Coccothrinax jamaicensis

Jestrow et al. (2018) have identified several immediate threats to species of the genus Coccothrinax across the Caribbean, such as oil drilling, nickel mining, saltwater intrusion, urban and agricultural development, low population recruitment, uncontrolled fires, interspecific hybridization, and unsustainable local harvesting for subsistence use.

As well as urban and agricultural development, of the above threats saltwater intrusion caused by tropical storms and climate change leading to coastal erosion and rising sea levels are likely to most impact this coastal palm species. While other Coccothrinax species are known to withstand hurricane-force winds and salt spray without damage, with a mortality rate recorded of 0-2% for four species (Griffith et al. 2013), they are not tolerant of prolonged inundation by salty or brackish water (Florida Native Plant Society 2024).

Recent research shows that the increasing frequency of moderate storms is expected to significantly impact shoreline vegetation through salinization and flooding. Lateral saltwater intrusion, where saltwater moves inland through underground pathways, is a major long-term cause of coastal salinization. However, short-term storm surge events can have an even greater impact through vertical saltwater intrusion, where flooding rapidly pushes saltwater into the ground. The recovery time—how long it takes for groundwater to return to normal salinity after a storm surge—and the depth of saltwater penetration depend on the characteristics of the aquifer, an underground layer of rock or sediment that stores and transports water. After a major hurricane, recovery times for coastal aquifers can range from 10 months to as long as 8 years (Nordio et al. 2023).

The majority of Jamaican herbarium specimens are located in protected areas according to Protected Planet, including Kingston and St. Andrew Game Reserve, Portland Bight Protected Area, Lovers Leap, The Upper Morass, Black River, St. Elizabeth Game Sanctuary, and Negril Environmental Protection Area. These protected areas often are still exposed to threats of human activities, including illegal farming and agriculture pollution. Specimens in San Andres and Providencia (CO) are located in Area Marina de la Reserva Protegida Mayflower, and those in the Swan Islands (Honduras) are located in Marine Protected Area Abogado Agustin Cordoba Rodriguez (Isla Santanilla o del Cisne) (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2024). The Jamaica Forestry Department cultivates and sells Coccothrinax jamaicensis as an ornamental, providing some opportunity for ex situ conservation. Ex situ collections are held in at least four botanic gardens worldwide (BGCI 2024).