic to Jamaica. You’ll find it commonly on the east side of the island in the mountains.
Giant Swallowtail
This native butterfly is exclusive to Jamaica. It’s a sight to see. The swallowtail has a wingspan of six inches. It has a vivid gold and black color with the lower wings decorated with blue circles. You’ll find the giant swallowtail in the John Crow and the Blue Mountains and in Cockpit Country.
Sea Turtle
The endangered sea turtle has found protection at the fish sanctuary in Oracabessa Bay. The turtle crawls ashore at Ocho Rios, digs a hole, and lays its eggs. Hotels like the Jamacia Inn on the north coast provide safe venues for spying on these native animals.
Crocodiles
A small population of American crocodiles inhabits the south coast, concentrated near the Black River with other crocs near Hellshire. Conservationists strive to protect the species. Some tours take visitors out to Treasure Beach and Black River to see the animals.
Mongoose
The mongoose was deliberately brought to Jamaica to battle the rat population hurting the sugar plantations.
An obsessive hunter, the native animal didn’t just decimate the rodent populace. It also tore into ground birds as well as indigenous lizards and snakes.
Today, the mongoose is as much a pest as the rat. You’ll spot one almost anywhere on the island, especially along urban roads. The native animal’s identifiable by its black-tipped feet, tail, and gray fur.
The Most Dangerous Animals
For all the beauty and serenity you find among Jamaica’s native wildlife, there are quite a few creatures you want to stay away from. Here are a few.
Scorpion Fish
It can fit in the palm of your hand. It’s a lovely creature, but the scorpion fish uses its spiky fins to emit a tremendously venomous poison. These same fins are capable of slashing deep lacerations.
Forty Leg
If you go into the verdant and lush Jamaican jungles — especially after a rainfall — you might come across a forty leg. The forty leg is an amazing thing to see slinking with its dozens of legs. But its bite, not always fatal, leads to searing pain, spasms, and a visit to the emergency room.
Brown Recluse
Many of the thousands of species of spiders in Jamaica are harmless. The brown recluse is not on that list. Their pincers inject hemotoxin venom into the bloodstream. It can take weeks for its sting to lead to pimples, swelling, lesions, and even sepsis.
Pit Bulls
The pit bull may be a domesticated pet, but it has a rep for being a dangerous animal. Owners have to keep the animal secured. Passersby know to take precautions whenever approaching areas where these dogs live.
Endangered Animals
Jamaica is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, but many of the island’s unique animal species are currently facing the threat of extinction. Jamaica’s tropical climate and varied terrain create a habitat that is ideal for a wide range of animals, but human activities like deforestation, pollution, and urbanization have had a negative impact on many of the island’s native species. In this article section, we will look at some of the endangered animals in Jamaica.
The Jamaican Iguana, also known as the Blue Iguana, is one of the most critically endangered animals in Jamaica. It is a large, herbivorous lizard that is found only in the dry forests of Jamaica. Habitat loss, hunting, and invasive species like mongooses and rats have all contributed to the decline of the Jamaican Iguana, and today there are only a few hundred individuals left in the wild.
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to go anywhere and not find some native species at risk of extinction. There can be a myriad of reasons but more often than not it boils down to humankind and urban advancement. Here are a few Jamaican species on endangered lists.
- Jamaican Iguana
- American Crocodile
- Yellow Snake
- Skink
- Jamaican Boa
Native Birds
Jamaica is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Of the 326 species of birds native to Jamaica, 28 species can be found nowhere else in the world. The best time for bird watching in Jamaica is during the dry season, from December to June.
Some of the best locations for bird watching in Jamaica are the Blue Mountains, John Crow Mountains, Cockpit Country Forest Reserve, Rio Grande Valley, and Royal Palm Reserve.
A few types of birds found throughout the country:
- Black-billed Amazon: The smallest species of Amazona parrot. It is listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching. It inhabits the mountainous rainforests of Jamaica, especially limestone rainforests.
- Yellow-shouldered Grassquit: Common in wooded areas across Jamaica.
- Jamaican Owl: These nocturnal birds can be seen in a variety of habitats throughout Jamaica. They are one of only two owl species in the country.
- Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo: Found in wet, open forests.
Jamaican Fish
You’ll find many types of freshwater and marine fish on and around the island. Some of the best areas for deep-sea fishing in Jamaica are Montego Bay, Port Antonio, Cayman trench, and Pedro Bank. A selection of marine fish commonly caught in these locations includes yellowfin tuna, white marlin, barracuda, mahi-mahi, and wahoo.
For snorkeling, you’ll find some of the best destinations are Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, and Runaway Bay. You can enjoy marine life such as stingrays, sea urchins, jellyfish, and a large variety of colorful reef fish.
While the marine fish tend to steal the show, you can also find around 40 species of freshwater fish on the island. The only endemic species include the Jamaican killifish, black belly limia, striped gambusia, and Wray’s gambusia.
The Rarest Animals in Jamaica
Jamaica is home to a rich and diverse array of animal species, but many of these species are now endangered or threatened due to habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities.
Here are a few animals that are critically endangered and at risk of extinction:
- The Jamaican Iguana, also known as the Blue Iguana, is one of the rarest animals in Jamaica and is also one of the most critically endangered reptiles in the world. The Blue Iguana is a large, herbivorous lizard that is found only in the dry forests of Jamaica and is threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and the introduction of invasive species.
- The Jamaican Yellow Boa, also known as the Jamaican Boa, is a non-venomous snake that is found only in Jamaica. The Yellow Boa is threatened by habitat loss and hunting and is now listed as endangered. Conservation efforts are underway to help protect and increase the population of the Jamaican Yellow Boa.
- The Jamaican Galliwasp, also known as the Jamaican Mabuya, is a large, herbivorous lizard that is found only in Jamaica. The Jamaican Galliwasp is threatened by habitat loss and hunting and is now listed as endangered. Conservation efforts are underway to help protect and increase the population of the Jamaican Galliwasp.
Finally, Jamaica is home to a number of rare and endangered animal species, many of which are now threatened with extinction due to human activities.
The Largest Animals in Jamaica
Jamaica is home to a diverse array of animal species, including some that are quite large in size.
In this section, we will take a look at some of the largest animals in Jamaica, from land mammals to marine creatures.
- The Jamaican Boa, also known as the Yellow Boa, is the largest snake in Jamaica.
- The Jamaican Iguana, also known as the Blue Iguana, is one of the largest lizards in Jamaica, with some individuals growing up to 5 feet long.
- The Jamaican Hutia, also known as the Jamaican Patoo, is the largest land mammal in Jamaica, with some individuals weighing up to 11 pounds.
- The American Crocodile is one of the largest reptiles in Jamaica, with some individuals growing up to 13 feet long.
- The Humpback Whale is one of the largest marine mammals in Jamaica, with some individuals growing up to 50 feet long.
- The Giant Swallowtail Butterfly is the largest butterfly in Jamaica, with a wingspan of up to 6 inches.
Finally, Jamaica is home to a number of large and impressive animal species, from snakes and lizards to mammals and marine creatures.
Jamaican Snakes
Jamaica does not have a high diversity of snakes. None of the species found on the island are venomous. Many of the snakes in Jamaica are threatened by habitat destruction, invasive species (like mongoose), and illegal poaching.
Snakes you can see in Jamaica:
- Jamaican Boa/Yellow Snake: The largest snake in Jamaica. The Jamaican boa is nocturnal and mainly arboreal.
- Blind Snake: The smallest and most common snake in Jamaica. Blind snakes resemble earthworms and spend most of their time underground.
- Jamaican Dwarf Boa: There are several species of dwarf boa on the island, also called “Thunder Snakes”. These terrestrial snakes live in a variety of habitats.
- Grass Snake: Sometimes called the water snake or garden snake, grass snakes are good swimmers and live near sources of freshwater.
- Groundsnake: There are several species of ground snake in Jamaica, also called racers. The black racer is listed as critically endangered.
- Eyespot Boa: Similar to dwarf boas, but are a bright orange color. These snakes are rarely seen.
- Portland Ridge Dwarf Boa: These snakes are listed as critically endangered and are difficult to find. They are thought to only live in the Portland Ridge area of the island in dry rocky areas and caves.
The Flag of Jamaica
The flag of Jamaica is a bold and vibrant symbol of the island nation’s history and culture. The flag features a striking combination of black, green, and gold, with the black triangle on the left side of the flag representing the hardships faced by the Jamaican people, the green representing the lush vegetation of the island, and the gold representing the natural wealth and beauty of the land.
The flag was first introduced in 1962 when Jamaica gained independence from the United Kingdom. The design of the flag was created by a committee of Jamaican citizens, who wanted to create a flag that would symbolize the country’s history and its aspirations for the future.
The black triangle on the flag is meant to represent the hardships faced by the Jamaican people throughout their history, including slavery, colonialism, and oppression. The green represents the lush vegetation that covers the island, while the gold represents the natural wealth and beauty of the land, including the island’s sunshine, beaches, and other natural resources.
The flag of Jamaica symbolizes the country’s independence and represents its identity. The green color in its flag symbolizes hope as well as Jamaica’s agricultural resources. The color black depicts the strength and creativity of its people and gold represents the sun’s natural beauty and Jamaica’s wealth.
Vegetables Native to Jamaica
Ever heard of Acra? Or perhaps of the spicy Scotch Bonnet Peppers found in many delicious Caribbean meals? Jamaica has a host of amazing vegetables indigenous to its land.
Jamaican Animals
Jamaican Animals List
- Admiral Butterfly
- Amazon Parrot
- American Eel
- Anole Lizard
- Ant
- Armadillo
- Armyworm
- Barn Owl
- Barn Swallow
- Bat
- Bear
- Bed Bugs
- Bee
- Beetle
- Bird
- Biscuit Beetle
- Black and White Warbler
- Black Widow Spider
- Blue Dragon Sea Slug
- Blue Tang
- Booby
- Brazilian Treehopper
- Brown Dog Tick
- Burrowing Owl
- Butterfly
- Caecilian
- Camel Cricket
- Cat
- Caterpillar
- Catfish
- Cedar Waxwing
- Centipede
- Chestnut-Sided Warbler
- Chicken
- Cockroach
- Codling Moth
- Collared Peccary
- Common Furniture Beetle
- Common House Spider
- Common Yellowthroat
- Cormorant
- Cow
- Crab
- Crab Spider
- Cricket
- Crocodile
- Crocodylomorph
- Crow
- Cuckoo
- Dog
- Dog Tick
- Donkey
- Dragonfly
- Dubia Cockroach
- Duck
- Dung Beetle
- Dwarf Boa
- Earthworm
- Earwig
- Eel
- False Widow Spider
- Fiddler Crab
- Firefly
- Flamingo
- Flea
- Fly
- Flying Squirrel
- Frog
- Fruit Fly
- Gar
- Gecko
- German Cockroach
- Glowworm
- Gnat
- Grasshopper
- Gray Catbird
- Great Blue Heron
- Guppy
- Hamster
- Hare
- Harpy Eagle
- Harris’s Hawk
- Hawk Moth Caterpillar
- Hercules Beetle
- Honey Bee
- Horse
- Horsefly
- Housefly
- Human
- Hummingbird
- Huntsman Spider
- Ibis
- Iguana
- Insects
- Jacana
- Jack Crevalle
- Jamaican Boa
- Jamaican Iguana
- Jumping Spider
- Kentucky Warbler
- Kingfisher
- Ladybug
- Leech
- Lizard
- Lone Star Tick
- Macaw
- Maggot
- Magnolia Warbler
- Marine Toad
- Mayfly
- Mealybug
- Millipede
- Mockingbird
- Mole Cricket
- Molly
- Monarch Butterfly
- Mongrel
- Monkey
- Moorhen
- Mosquito
- Moth
- Mountain Lion
- Mourning Warbler
- Mouse
- Mule
- Nematode
- No See Ums
- Northern Harrier
- Northern Parula
- Northern Potoo
- Ocelot
- Orb Weaver
- Osprey
- Otter
- Owl
- Ox
- Panther
- Parrot
- Pheasant
- Pigeon
- Pit Viper
- Poison Dart Frog
- Pompano Fish
- Porcupine
- Praying Mantis
- Puma
- Quail
- Quetzal
- Rat
- Rattlesnake
- River Turtle
- Rodents
- Rooster
- Roseate Spoonbill
- Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
- Saber-Toothed Tiger
- Sable Ferret
- Salamander
- Sand Crab
- Scorpion
- Sea Eagle
- Seahorse
- Sharp-Shinned Hawk
- Shrew
- Shrimp
- Skink Lizard
- Sloth
- Slug
- Smokybrown Cockroach
- Snail
- Snake
- Sparrow
- Spider Wasp
- Squirrel
- Stick Insect
- Swallowtail Butterfly
- Swan
- Tarantula Hawk
- Termite
- Thrush
- Tick
- Tiger Beetle
- Tortoise
- Toucan
- Tree Cricket
- Tree Frog
- Turkey
- Turtles
- Umbrellabird
- Vampire Bat
- Vinegaroon
- Vulture
- Wasp
- Welsh Black Cattle
- Whiptail Lizard
- White-Faced Capuchin
- White Ferret / Albino Ferrets
- Wolf Spider
- Woodlouse
- Woodpecker
- Worm
- Yellow Bellied Sapsucker
Jamaica FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How many native animals are there in Jamaica?
On record, you’ll find 21 amphibians, 28 species of birds, 27 reptiles, and 500 land snails native to Jamaica. There are also bats, butterflies, insects, and more.
What other dangerous animals are native to Jamacia?
If you’re in the water, stay away from sea urchins. Though not lethal, the sting will puncture the skin. The wound can become infected and painful.
Will I find poisonous snakes in Jamaica?
Surprisingly, of the half dozen common snakes calling Jamaica home, none are venomous.
Where are monkeys in Jamaica?
Considering Jamaica is flush with forests and wildlife, it’s interesting to note there are no wild monkeys. You can find some in the zoo, but none roam free. It’s likely the breed died out as there are bone fragments and fossils that imply simian life on the island.
How dangerous are the sharks?
The vast majority of this species is the nurse shark. These animals are generally harmless to humans. You do want to avoid the native tiger shark.