MASON RIVER PROTECTED AREA CLARENDON JAMAICA Natural History

MASON RIVER PROTECTED AREA CLARENDON, JAMAICA Natural History Division, Institute of Jamaica

Location of Mason River Protected Area 18011’. 724 N 77015’. 754 W

A Section of the Mason River Protected Area

Wetland Features

Some of the trails in the Upland Scrub Savanna

Aerial Photograph of the Mason River Protected Area Road bordering the Mason River Protected Area Peat Bog

A Concise History • Late 1950 s: 2 University College of the West Indies professors trace mysterious spot on aerial photos to a peat bog in Mason River. • Professors Skelding and Loveless made 1 st records of Jamaica’s only native insectivorous plant, the Sundew, and a fern called Schizaea Sundew (Drosera capillaris) • Sundew identification confirmed by George Proctor of the Natural History Division of the Institute of Jamaica • Subsequent visits to Mason River by G. Proctor and colleagues revealed species of shrubs new to science and at least 12 plants previously unknown in Jamaica!

Concise History (cont. ) • 1962: Discussions start with Institute of Jamaica and then owner of the land. • 1963: Land to be bought by the Jamaica National Trust Commission (JNTC)- now the Jamaica National Heritage Trust • The JNTC designate the Institute of Jamaica’s, Natural History Division as the active manager of the property subsequently named the Mason River Field Station. • 1998: Mason River Field Station was later renamed Mason River Game Sanctuary (MRGS) under the NRCA Act 1991. • mid-2002: Intention to declare MRGS, Protected National Heritage under JNHT Act 1985. • late 2002: Declared a Protected Area under the NRCA Act 1991.

Initial Reasons for a Wildlife Reserve at Mason River • Protecting the remaining regenerating forest and other vegetation of botanical interest from human interference and degradation. • Facilitation of botanical research in a unique ecosystem – an upland scrub savanna. • Provision of an opportunity to be actively involved in and educate on wildlife conservation and management.

Floral Diversity of MRGS Historically, focus has been on botanical research. Over 400 species of plants, including endemic, rare, introduced and invasive species have been reported. Venus Flytrap Dionaea muscipula (introduced species) Lindsaea portoricensis (rare species) Lisianthius exsertus (endemic species)

Faunal Diversity of MRGS However, there are several opportunities for faunal research. Inventories needed for insects, the most diverse group, as well as snails, frogs, lizards, birds, bats and mongoose. Dragonfly Bush Lizard (Anolis sp. ) Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius)

Ecological Significance of Mason River Protected Area • Favourable habitat for locally restricted species. E. g. Sundew (Jamaica’s only native insect-eating plant) • Favourable habitat for regionally restricted species. E. g. * Passion Flower (Passiflora penduliflora) occurs only in Jamaica and Cuba White-crowned Pigeon * the Greater Antillean Long-tongued Bat (Monophyllus Olive-throated Parakeet redmani) is endemic to the Greater Antilles and southern Bahamas • Possibly a critical habitat for the Connecticut Warbler and other migratory wood warblers. (Further research required) • Provides a refuge for the White-crowned Pigeon which historically has been a popular bird with birdshooters. Connecticut Warbler (male and female)

Conservation Challenges Tree removal Fires Wandering livestock Greater community support and public education & outreach Invasive species Birdshooting Trespassing

Conservation Opportunities v Patrols by resident Forest Warden & Assistant v Experimental field project on eradicating an invasive plant v Acquisition of legal protection for the wildlife reserve v Environmental education and public outreach

Public Education & Outreach §Checklist of the birds of MRGS for birdwatching §Nature walks conducted by a resident Forest Warden & IOJ staff § Greater community awareness about MRGS and biodiversity conservation from the periodic Open Day activities Scenes from the Bird Project Open Day

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