The direct answer to whether monkeys exist in Jamaica is yes, though their status is complicated. The island was once home to a native primate species, which is now extinct. The monkeys currently found are either isolated escapes from the illegal pet trade or remnants of a historical population that failed to establish a widespread, stable colony, unlike those on other Caribbean islands.
The Introduction of Monkeys to Jamaica
Jamaica’s history with primates involves Old World monkeys introduced by humans. The most significant historical introduction to the West Indies occurred during European colonization and the transatlantic slave trade. Starting in the late 17th century, ships from West Africa brought these primates along as pets or curiosities to be traded.
These introduced animals were Old World monkeys, typically the Vervet or Green Monkey. Monkeys that escaped or were released adapted well to the tropical climate and abundant resources of many Caribbean islands. This led to large, naturalized populations in places like Barbados, St. Kitts, and Nevis. However, a widespread, self-sustaining population of Vervet monkeys did not establish itself across Jamaica.
The Jamaican Monkey Species and Current Habitat
The most notable primate in Jamaican history is the extinct endemic species, Xenothrix mcgregori. This unique New World monkey was most closely related to the titi monkeys of South America. It was characterized by a slow, deliberate movement and a stout build. Evidence suggests this native species, which survived for millions of years, was driven to extinction by the impacts of early human settlement.
Jamaica does not have a widely documented, established colony of introduced Vervet monkeys today, unlike several neighboring islands. The current presence of wild monkeys is characterized by isolated incidents involving illegally imported primates, such as Capuchin monkeys. These Capuchin individuals are typically escaped pets.
These escaped pets pose significant health risks, as they may carry diseases like Herpes B or rabies, which are not native to the island’s wildlife. Jamaican authorities have focused on the illegal importation of these exotic animals, as their occasional capture highlights a dangerous trend in the illicit pet trade.
Other Notable Arboreal Mammals in Jamaica
Confusion regarding Jamaica’s wildlife often stems from other unique arboreal mammals. The Jamaican Hutia, locally known as the Coney (Geocapromys brownii), is the largest surviving native land mammal, besides bats. This animal is a large rodent, not a primate, with a stout body up to 445 millimeters in length. It possesses a very short, almost vestigial tail, which distinguishes it from a monkey.
The Coney is primarily a nocturnal creature, foraging at night in rocky, forested limestone areas. Its diet consists of roots, bark, and foliage. While it is an excellent climber and jumper, its physical characteristics and behavior are unlike a monkey.
The Small Indian Mongoose (Urva auropunctata) is another widely seen introduced animal sometimes mistakenly associated with the island’s fauna. Though primarily terrestrial, the mongoose was brought to Jamaica in 1872 to control the rat population on sugar cane plantations. It remains a common sight across the island today.