Authorities outraged as giant anaconda harassed in protected Iwokrama Forest

In light of a video circulating on social media of persons pulling at a giant green anaconda along the Iwokrama Forest trail, the Iwokrama International Centre has strongly condemned the action, noting that it caused unnecessary stress and potential harm to the animal.
In a release, the centre stated that wildlife within the Iwokrama Forest is protected, and such actions are both irresponsible and unlawful.
The Iwokrama Forest is home to a rich diversity of species, all of which play critical roles in maintaining ecological balance. Interference with wildlife not only threatens individual animals but also disrupts the integrity of the ecosystem.

The Linden–Lethem Road, which passes through the Iwokrama Forest, extends for 72 kilometres (km). All people traversing this corridor are reminded that it is illegal to harm, harass, or interfere with wildlife under the Iwokrama Act of 1996.
As such, commuters are reminded to be alert for oncoming traffic and wildlife crossing; the speed limit within the Iwokrama Forest is 50 km per hour; stay in your respective lanes, especially at blind corners; do not drink and drive; keep waste in vehicles and dispose of it properly at designated bins; it is illegal to capture or remove animals from the forest; no hunting, fishing, or mining is allowed within the Iwokrama Forest; do not set fires within the forest or along the roadway; do not pollute waterways; and, more importantly, respect all communities along the route to Lethem.
In addition, Iwokrama urges all road users to respect wildlife and allow animals to cross safely without disturbance, reminding them that responsible behaviour is essential to safeguarding Guyana’s natural heritage.