One of the most popular attractions for nature lovers is Jamaica’s beautiful orchids. One quarter of the island’s orchid species can be found nowhere else on Earth. Many orchids are now commercially valuable and Jamaican nurseries have begun to grow them in greenhouses for export. The country must encourage sustainable legal cultivation of all orchid species in order to preserve their unique flora.
It is difficult to find reliable data about the distribution, abundance and trade of wild orchids from Jamaica. Only populations of Brugmansia Sanguinea could be studied until the 2000s. Other information lacking is the amount of domestic and international trade in Jamaica, and the rate of habitat loss. The lack of data makes it difficult to evaluate the impact of trade on the population. NDF evaluations of species sustainability are also affected by this lack. Incomplete records of international orchid trade before 2000 make it difficult for us to assess the effects of international pressures upon species conservation.
All native orchids are protected by the endangered species act of Jamaica. The National Environment and Planning Agency has adopted a policy to encourage their conservation and sustainable usage. Numerous studies have been done to determine the numbers and status of wild orchids. Two population surveys were conducted by the National Environment and Planning Agency. The University of the West Indies was also supported for its research on wild orchids. This policy is designed to help conservation efforts and to identify threats to orchid survival.
Researchers have also been collecting data and conducting surveys in Jamaica to assess the species’ condition. Three major research projects are aimed at improving Jamaican orchids’ condition. The first is the National Environment and Planning Agency, which has funded research at the University of the West Indies and conducted two surveys of orchid populations. It has also funded research into the management and conservation of wild orchids.
The history of tropical botany has been shaped by Jamaica’s flora. Numerous renowned botanists have paid attention to Jamaica’s fauna and flora. Sir Hans Sloane and William Houston are just a few of the famous names.
