The Environmental Management Authority has been advised to work more rigorously with the TTPS and the Wildlife Section of the Forestry Division to take action against persons harming protected wildlife.
The directive comes from Planning Minister Dr Kennedy Swaratsingh, after an ocelot was found with a gunshot wound in the forests of Granville, Cedros over the weekend.
Named Papaoutais, the animal is now recovering under intensive care, with assistance coming from concerned citizens, game wardens, and staff at the La Romaine Veterinary Clinic and Reptile Conservation Centre.
Dr Kriyaan Singh of the La Romaine Veterinary Clinic shared an update on Facebook this morning saying, “Papaoutais is up on chest and forelimbs this morning , neck very mobile and he’s able to carry it on his own. He also decided he needed a new drip line today as he chewed off the other last night. Better days are coming.”
According to Dr Swaratsingh, another ocelot was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in Grande Riviere in December 2025 and reports of at least four other ocelots receiving veterinary attention for gunshot wounds.
He reminds that it is strictly prohibited to harm, hunt, capture, trade, kill or to destroy the habitat of the ocelot, as it is legally designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Species.
Under the ESS Rules, any person found in violation is liable to a fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to two years.
The same penalties apply for other Environmentally Sensitive Species such as the scarlet ibis, the white-tailed sabrewing hummingbird, the pawi, manatees and the golden tree frog.
Also included are the five species of sea turtle which visit Trinidad and Tobago’s waters, namely the leatherback, the green turtle, the loggerhead, the olive ridley and the hawksbill turtle.
According to the EMA, the ocelot is Trinidad’s only native wildcat and serves as an apex predator within our ecosystems.
As a keystone species, it plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating prey populations and supporting overall forest health and productivity.
Minister Swaratsingh is also encouraging persons to report illegal activity involving wildlife to the EMA’s Hotline at 367-8824, email: complaints@ema.co.tt or calling 226-4EMA (4362) Ext #5.
