A resident of Cumana Village, Toco has been charged under Section 70 (2) of the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 35:05 for being in possession of a Pawi also known as the Trinidad Piping Guan or ‘wild turkey’ (Pipile pipile).
The Pawi was designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS) in 2005 under the ESS Rules, 2001.
The EMA said in a statement that it received a report of the Pawi being held in a cage at a residence in Cumana Village.
A joint exercise was conducted by members of the EMA's Environmental Police Unit and the Wildlife Section of the Forestry Division on Monday at the house of the suspect.
This led to to the apprehension of the homeowner who was later charged at the Toco Police Station.
The defendant appeared in the Sangre Grande Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and was granted bail in the sum of $1000.
The matter was adjourned to Wednesday 21st, November 2018.
The penalty for knowingly or recklessly undertaking or conspiring to allow any activity, which may have an adverse impact on an ESS, is liable on conviction on indictment, to a fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.
The Pawi is also protected under the Conservation of Wildlife Act, Chapter 67:01.
The EMA is reminding the public that there are limitations on use and activities with regard to ESS as outlined in their respective legal notices.