Endangered Animals in Jamaica

American Crocodile

• The American Crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, is the largest of Jamaica's reptiles and the only member of the crocodile family living in Jamaica. Most of these crocodiles can be found in the wetlands along the southern coast. According to Jamaica Clearing-House Mechanism, "The threat to the survival of the American Crocodile in Jamaica is not confined to incidental or intentional killing but rather due in large part to a continuous decline in habitat."

Jamaican Iguana

• The Jamaican iguana was believed to have been extinct for almost 50 years but was rediscovered in 1990. The reptile can now be found in the Hellshire Hills in southeast Jamaica. The survival of the species is still in doubt, but attempts to save the Jamaican Iguana are ongoing. "The Jamaican iguana has been the subject of an intensive conservation and recovery effort and is making a strong comeback," says the International Iguana Foundation.

Jamaican Giant Swallowtail Butterfly

• Loss of habitat and commercial butterfly trading continue to threaten the existence of the Jamaican Giant Swallowtail Butterfly, the largest butterfly of the Americas and the Caribbean Islands. Isolated populations exist only in Jamaica, and conservation efforts are under way. According to Earth's Endangered Creatures, these plans include captive breeding, legal protection from collectors and a national park for the protection of the species.

Jamaican Blackbird

• The Jamaican Blackbird, Nesopsar nigerrimus, faces extinction due to the destruction of its habitat. It lives in a region of Jamaica known as Cockpit Country, an area of great importance to the survival of the species. The main threat to the Jamaican blackbird is continual forest fragmentation and caustic dust from mining, says WildlifeExtra.com.

Jamaica Petrel

• The Jamaica petrel remains on the critically endangered list, but it is possible that the bird is already extinct. It has not been seen since 1879, and recent searches have proved unsuccessful.

Jamaican Boa

• The Jamaican boa, also known as the Yellowsnake, was once common throughout Jamaica. It is neither aggressive nor poisonous, but its numbers have declined since Europeans began to colonize Jamaica in the 16th century. "Introduced mongooses, dogs, cats and pigs, together with the inevitable habitat destruction and persecution by people, are the main culprits," says the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.