What plants are in the Caribbean islands?
Orchids and bromeliads are stunning examples of climbing and hanging vegetation in the rain forests of the Caribbean. Huge tree ferns, giant elephant ear plants, figs, and balsam trees are also found in these tropical island rain forests.
What wildlife can be found in the Caribbean islands?
Rainforests Rich with Wildlife For those wanting a close encounter with monkeys, mongoose, iguanas, sloths, reptiles, flamingos and myriad other species of birds, the rainforests of the Caribbean provide a truly satisfying experience for nature lovers.
How many plant species are in the Caribbean islands?
11,000 species
The botanical diversity of the Caribbean Islands Hotspot is extraordinary. While the land areas are relatively small, the islands support a native flora of 1,520 genera and about 11,000 species of seed plants.
Why is the Caribbean significant to plants and animals?
The volcanic soils of the Caribbean islands make the region’s vegetation both beautiful and varied. Flowers like hibiscus, bougainvillea, and orchids dot the region. Along with lush vegetation, the Caribbean is also famous for its many, many species of birds and reptiles.
What kind of animals live on Caribbean islands?
Yes, the islands have things like rodents, manatee, and seals, but the region is really famous for its birds and reptiles. Quite remarkably, the islands are home to over 600 species of birds and 500 species of reptiles. Many of these species are unique to the Caribbean.
What kind of vegetation does the Caribbean have?
The volcanic soils of the Caribbean islands make the region’s vegetation both beautiful and varied. Flowers like hibiscus, bougainvillea, and orchids dot the region. Along with lush vegetation, the Caribbean is also famous for its many, many species of birds and reptiles.
How many species of birds are there in the Caribbean?
Quite remarkably, the islands are home to over 600 species of birds and 500 species of reptiles. Many of these species are unique to the Caribbean. In other words, unless they’ve been imported, you won’t see them flying or crawling free anywhere else.
How are plants and animals spread in the Caribbean?
Some plants, such as mangroves, have seeds that float the ocean currents for months, make landfall and sprout. Other species spread by “rafting,” where a seed or animal hitched a ride on a floating platform, something as small as a leaf, and traveled to an island.
