NEPA Urges Public to Report Sightings of Displaced Wildlife After Hurricane Melissa

Jamaicans are being encouraged to report any sightings of animals displaced from their normal habitats due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa to the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).

According to Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Environmental Management and Sustainability, Anthony McKenzie, following the hurricane, there have been reports of crocodiles in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth.

“It’s postulated that they (crocodiles) would have moved from out of the Black River area down to that section because of the displacement. Persons should report this to NEPA. The fact is that we have a network of zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, and also game wardens who we can dispatch anywhere in Jamaica… to provide support or to relocate [these animals], for example. But animals have definitely been displaced,” he added.

Mr. McKenzie was speaking recently on the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) flagship television programme, ‘Get the Facts’.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer emphasised that persons are not required to capture wildlife; however, if injured animals such as crocodiles are observed, a report should be made to NEPA.

“We’re easily accessible. Just type in NEPA on any social media, and you can make a report. As I said, we have people coming out to assess and to, if necessary, rescue and relocate these species, including crocodiles, Jamaican birds and so on,” he stated.

“We also shouldn’t hunt them because a lot of these animals are protected under law. The Jamaica Wildlife Protection Act provides the protection for these species and habitats and, just earlier this year, the fines were increased under the regulation. Previously, it was $50,000 if you are caught having these creatures in a part or whole of them, and now, those fines have gone up to $5 million,” he added.

Mr. McKenzie emphasised that the Agency does not wish to prosecute or fine individuals; instead, it has moved to educate the public.