KINGSTON, JAMAICA — While the nation focuses on recovering from Category Five Hurricane Melissa, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is reminding citizens that the island’s wildlife, especially birds, has also suffered significant impacts and needs support to recover.

According to the agency, many birds have lost access to shelter and food sources due to damaged or destroyed trees.

To assist wildlife in recovering naturally, NEPA is encouraging Jamaicans to provide food by placing cut fruits such as over-ripened bananas, oranges and papayas in accessible outdoor areas. The agency also advised individuals to cut open fallen fruits like breadfruit and coconuts to make them easier for animals to access.

For hummingbirds, the agency is recommending setting up feeders with a mixture of one part white granulated sugar to four parts water. The mixture should be boiled, cooled and placed in clean feeders washed with soap and water before each refill. The agency, however, cautioned against using brown sugar, noting that its high iron content is toxic to hummingbirds.

If injured birds are found, members of the public are urged to contact NEPA for assistance rather than attempting to handle or cage them.

The agency is also reminding Jamaicans that all native bird species are protected under the WildLife Protection Act and that capturing, keeping or selling these birds is illegal. Any such activity should be promptly reported.

“By following these steps, every Jamaican can play an important role in helping our wildlife recover from the storm’s impacts,” NEPA said in a statement on Friday. “Let us work together to help our wildlife get through this difficult time and rebuild the natural balance of our environment.”

For reports, members of the public may contact NEPA at (876) 754-7540.

NEPA further extended its concern and solidarity to all Jamaicans affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa, particularly those in the hardest-hit communities.