 Until 1950, the entire body of scientific knowledge on Dolphin Head had
been obtained from four expeditions dating back as far as 1785. In
2001, with funding from UNDP/EFJ, and technical support from the
IOJ, the Forestry Department, and the Smithsonian
Institute - in-depth research was conducted throughout the area and over 300 additional species were listed, registering an
astonishing 32.5% rate of plant endemism.
Due to its high rate of plant endemism, the Dolphin Head Forest Reserve
received a "Priority 1" ranking within the Jamaican National
Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan, and was recommended for designation
as a National Park.
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Dolphin Head is home to:
- Over 600 vascular plant species - 25 of which are restricted to Dolphin Head
- 21 endemic bird species
- 9 of Jamaica’s 22 endemic frogs
- 4 endemic Anolis lizards, geckos and galliwasp
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The Dolphin Head Mountains have the highest density of endemic,
rare or threatened plants per unit area in Jamaica - making it one of
the richest floral communities in the entire West Indies.
Dr. George Proctor, 2006
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To view a 3D panorama from the Dolphin Head peak, click here.
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Biodiversity 
