Wildlife commission hosts nationwide management workshops

Oct 14, 2018 News

The Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, has been holding workshops and consultations with residents across the various regions to sensitize and educate the public on how to better deal with wild animals in their environment.
Within the past year, workshops were held at a number of conflict areas including St. Cuthbert, Mocha Arcadia, White Water, Moleson Creek, Aliki, Parika, Bartica, Surama, Matthew’s Ridge, and Hog Island.
During the sessions, local conservationists have been warning locals against killing, capturing jaguars, and other ‘wild’ creatures.
These animals are being viewed as a potential threat in areas that they alone once inhabited. In a recent interview with this newspaper, an official attached to the Commissions noted wild animals belong to the wild and the reason that humans are finding themselves in conflicts with these animals is because humans continue to invade the animals’ territories as they move closer and closer into hinterland and forested areas,”
Conservationists have therefore warned against venturing into the animals’ territory. However, the officials noted that there are no defined boundaries stipulating how far humans are allowed to venture in these forested areas.
A study is still underway to determine the boundary lines.
In the interim, staff attached to the conservation bodies have recommended that regardless of all the dangers posed by wild animals on human livestock or territory, killing or trapping of these animals is prohibited.
The conservationists explained that the reason they urge people against capturing these animals (especially the jaguars) is because the animals are “territorial.”
“It is the same concept as if you kill it; you’re still opening up territory and how it works is that if you kill one jaguar in essence, all you do is open the space for another jaguar to come.”
When asked if there is an option of removing the animal from one area and relocating it somewhere else, the conservationists explained, “If you relocate the animal, you might put it into another animal’s territory and it’s not going to end well for one or both animals.”
“It is like I decide I want to come and live in your house, and you go home and I’m there; ultimately, we’re going to have a fight to see who now can live in the house.”
The officials noted, “Instead of someone just trapping or shooting the animal, they should report the matter to the relevant authorities such as the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission.
Once a report is made to the Commission, officials said that a response is given with one or two days.
We send a team in “as soon as humanly possible.” The officials explained that the team usually makes an assessment before taking any action in the conflict area.
Just a few weeks ago, some residents posed with a monstrous anaconda they had killed at Mahaica. Farmers in the backlands of Mocha, East Bank Demerara, have also lamented that jaguars were slaughtering their cattle.

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