Crocodiles in Liberia are protected by law. Eliminating them is not just an ecological and environmental loss but a violation of wildlife protection. However, keeping communities safe from fear of wildlife is equally important. The government must strike this balance to prioritize both wildlife protection and human safety.
The latest killing of a protected animal species, a crocodile, in Caldwell Peace Community is a call to action. This newspaper believes that a new national conversation around human-wildlife safety needs to be stimulated across Liberia .
More education, more awareness, more support for local communities, and more empowerment for wildlife officers are urgently needed.
This paper takes the first step to educating communities and citizens across Liberia about protected animal species under the October 5, 2016 National Wildlife Conservation and Protected Area Management Law of Liberia.
This is a list of protected animal species in Liberia (Hunting, killing, eating, selling, buying, keeping as a pet, and transporting of these protected animals are completely prohibited and punishable by Law in Liberia ):
- Chimpanzee
- Elephant
- Leopard
- Crocodile
- Python
- Monkey
- Turtle
8)Pygmy Hippopotamus - Golden Cat
- Mongoose
- Zebra Duiker
- Pangolin
- Jentink’s Duiker
- Buffalo
- Bongo
- Ogilby’s Duiker
- Parrot
- Water Chevrotain
- Yellow-backed Duiker
Whenever you see any of them, quickly report. Contact the police, the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), the Liberia Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU), or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
About The Author: Martin K. N. Kollie is a Liberian activist in exile and a former student leader in Liberia.
