Reference
Glossary of terms
Plain-language definitions for the conservation statuses, trail ratings, and site terms used across Tek a Hike.
Conservation status
Every species on Tek a Hike carries a conservation status from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species — the global standard for assessing extinction risk. The badge next to a species tells you how much care its sighting deserves: the closer to red, the more important it is to observe from a distance, stay on-trail, and never disturb.
- LC — Least Concern
- Widespread and abundant — the lowest level of conservation concern.
- NT — Near Threatened
- Close to qualifying for a threatened category in the near future.
- VU — Vulnerable Threatened
- Considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
- EN — Endangered Threatened
- Considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
- CR — Critically Endangered Threatened
- Considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
- EW — Extinct in the Wild Threatened
- Survives only in cultivation, captivity, or well outside its natural range.
- EX — Extinct
- There is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
- DD — Data Deficient
- Not enough information exists to assess its risk of extinction.
Endemic species
A species marked Endemic lives naturally only in Jamaica — it exists nowhere else on Earth in the wild. Jamaica has one of the highest rates of endemism in the Caribbean; spotting an endemic bird, plant, or reptile on a trail is a genuinely world-exclusive experience, and disturbing one puts a whole species at risk, not just an individual.
Trail difficulty
- Easy
- Mostly flat, well-maintained paths suitable for beginners, families, and casual footwear. Little elevation gain.
- Moderate
- Some sustained climbs or uneven ground. A basic level of fitness and proper walking shoes recommended.
- Challenging
- Long distances, steep sections, or rough terrain. Good fitness, hiking boots, and adequate water are expected.
- Difficult
- Demanding full-day terrain — sustained steep climbs, river crossings, or exposure. Experienced hikers only; a guide is strongly recommended.
- Very difficult
- Expedition-grade routes: remote, unmarked, or technical. Only attempt with a certified guide and full preparation.
Hazard levels
Trail pages flag known hazards at four severity levels:
- Info
- Good to know — no special preparation needed (e.g. seasonal mud).
- Caution
- Take reasonable care and the right gear (e.g. slippery rocks, sun exposure).
- Danger
- A real risk of injury without preparation — heed all guidance (e.g. cliff edges, flash-flood gullies).
- Critical
- Potentially life-threatening. Do not proceed without a guide and explicit local advice.
Wildlife sighting likelihood
Species listed on a trail carry a sighting likelihood, based on operator and guide observations:
- Common
- You can reasonably expect to see it on most visits.
- Occasional
- Seen regularly but not on every visit — season and time of day matter.
- Rare
- A lucky sighting — documented on this trail, but infrequent.
Sites & trails
Cultural and natural sites (heritage sites, rivers, waterfalls, town centres) list their connected trails with one of these relationships:
- On the trail
- The site sits directly on the trail route — you will pass it while hiking.
- Adjacent to the trail
- The site borders the trail; reaching it takes only a short detour.
- Nearby
- The site is a short distance from the trail — check the listed distance.
- Viewable from the trail
- You can see the site from the trail, but the trail does not lead to it.
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