Region 2 farmers blaming jaguars for cattle deaths

Cattle farmers in the New Road/Somerset and Berks area on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), are complaining that jaguars are killing and eating their young calves.
According to some of the cattle farmers, the jaguars have already killed about 10 calves within the past three months in the Dredge Creek area where there is a cattle pasture.
A farmer told Guyana Times that when he visited the pasture on Tuesday, the body of one calf was there, already killed and partially eaten by the jaguars. The farmer believes that someone or something may have prevented the jaguars from taking the dead animal into the dense jungle aback of the pasture where they are believed to be living.
The farmers explained that they suspected jaguars were preying on their livestock, since their young calves were disappearing from the pasture without any trace. They noted that upon inspecting the pasture, they saw jaguar footprints.
The farmers said that the jaguars feed at nights and it is very difficult to secure their animals.
When contacted, Regional Executive Officer Dennis Jaikarran said he was not aware of the situation, but promised to immediately make contact with the wildlife authorities to bring some aid to the farmers.
The jaguar, Guyana’s national animal, is protected by the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2016.
According to the legislation, collecting, holding in captivity, hunting, killing, or otherwise molesting ‘protected’ species is prohibited.
In 2013, the Guyana Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Panthera Corporation, aimed at conserving the jaguar.
Last year, the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) was forced to launch an investigation into the killing of a jaguar during a hunting expedition in Guyana.
A photo of the dead jaguar began circulating on social media and sparked debates about the need to protect the endangered species.
Also last year, the GWCMC took possession of a young female jaguar, which was being held at Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast, Region Two. The jaguar was captured by a Lima Sands resident, on May 22, 2019. However, much outrage was sparked on social media, after it was revealed that the resident was charging persons to see the animal, which was said to be in distress.
Under Section 69 of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2016, it is an offence to have wildlife in your possession or to display such to the public without the necessary authorisation. Any person who violates this will be liable to pay a fine of $750,000 to $2 million and face imprisonment of up to three years.
Communities with wildlife-related issues should report these to GWCMC so that the appropriate means can be developed to ensure the co-existence of animals and residents. The GWCMC had also warned that persons should not trap big cats – such as jaguars – during conflict situations.