The National Environment and Planning Agency in Jamaica has issued a warning against poaching and trading of two endemic Jamaican species of parrots, the Yellow-billed Parrot and the Black-billed Parrot.
Anyone found in possession of a live Jamaican parrot or any parts of it can face a maximum fine of $100,000 or twelve (12) months in prison under the Wild Life Protection Act and can be fined up to $2,000,000 and/or two (2) years in prison if caught trading in or exporting these birds without a permit under the Endangered Species Act.
Jamaica’s parrots are very important to the environment. They feed on fruits and disperse the seeds over large areas, contributing to forest regeneration. They are also important to our natural heritage as they are endemic to the island, that is, they are found only in Jamaica.
Both the Yellow-billed Parrot and the Black-billed Parrot are found in the wild only in Jamaica, and are classed by the IUCN as vulnerable species, meaning that they are facing a high risk of extinction. Poaching and trade can be reported to NEPA via their hotline at 1-888-991-5005.