Forestry Department Warns Against Hunting Protected Wildlife

In light of creole heritage month, the Forestry Department wishes to inform the general public that according to the Wildlife Protection Act it remains illegal to take or hunt protected and partially protected wildlife. Such protected wildlife includes the agouti, manicou (also known as the opossum), iguana and boa. These species are listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act as fully protected wildlife and are therefore not permitted for hunting without a valid permit. Section 17 (e) of the Wildlife Protection Act states that ‘A person commits an offence who exposes or offers for sale or purchase any protected wildlife or any part of such wildlife or the eggs, fry or young thereof without a valid permit’. The Department further notes that under section 4 of the Act, ‘any person who commits an offence under this Act is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000.00 and or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months. In short, the Forestry Department wishes to inform the general public that the sale of wildlife meat is strictly prohibited without a valid permit or license. Wildlife species such as the Saint Lucia iguana are particularly vulnerable and face...