Transcript A SURVEY & INVENTORY OF THE AVIFAUNA OF MASON RIVER …

MASON RIVER PROTECTED AREA
CLARENDON, JAMAICA
Natural History Division, Institute of Jamaica
Location of Mason River Protected Area
18011’.724N
77015’.754W
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 1950s: 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 1st 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 the 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
 Patrols by resident Forest Warden & Assistant
 Experimental field project on eradicating an
invasive plant
 Acquisition of legal protection for the wildlife
reserve
 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
THE END