Moonilal going after poachers who hunt national birds

Environment Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal has promised a zero tolerance policy when it comes to hunting Trinidad and Tobago's national birds, the Scarlet Ibis and Cocrico.

Poachers have hunted the birds for years. Now Moonilal wants a review of the system and plans to make recommendations to Attorney General Anand Ramlogan

“There must be much more punitive measures against poachers who seek to heartlessly destroy our wildlife including our national birds, both the Scarlet Ibis and the Cocrico. The ministry will embark on a zero tolerance drive on poachers,” Moonilal told reporters Tuesday.

Last week a Chaguanas magistrate found several persons found guilty of hunting the national birds and fined each of them $750. The Magistrate reprimanded and discharged six others, including an American citizen.