PRESS RELEASE - August 24 , 2005

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is about to embark on a crocodile tracking project. The initiative is part of a larger survey which commenced a year ago and will continue with the tagging and tracking of crocodiles island-wide.  The Agency has in the past conducted similar tracking and management projects for Jamaican Iguanas and Sea Turtles.  The first animal to be fitted with a tracking device will be chosen from four now in the care of the Hope Zoo and will be released back into the wild within the next few days.  The remaining crocodiles will also be fitted with devices and released, as the Hope Zoo is a rescue centre for the animals.

The tagging procedure will involve the attachment of tracking devices to animals which will allow technical officers at NEPA to track the migratory patterns of crocodiles in the wild.  NEPA anticipates that tracking the animals will provide valuable data for the management and protection of the crocodile population.   Among other benefits, the project will serve to guide in the reduction of human interaction with crocodiles when they venture too close to populated areas.  Similar tracking devices are used in a number of countries worldwide and have provided important information on the animals’ behaviour and movement patterns.  

There is no doubt the Jamaican project will add to the body of knowledge available on these important protected animals.  According to Richard Nelson, Coordinator of Fauna in the Biodiversity Branch at NEPA, the programme is in its second phase and will involve the retrieval and tagging of crocodiles with transmitters which have a battery life of ten months.  The first phase involved the assessment of the animals’ natural habitat inclusive of their size, location and general condition as well as the assessment of the size and distribution of the crocodile population.   

Jamaica is home to the American crocodile.  This species is found predominantly on the southern coast in wetland areas its natural habitat.  While this particular species is traditionally docile, the animals are known to become aggressive during the breeding period.  Crocodile sightings which occur in residential areas are usually linked to the existence of a natural habitat close by.   When left alone, crocodiles pose no harm, however if they venture too close to homes then the public is advised to call NEPA at 754-7540 for assistance to have the animal relocated. 

Crocodiles are protected under the Wild Life Protection Act, making it illegal to disturb, capture, have in one’s possession or kill the animal.   Persons found contravening the law may be fined $100,000.00 or sentenced to 12 months in jail or both, at the discretion of a Resident Magistrate.