Forestry Department protecting two endemic species from being poached and illegally traded

THE FORESTRY Department is increasing its vigilance in protecting two endemic species from being poached and traded illegally.

According to Acting Forestry Supervisor Bradford Latham, the Pink Rhino Iguana and the Union Island Gecko found mainly in the Grenadines are being hunted and poached.

Endemic species are protected under law and Latham said legislation is being revisited to increase the penalties for offenders. Latham also indicated that the Forestry Department is working closely with the Tobago Cays Marine Park and a NGO (non-Governmental Organisation), called the Union Island Environmental Alliance to monitor what is happening within wildlife reserves.