There are five species of snakes, all harmless and rare, the largest of which is the yellow snake, which can grow up to 3 m. Good sites for birdwatching are the three main areas are the Cockpit Country, the Blue Mountains and Marshall s Pen. The male has a long, sweeping tail much longer than its body, and is one of Jamaica s endemic species. There are 25 species and 21 subspecies of birds which are found nowhere else. A good place to see Jamaica s birds is the Rocklands Feeding Station, near Montego Bay. On weekday evenings you can watch the birds being fed and even offer a hummingbird a syrup and get really close.
Many migratory birds stop on Jamaica on their journeys north or south.
Efforts are being made to stem soil erosion and restore woodland lost in Hurricane Gilbert, while developing the area for ecotourism and provide a livelihood for local people. The other national park is the Montego Bay Marine Park, which aims to protect the offshore reef from urban waste, over-fishing and hillside erosion leading to excessive soil deposition. All coral reefs are now protected and the sale of both black and white coral is banned. Also forbidden is the hunting of the American crocodile, the yellow and black-billed parrot and all species of sea turtle. All rights reserved.