The Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) recently liberated a jaguar that was trapped at Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast and has warned that persons could be fined up to $2 million and jailed for three years for violating laws relating to protected species.
In a statement, the GWCMC said that it received a report on May 22nd of a jaguar that was trapped in Lima Sands. The following day, officers embarked on an operation to take custody of the animal. The statement said the commission partnered with the Corps of Wardens of the Ministry of Natural Resources in this exercise.
“Upon investigation, it was revealed that the jaguar was being held by the trapper at his home. The team of officers identified themselves to Mr Marvin Calvan, who had constructed the trap. After engaging with Mr Calvan and his sister, Ms Sheneva Calvan, the GWCMC took custody of the jaguar. The animal was moved to a cage and the trap was removed and destroyed,” the statement said.
It added that a sample of blood was taken from the animal which has since been released.
The GWCMC highlighted that under Regulation 4(7) of the Wildlife Conservation, Management and Sustainable Use Regulations (2019), the jaguar is a protected species. Under Section 69 of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (2016), it is an offence to have wildlife in possession or display to the public without the necessary authorisation. Any person who violates this will be liable to pay a fine of $750,000 to $2 million and face imprisonment of up to three years, the commission warned.
“We also advise that communities having wildlife-related issues report these to the commission so that appropriate means can be developed to ensure mutual existence between the animal(s) and residents. The GWCMC does not recommend trapping of big cats in conflict situations. The commission must first conduct an assessment to determine what action is merited and the permission of the commission is required in order to trap the animals. Further, if a jaguar is trapped or killed for any reason, a report should be made to the nearest police station or to the commission,” the statement said.
