NEPA warns public after man charged for illegal parrot possession and sale

A man has been arrested and charged after two protected Yellow-billed Parrots were allegedly captured and offered for sale, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) says.

NEPA said the arrest followed a joint operation carried out by its Enforcement Branch and the Jamaica Constabulary Force in Mammee Bay, St Ann, on December 24, 2025.

It said the birds, which are protected under the Wild Life Protection Act, were seized during the operation and have since been transferred to the Hope Zoo in Kingston for safekeeping.

Charges are being pursued under Section 6 of the Act, which prohibits the hunting, capture or possession of protected species without the required permits.

The case is expected to be mentioned in court on March 5, 2026.

The agency noted that Jamaica’s parrots play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems but continue to face threats from habitat loss and illegal trade, which undermine national conservation efforts.

“At NEPA, we have zero tolerance for breaches of the Wild Life Protection Act. It is our duty to ensure these species are protected for current and future generations,” said Rochelle Afflick, Enforcement Coordinator at NEPA.

Afflick reminded the public that protected wildlife must remain in their natural habitats, adding that “wild animals are not commodities and should never be captured, kept, or sold.”

NEPA is encouraging citizens to report suspected wildlife crimes to the agency or the nearest police station and reminded that offenders face fines of up to $3 million or up to three years’ imprisonment.

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