|
Summary |
The project
will seek make data on Jamaican specimens and species accessible to
researchers and interested parties. This improved information sharing
regarding Jamaican specimens and species will greatly assist in the
management of protected areas and other sensitive habitats and increase the
global knowledge of species present in Jamaica. A significant amount of
work has been conducted on Jamaican species. The Natural History Museum of
Jamaica, Institute of Jamaica (NHMJ/IOJ) is the entity mandated by the
government to maintain the national collections of flora and fauna. The Zoological and Botanical Collections are
considered the most best and most comprehensive of any in Jamaica. The
zoology collection houses over 80,000 specimens and dates from the early
19th Century. It includes representations from all faunal classes found in
Jamaica and is especially strong in insects. The botanical collection or
herbarium stores over 130,000 international and local plant specimens. The
NHMJ/IOJ recognises that there are very little data relative to the research
conducted and the importance of Jamaican species and specimens that that is
widely available through the internet. This project will be integral to the
closing of such information provision gaps. |
