For Cockpit Country, the most pressing critical threats affecting the functionality and long-term viability of the ecosystem are related to: (1) agricultural practices, both historical clearing which contributed to an overall reduction in forest cover and fragmentation of remnant forest, and current practices of shifting agriculture associated with poor cultivation practices; (2) habitat-altering non-native invasive plant species, the establishments of which are facilitated by deforestation and fragmentation; (3) mining and quarrying activities; and (4) the persistence of non-dynamic gaps (e.g., trails). (Table 19). Conversion of forest has resulted in high intensity, widespread stresses among all conservation targets, either by altering ecological processes via reduced area, loss of connectivity or direct extirpation of species. The establishment of non-native plants is a threat to the Wet Limestone Forest across its total occurrence area, with as-yet unknown effects on native wildlife via habitat loss and degradation. While bauxite is not being extracted at present in Cockpit Country, the presence of bauxite deposits throughout 70% of the area (Anonymous, pers. comm.), existing leases issued by Government of Jamaica, and the irreversible effects to the landscape and biological diversity have long been cause for concern. There is additional concern for the construction of Highway 2000 along the southern periphery of Cockpit Country, both the direct placement of the highway and indirect effects, such as the need for limestone fill, which might be quarried from Cockpit Country. Trails throughout Cockpit Country alter microclimate conditions, which in turn present barriers to dispersal for species with limited mobility, and facilitate the spread of invasive plant and animal species.
Because the conservation targets interact to create a functional landscape and are linked by a shared set of ecological processes, states, and gradients, reducing or eliminating key threats will be beneficial to all targets. This suggests that developing conservation strategies that address the underlying causes driving stakeholders to clear forest for agriculture, integrated with a forest restoration programme and strategy to address mining concerns will provide the most efficient and effective long-term protection for Cockpit Country biodiversity.
Suitable indicators must:
Whereas most of the ecological monitoring will need to be overseen by trained specialists, such as a local scientific research coordinator, professional natural resource personnel, post-graduate students, parataxonomists, and trail guides (Table 20), community stakeholders will be able to participate in the socio-economic monitoring of threat abatement strategies (self-monitoring) (Table 21). Participatory monitoring will encourage ownership of the project and its continuation after termination of core funds. The examples of anthropogenic indicators of project success (Table 21) could serve as a foundation to increase dialog with community members (1) to solicit ideas for monitoring other natural resources utilized by citizens, (2) to monitor opportunities accrued through the project and (3) to monitor citizens' satisfaction and their role in conservation endeavors. Full development of plans for ecological and project performance monitoring (e.g., methods, timing, frequency, personnel, etc.) will be developed with inputs from the Stakeholder Situation Assessment.