Forestry Dept reminds public of closed seasons

The Forestry Department in the Ministry of Agriculture is reminding the public that the closed season for partially protected birds is March 1st – September 30th.{{more}}

Partially protected birds in St Vincent and the Grenadines that are hunted include Doves and Wild Pigeon or Ramier; a full list can be found in the schedule of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1991, the Ministry reminded in a press release.

The public is also reminded to avoid disturbing any nesting birds or entering into the wildlife reserves for the purpose of hunting or harvesting of eggs at any time.

The Wildlife Reserves include the King’s Hill Forest and all offshore islands, including those in the Grenadines, the Ministry said.

It is also reminding the public that the closed season for the hunting of mammals and reptiles is February 1st – September 30th. A mammal refers to wildlife species such as the Agouti, Opossum (Manicou) and reptiles, the Iguana. The Ministry noted that:

1. Any person who hunts or is a member of a party engaged in the hunting of any protected wildlife

2. Takes or disturbs the egg, or young of any protected wildlife

3. Damages or destroys the nest or young of any protected wildlife

4. Has in his possession or control any protected wildlife or part thereof

5. Exposes or offers for sale or purchase any protected wildlife or any part thereof or the egg or young thereof

Is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of two thousand ($2,000.00) dollars and in the case of a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of four thousand ($4,000.00) dollars and imprisonment for one (1) year according to the Wildlife Protection Act, Chp. 55, Sec 17.