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The use of heavy equipment in the
vicinity of the Greater Portmore Sewage ponds, the burning of fires
and the removal of vegetation from the ponds and canals close to the
adjacent wetlands, have resulted in the movement of crocodiles into
the canals and drains serving surrounding Communities.
The National Environment and
Planning Agency (NEPA) is therefore advising residents to keep away
from areas where crocodiles have been sighted. The Agency is also
appealing for schools that are situated along canals, particularly
that which runs through the Two (2) West Greater Portmore Community,
to check their fence lines and to ensure that there are no access
points for the animals.
The Portmore Community includes
several wetlands which are home to the American Crocodile (Crocodylus
acutus), the specie found in Jamaica. It will, therefore, not be
uncommon for crocodiles to be sighted in canals, drains and sewage
ponds as their last remaining habitats shrink. It is also important to
note, that crocodiles will also venture into new areas after periods
of heavy rain and flooding.
The public is being reminded that
crocodiles can deliver fatal bites, and should therefore be avoided at
all times. It is usual for crocodiles to retreat when on the approach
of humans and it is important that these animals DO NOT lose this
fear. The public is therefore being asked to observe the following:
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Do not feed the crocodiles
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Do not dump your garbage or dead animals in the canals or drains as
these serve as a source of food which encourages the animals to keep
coming back.
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If you see a crocodile do not attempt to catch the animal –call NEPA
or the Police.
Whilst Crocodiles are fearsome
looking creatures, there have only been a few reported cases of
persons being bitten and only two reported cases of death in Jamaica
in the last 20 years.
Please note that the Crocodile is
a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1945. It is
therefore illegal to molest, capture or kill these animals and
punishable by a fine $100,000; twelve (12) months imprisonment or both
if convicted. In addition, anyone who offers for trade, any crocodile
or part of the animal, is in breach of the Endangered Species
(Protection Conservation and Regulation of Trade) Act which is
punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $2 million or
both.
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