The Trinidad White-Fronted Capuchin and Trinidad Howler Monkey have been officially designated as Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS), with effect from 1 September 2022.
Confirmation has come from the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) in an official statement issued today.
According to the release, Chairman of the Board of Directors of, Nadra Nathai-Gyan, signed the Legal Notices towards the designation of the Trinidad White-Fronted Capuchin and Trinidad Howler Monkey as Environmentally Sensitive Species on Friday 26 August 2022. The Legal Notices were published in the Gazette on 1 September 2022.
Chairman of the EMA, Nadra Nathai-Gyan, signs the Legal Notices towards the designation of the Trinidad White-Fronted Capuchin Monkey and Trinidad Howler Monkey as Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS) in the presence of Minister of Planning, Penelope Beckles MP. (Image courtesy EMA)
The EMA says with the ESS designation of these two monkeys, Trinidad and Tobago’s ESS now stands at 13 animals, designated under the ESS Rules, 2001.
“These Rules prohibit the taking, possession, hunting, disturbance or trade of any ESS and the destruction of its habitat. The penalty for causing damage or being found in possession of an ESS is $100,000 and imprisonment for two (2) years,” the Authority warns.
The EMA also is reminding the public that ESS may be indigenous (native) to Trinidad and Tobago or, if not, are present on these islands for part of their life or reproductive cycle.
“An ESS may also be an animal or plant that, throughout all or a part of its range is, or is likely to become, in danger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely if the threats persist,” the EMA explains. “These animals are, therefore, critical to Trinidad and Tobago’s biodiversity and ecosystems and their legal status as ESS strengthens their continued protection.”
___
To learn more about Trinidad and Tobago’s Environmentally Sensitive Species, visit… www.ema.co.tt
