Natural History Museum of Jamaica Newsletter September 30th 2013 Issue III Pg. 1 Featured Articles: Lepanthes Orchids: One of Jamaica’s Hidden Treasures International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer TJH/NHMJ Biodi- versity Awareness Project Update Highlights Eye on NHMJ Nature Vibe Lepanthes Orchids: One of Jamaica’s Hidden Treasures By: Judeen Meikle. (Assistant Botanist, NHMJ) Orchids are one of the showiest and most beautiful ornamental plants world- wide. There are over 250,000 species of these plants that belong to the fam- ily Orchidaceae. Jamaica boasts approximately 220 species from this family. These orchids can be found naturally occurring in the inner hilly and coastal regions of the island. Interestingly, most of the orchids seen in homes, flower shops or business places are hybrid species and are not found naturally occurring on the island. Of the 220 species, about 20 species may be found frequently do- mesticated in Jamaica. One of the least showy and domesticated of the family. is the genus Lepan- thes. This genus 30 species of the approximately 220 species of orchids in Ja- maica. They also represent the genus of orchids with the highest level of en- demism in Jamaica. Majority of Lepanthes are epiphytic and are usually found in very moist but elevated regions, this habit reduces the visibility and detection of the genus. They are usually cluster forming, with solitary flowers arising from a stem. Each species has its own flowering period and will not flower all year round, and unfortunately each period may only last for a few days at a time. Lepan- thes spp. may be referred to as micro orchids and are often overlooked. Additionally when sterile it is difficult to distinguish different species of Lep- anthes. The plants are minute delicate and uniquely formed therefore to ob- serve their floral details one has to be quite meticulous and employ the use of a hand lens or even a microscope. These reasons lead to the fact that most of the Jamaican Lepanthes are understudied and are not represented in na- tional collections as they should. However, the uniqueness, amazing com- plexity of the minute flowers, endemism and wide range of colours of these plants makes them an interesting but challenging study. These unique and delicate orchids can therefore be classified as one of Ja- maica’s hidden treasures. A specimen of the genus Lepanthes col- lected during a field trip .
Orchids are one of the showiest and most beautiful ornamental plants world-
wide. There are over 250,000 species of these plants that belong to the fam-
ily Orchidaceae.
Jamaica boasts approximately 220 species from this family. These orchids
can be found naturally occurring in the inner hilly and coastal regions of the
island. Interestingly, most of the orchids seen in homes, flower shops or
business places are hybrid species and are not found naturally occurring on
the island. Of the 220 species, about 20 species may be found frequently do-
mesticated in Jamaica.
One of the least showy and domesticated of the family. is the genus Lepan-
thes. This genus 30 species of the approximately 220 species of orchids in Ja-
maica. They also represent the genus of orchids with the highest level of en-
demism in Jamaica.
Majority of Lepanthes are epiphytic and are usually found in very moist but
elevated regions, this habit reduces the visibility and detection of the genus.
They are usually cluster forming, with solitary flowers arising from a stem.
Each species has its own flowering period and will not flower all year round,
and unfortunately each period may only last for a few days at a time. Lepan-
thes spp. may be referred to as micro orchids and are often overlooked.
Additionally when sterile it is difficult to distinguish different species of Lep-
anthes. The plants are minute delicate and uniquely formed therefore to ob-
serve their floral details one has to be quite meticulous and employ the use
of a hand lens or even a microscope. These reasons lead to the fact that most
of the Jamaican Lepanthes are understudied and are not represented in na-
tional collections as they should. However, the uniqueness, amazing com-
plexity of the minute flowers, endemism and wide range of colours of these
plants makes them an interesting but challenging study.
These unique and delicate orchids can therefore be classified as one of Ja-
maica’s hidden treasures.
A specimen of the
genus Lepanthes col-
lected during a field
trip .
Natural History Museum of
Jamaica Newsletter
September 30th 2013 Issue III Pg. 2
Developmental Plans Pose a
Threat to the Portland Bight
Protected Area
Greater Goat Island
The Goat Islands in the Portland Bight Protected Area, (PBPA), off the south
coast of St. Catherine have been at the centre of controversy in recent days.
The cays were deemed protected by the Natural Resources Conservation Au-
thority (NRCA) in 1999 in an effort to ensure protection of marine and terres-
trial resources within the area. Initially, the PBPA was dedicated to the pro-
tection of the coral reefs but has since been extended to the protection of vul-
nerable and endemic species of organisms in Jamaica. The entire PBPA in-
cludes mangroves, sea-grass beds and wetlands.
Talks have been circulating that the Government of Jamaica has been mak-
ing arrangements with the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) re-
garding the development of a transshipment hub on the islands.
The Kingston Harbour is ranked as the seventh largest natural harbour in
the world. With Port Bustamante being situated in the harbour, the Port of
Kingston has been dubbed the largest and most modern transshipment port
in the Caribbean. Our island’s location between North and South America is
ideal for movement of ships transporting cargo vessels all over the world.
As a transshipment port, many of the vessels that enter into the Port of King-
ston do not deliver goods for the use of the domestic market but rather, carry
containers that are destined for other locations. This is how the shipping
agencies in Jamaica receive the majority of their income.
With the expansion of the Panama Canal underway, it is hoped that there
will be space to facilitate larger ships and therefore, allow more vessels ac-
cess to the area, thus increasing transshipment between nations. It is for this
reason that there have been discussions within the Government of Jamaica
to expand the port. (cont’d on page 3)
Featured Articles:
Lepanthes Orchids:
One of Jamaica’s
Hidden Treasures
International Day
for the Preservation
of the Ozone Layer
TJH/NHMJ Biodi-
versity Awareness
Project Update
Highlights
Eye on NHMJ
Natural History Museum of
Jamaica Newsletter
September 30th 2013 Issue III Pg. 3
Nature V
ibe
September 30th 2013 Issue III Pg. 2
It was initially intended that the lands at Fort Augsta would be used as the
point of expansion of the port and the development of the transshipment hub;
however, in April of 2013, the CHEC decided to withdraw their contribution
to the project as the area was not sufficient enough for the plans that they
had.
Four months later, buzz began to circulate that the Government was giving
serious thought to utilizing the cays for the hub. Although many environment
groups have been openly defending the need to protect the biodiversity of the
cays and the surrounding areas, the Government seems to believe that the
partnership with the CHEC would increase further investments in the coun-
try. They have also been adamant that there would be an increase in revenue
for the country when operation at the hub commences.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ON THE GOAT
ISLANDS
Construction of the transshipment hub on the cays will result in severe de-
struction to the natural environment. The water around the cays play a sig-
nificant role in the seafood industry as this area provides an undisturbed
breeding site for many of the marine animals that are of commercial value,
such as lobster and fish. There is also a wide variety of life on the islands
themselves, with the cays providing habitats for many species of butterflies,
bird and reptiles.
Should the cays be used for transshipment , there would be need to dredge the
sea floor. This would be detrimental for the sea grass beds that are in the re-
gion which act as a nursery for some of the shellfish that is consumed in Ja-
maica, as well as to the mangroves and coral reefs which offer protection
from storm surges and protect some marine wildlife. There would also be the
need for significant destruction of the vegetation on the cays to facilitate the
development of the hub. The cays are also surrounded by shallow waters and
as a result, there would be the need to facilitate deep dredging on the sea
floor and this could lead to the extinction of some species that are found only
in the Portland Bight Protected Area.
Developmental Plans Pose a
Threat to the Portland Bight
Protected Area
(Cont’d from page 2)
Featured Articles:
Lepanthes Orchids:
One of Jamaica’s
Hidden Treasures
International Day
for the Preservation
of the Ozone Layer
TJH/NHMJ Biodi-
versity Awareness
Project Update
Highlights
Eye on NHMJ
September 30th 2013 Issue III Pg. 4
Natural History Museum of
Jamaica Newsletter
Nature V
ibe TJH/NHMJ Biodiversity
Awarness Project Update
On July 1, 2013, students from the Environmental Club at the Chandler’s
Pen Primary and Junior High School hosted representatives of the
TransJamaican Highway Limited (TJH) and Jamaica Infrastructure Op-
erator Limited as they conducted their assessment of the first year output
of the school’s Biodiversity Awareness Project. The students gave the rep-
resentatives a tour through the garden that contains medicinal as well as
native plants, conducted brief talks about the centre and answered ques-
tions on various items including work that they had done in the centre.
Students gather around a talking electron microscope
while members of TJH/JIO and NHMJ look on.
The students of Chandler’s Pen Primary School proudly display and describe elements
of their recycle craft.
The members of the Environmental Club pose in
behind one of the medicinal plants in their garden
with Mrs. Samantha Sinclair of TJH/JIO.
Featured Articles:
Lepanthes Orchids:
One of Jamaica’s
Hidden Treasures
International Day
for the Preservation
of the Ozone Layer
TJH/NHMJ Biodi-
versity Awareness
Project Update
Highlights
Eye on NHMJ
Natural History Museum of
Jamaica Newsletter
September 30th 2013 Issue III Pg. 5
Nature V
ibe
TJH/NHMJ Biodiversity
Awarness Project Update
The teachers and students of the Environmental Club also participated in
an end of year trip on July 17th. Members of staff of the Natural History
Museum of Jamaica accompanied the group to the Port Royal Marine
Laboratory (PRML) and Biodiversity Centre and the Two Sisters Cave in
the Hellshire Hills. Miss Brooks of NHMJ highlighted points of interest
the different ecosystems that were en route to the two destinations. The
students were quizzed and tokens were given out. The trip was held to
complement sessions on the ecosystems in Jamaica that were conducted
during the term.
Students, parents and teachers of Chandler’s Pen and mem-
bers of staff of NHMJ pose in their life jackets before head-
ing out in the boat for a tour of the Kingston Harbour at the
Port Royal Marine Laboratory.
Students get a hands on experience with marine life
in the touch tank at the Port Royal Marine Labora-
tory as they were guided by a member of staff.
At the Two Sisters’ Caves, the students were educated about
the formation of the caves and were given the opportunity to
see some of the wildlife that were found in the caves. The
tour guide also gave background information about the story
about the myth surrounding the caves.
The students stop to pose under a banyan tree on
their way up from the second and lower cave.
Featured Articles:
Lepanthes Orchids:
One of Jamaica’s
Hidden Treasures
International Day
for the Preservation
of the Ozone Layer
TJH/NHMJ Biodi-
versity Awareness
Project Update
Highlights
Eye on NHMJ
September 30th 2013 Issue III Pg. 6
Natural History Museum of
Jamaica Newsletter
Nature V
ibe HIGHLIGHTS
International Coastal Cleanup Day
An Afternoon with a Scientist
The first session of An Afternoon with a Scientist 2013-2014 was held on
October 9, 2013. Students from the St. Michael’s Primary school were en-
gaged in a presentation from Mr. Kimani Kitson-Walters who is a recent
Marine Biology and Biotechnology graduate of the University of the West
Indies. He presented on the complex and important nature of DNA and
demonstrated a simple extraction of DNA from chicken liver using house-
hold items.
International Coastal Clean-up Day was celebrated on September 21st this
year. Members of the Education Department participated in clean up ac-
tivities that were coordinated by the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET)
along Fort Rocky Beach in Palisadoes. Hundreds of persons supported the
event and the beach, coast line and surrounding mangroves along the road-
way were cleaned by the volunteers.
Top left: Volunteers stand along the beach after the
clean up activities took place.
Bottom left: Dorsia Brooks and Krystina Jones from the
Education Department pose with volunteers in front of
the clean up pile.
Above: Miss Brooks takes extra precaution to remove
some garbage from the mangrove.
Mr. Kitson-Walters discussed the structure and importance
of DNA and how it controls everything about an organism.
A simplified extraction of DNA demonstrating how sci-
entists would remove genes in biotechnology.
Featured Articles:
Lepanthes Orchids:
One of Jamaica’s
Hidden Treasures
International Day
for the Preservation
of the Ozone Layer
TJH/NHMJ Biodi-
versity Awareness
Project Update
Highlights
Eye on NHMJ
Natural History Museum of
Jamaica Newsletter
September 30th 2013 Issue III Pg. 7
Nature V
ibe
Maritime Awareness Week
The Natural History Museum of Jamaica participated in the Maritime
Awareness Week Celebration at the Caribbean Maritime Institute. This
year, the theme was “Sustainable Development: IMO’s Contribution Be-
yond Rio +20”. The theme was adopted by the International Maritime Or-
ganization to focus public attention on the national and global maritime
issues. NHMJ set up a display showcasing some of the marine animals
that can be affected by maritime activities. Hundreds of persons passed
through the display and were fascinated to learn about the animals that
can possibly be affected by activities carried out at sea.
Outreach activities within the rural area for the Education Department
for this academic year are already underway. On Friday, September 27,
2013, Dorsia Brooks and Krystina Jones ventured to Kellits Primary
School in Clarendon where Miss Jones did a presentation on coral reefs
highlighting International Coastal Cleanup Day as one way to protect our
marine environment. The students were engaged in a discussion with re-
gards to a display of some coral reef animals. They were also shown two
videos that taught them songs about protecting the marine environment.
Students from the Caribbean Maritime Institute visit
the display for an interesting discussion.
Students from Papine High School stood fascinated by
the animals on display and were intrigued to find out
how to protect them.
The students gathered around a display of some marine
animals and participated in an interactive discussion.
Miss Jones taught the students about the different
types of animals and plants found in marine habitats
and how human activities can impact them negatively.
Education Department Outreach to Environmental Clubs
Featured Articles:
Lepanthes Orchids:
One of Jamaica’s
Hidden Treasures
International Day
for the Preservation
of the Ozone Layer
TJH/NHMJ Biodi-
versity Awareness
Project Update
Highlights
Eye on NHMJ
September 30th 2013 Issue III Pg. 8
Natural History Museum of
Jamaica Newsletter
Nature V
ibe
TransJamaican Highway Donates Computers to Natural History Museum
TransJamaican Highway / Jamaica Infrastructure Operators (TJH/JIO) donated two computers to the Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ) on August 29, 2013.
The computers will assist with the work of the Education Department and
the Science Library of the Division. TJH/JIO are also currently collaborat-
ing with the NHMJ in hosting a Biodiversity Awareness Project at the
Chandler’s Pen Primary and Junior High School.
HIGHLIGHTS (cont’d from page 9)
Representatives of the TransJamaican Highway and
Institute of Jamaica pose with the new computers.
NHMJ Botanists Update IUCN Red List
Keron Campbell and Judeen Meikle of the Botany Department played an
integral part in conducting assessments of two endemic plants with re-
searchers from the Royal Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh. The subsequent
updates were made to the IUCN Redlist where both were cited. The
plants, Podocarpus purdieanus and Podocarpus urbanii, are conifers that
have been classified as Endangered and Critically Endangered respec-
tively.
Podocarpus purdieanus is endemic to central Jamaica where it can be
found in St. Catherine, Clarendon, St. Ann and Trelawny. It’s population
is currently threatened due to illegal logging, removal of trees to make
land for agriculture and grazing and mining.
Podocarpus urbanii is endemic to the eastern portion of the island, par-
ticularly in St. Andrew, Portland and St. Thomas. This conifer is offered
some protection because of its location in the Blue and John Crow Moun-
tains National Park, but it faces threat due to deforestation of the moun-
tains by farmers for agriculture. It is also threatened due to illegal timber
harvesting as well as an increase in some invasive species of plants within
the area.
The links below provide full details of the report:
