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A survey of the Herpetofauna of the Hellshire Hills, Jamaica, including the rediscovery of the Blue-tailed Galliwasp (Celestus duquesneyi Grant)

Byron S. Wilson and Peter Vogel 2000. Caribbean Journal of Science 36:244-249.

Abstract.- Herpetological survey work was conducted in the interior of the Hellshire Hills, one the largest remaining habitats of primary dry forest in the Caribbean, from 1992 to 1998. Baseline data from three permanent pitfall trapping grids were obtained in 1997. Each grid contained 8 pitfall trap systems, where a trap system consisted of two 20-litre buckets dug flush into the ground, and connected by 8 metres of drift fencing. A total 18 species (2 frogs, 12 lizards and 4 snakes) were recorded of which 12 are presently recognized as being endemic to Jamaica. Eight of the species were not previously reported from the Hellshire Hills, and another 8 only from the area's periphery. A single snake specimen of the genus Tropidophis captured in the south-central portion of the Hills may represent a distinct species that is endemic to the study site. In terms of reptile diversity, the Hellshire Hills represent on of the most important remaining natural areas in Jamaica. The recent declaration of a Portland Bight Protected Area including the Hellshire Hills is promising step towards the conservation of the unique ecosystem.

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