KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has strongly condemned the brutal killing of another American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), following the discovery of a mutilated animal near the Hellshire Bridge in St Catherine on Wednesday, October 1.

The crocodile was found with its tail severed and a rope tied around its mouth, indicating that it had been illegally captured before being killed. The animal had been seen alive in the same area as recently as Saturday, September 27.

This latest incident comes just days after a similar case was reported in a community off Spanish Town Road, raising alarm about a troubling pattern of repeated acts of cruelty toward the protected species.

Under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA), it is illegal to kill, capture, or harm crocodiles. Offenders face fines of up to $3 million or three years’ imprisonment.

Environmental Officer in NEPA’s Fauna Unit, Leighton Mamdeen, stressed the importance of protecting the species and debunked myths surrounding the consumption of crocodile meat.

“We continue to hear troubling reports of people consuming crocodile meat for supposed health benefits, including claims that the tail acts as an aphrodisiac. There is no scientific evidence to support this; it is simply false,” Mamdeen said.

“Crocodiles are not food; they are vital to our ecosystems. They regulate populations of other species, and as scavengers, they help to keep our waterways clean by removing dead animals that could otherwise spread disease.”

Mamdeen also highlighted pollution as a growing threat to the survival of crocodiles, noting that necropsies have revealed plastics, cans, diapers, and even clothing inside dead animals.

NEPA has launched a comprehensive investigation into the Hellshire incident and is working with law enforcement to identify and prosecute those responsible.

The agency is urging anyone with information to contact NEPA at 876-754-7540, toll-free at 888-991-5005, or email pubed@nepa.gov.jm. Reports can also be made to 119 or the nearest police station.

NEPA is again calling on the public to report any incidents of harassment, capture, or killing of crocodiles, and to help safeguard Jamaica’s wildlife by discouraging acts of cruelty against protected species.