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

2. Location of Mason River Protected Area
77015’.754W

3. A Section of the Mason River Protected Area

4. Wetland Features

5. Some of the trails in the Upland Scrub Savanna

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

7. 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 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!
Sundew
(Drosera capillaris)

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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)

11. 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)

12. 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
* the Greater Antillean Long-tongued Bat (Monophyllus 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.
White-crowned Pigeon
Olive-throated Parakeet
Connecticut Warbler (male and female)

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. THE END