The Black River Lower Morass (aka the Great Morass)

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The Black River Lower Morass (also known as the Great Morass) covers 125 square miles and is the largest wetland wildlife habitat in the Caribbean. The Morass is formed by the Black River and its tributaries making a large freshwater swamp. Scattered across the swamp are tiny islands, reed banks, lagoons and mangroves.

Wildlife

The Morass provides a breeding ground for a diverse range of wildlife, including nursery pools for baby fish and nesting grounds for birds. Over 100 species of bird have been identified in the Morass, including egrets, ospreys and herons, flamingos are even known to nest here from time to time. Commonly found fish include snapper, jack and snook. Plant life includes thatch palm, Brazil nut and red mangrove. However, the most prominent animals in the great morass are shrimp (Black River is the shrimp capital of Jamaica) and, of course, crocodiles!

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