Forestry Department Safeguards Saint Lucia’s Endemic Species During Creole Heritage Month
October 21 2025
During the observance of creole heritage month, the Forestry Department informs the public that according to the Wildlife Protection Act it remains illegal to take, or hunt protected and partially protected wildlife.
Protected wildlife includes the Agouti, Opossum (also known as the Manicou), the Saint Lucia Iguana and Boa Constrictor. These species are listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act as fully protected wildlife and are therefore not permitted for hunting.
Section 17 (e) of the Wildlife Protection Act states that, “A person commits an offence who exposes or offers for sale or purchase any protected wildlife or any part of such wildlife or the eggs, fry or young thereof without a valid permit”.
The Forestry Department further notes that under section 4 of the Act, any person who commits an offence under this Act is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000.00 and or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months.
In addition, the Forestry Department reminds the public that the sale of wildlife meat is strictly prohibited without a valid permit or license. Wildlife species such as the Saint Lucia Iguana are particularly vulnerable and face the risk of extinction due to the restricted and degraded nature of their natural habitats.
For instance, the Saint Lucia Iguana faces several threats, including habitat loss and predation by invasive species such as the Mongoose, which feed on Iguana eggs and hatchlings. It is therefore our collective duty to protect this unique species, found only in Saint Lucia.
Over the years, the Forestry Department has actively engaged in public education to promote the protection of vulnerable endemic species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and other wildlife, all of which play an invaluable role in maintaining the balance and richness of our natural environment.
Anyone involved in the illegal hunting, sale, or purchase of protected wildlife is urged to cease such activities immediately. Offenders will be prosecuted under the Wildlife Protection Act.
-END-
Contacts:
Zarik Felix, Information Assistant II, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development
T: (758) 468- 4131 – Email: Zarik.Felix@govt.lc
Shervroy Marius, Information Officer I, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development
T: (758) 468- 4150 – Email: Shervroy.Marius@govt.lc
Bradley St. Ange (Mr.) PERMANENT SECRETARY (Ag.)
Forestry Department Safeguards Saint Lucia’s Endemic Species During Creole Heritage Month
Protected wildlife includes the Agouti, Opossum (also known as the Manicou), the Saint Lucia Iguana and Boa Constrictor. These species are listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act as fully protected wildlife and are therefore not permitted for hunting.
Section 17 (e) of the Wildlife Protection Act states that, “A person commits an offence who exposes or offers for sale or purchase any protected wildlife or any part of such wildlife or the eggs, fry or young thereof without a valid permit”.
The Forestry Department further notes that under section 4 of the Act, any person who commits an offence under this Act is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000.00 and or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months.
In addition, the Forestry Department reminds the public that the sale of wildlife meat is strictly prohibited without a valid permit or license. Wildlife species such as the Saint Lucia Iguana are particularly vulnerable and face the risk of extinction due to the restricted and degraded nature of their natural habitats.
For instance, the Saint Lucia Iguana faces several threats, including habitat loss and predation by invasive species such as the Mongoose, which feed on Iguana eggs and hatchlings. It is therefore our collective duty to protect this unique species, found only in Saint Lucia.
Over the years, the Forestry Department has actively engaged in public education to promote the protection of vulnerable endemic species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and other wildlife, all of which play an invaluable role in maintaining the balance and richness of our natural environment.
Anyone involved in the illegal hunting, sale, or purchase of protected wildlife is urged to cease such activities immediately. Offenders will be prosecuted under the Wildlife Protection Act.
-END-
Contacts:
Zarik Felix, Information Assistant II, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development
T: (758) 468- 4131 – Email: Zarik.Felix@govt.lc
Shervroy Marius, Information Officer I, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development
T: (758) 468- 4150 – Email: Shervroy.Marius@govt.lc
Bradley St. Ange (Mr.) PERMANENT SECRETARY (Ag.)
Forestry Department Safeguards Saint Lucia’s Endemic Species During Creole Heritage Month
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