Wild animal seeks refuge inside of home
The opening of the 2015 hunting season has put wildlife on the run. On Tuesday night a two-year-old anteater ran into the yard of Cindy Mohammed, of Killdeer Trace, Rio Claro. She put it in a cage and sought help on social media.
Kishan Ramcharan, Forester 1 in the Forestry Division, Ministry of Agriculture, said he came across the request while browsing online later that evening.
“I observed a post with someone inquiring of a strange species that ventured into their property, I replied informing her that the species is a silky anteater also called poor me one and that it was a protected species and not listed as a game species under the Conservation of Wildlife Act,” he said.
Mohammed told Ramcharan that would prefer that the anteater be relocated rather than released in the nearby forests as hunting goes on regularly and she was concerned of its safety.
Ramcharan said he along with volunteer conservationists Taariq Ali, Kristopher and Christian Rattansingh, went to Killdeer Trace on Wednesday night.
There are two species of anteaters in Trinidad. The other is the three toed anteater or matapel. Both have an appetite for ants and small insects and are protected animals.
Ramcharan said the anteater was taken to an undisclosed wildlife sanctuary.
“In wildlife sanctuaries, hunting is strictly prohibited. The gender was determined to be a male with an average of two to three-years old. The anteater welcomed the new area with enthusiasm only to reach for the highest branch to curl in a ball and sleep comfortably. The ant eater was given the name Marvin and will also be monitored safely by the Forestry Division,” he said.
Ramcharan urged members of the public to obey Conservation of Wildlife Act and not poach any protected or endangered species.
Minister of Agriculture responds
Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat said he is having discussions with the Ministry of National Security to fill vacancies for game wardens.
Currently they areeviewing the process for the selection of voluntary game wardens since there were concerns over the recruitment of volunteers. Rambharat said the EMA’s survey of wildlife is partially completed.
“There is a need to undertake a survey exercise on nocturnal animals. I await a final report. In the interim the ministry is working internally on serious outstanding issues relating to game wardens and forest officers.
“Forestry, including the Wildlife Division, has major staffing issues. We must act on poaching and the killing of protected species but our officers are constrained. We are also in discussions with the hunters on the issue of sustainable hunting,” he said.
Published:
Thursday, October 15, 2015. On: m.guardian.co.tt/
Caiere Chase does not claim any rights to the above article. All rights belongs to Shastri Boodan and the m.guardian.co.tt website.The article is reproduced her for news, critique and archival purposes only.
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