St. Thomas, Jamaica – Guests to Jamaica’s seashores are being urged to stay vigilant because the crocodile nesting season, which lasts from November to June, is now in full swing.
Founder and Administrator of the Holland Bay Crocodile Sanctuary in St. Thomas, Lawrence Henriques, is warning that feminine crocodiles turn into extremely protecting of their nests throughout this time. He defined that the nesting interval includes replica, gestation, egg-laying, and a three-month incubation section, with hatchlings rising between Could and June.
Talking throughout a current media tour of the sanctuary organized by the Nationwide Surroundings and Planning Company (NEPA), Mr. Henriques emphasised the significance of understanding crocodile habits.
“In the event you occur to be strolling alongside the seashore, particularly close to mangroves or areas with water sources, at all times be vigilant,” he suggested. “Feminine crocodiles sometimes nest near water, so be looking out for potential nesting websites.”
He famous that it is a widespread incidence alongside Jamaica’s southern shoreline, notably in St. Elizabeth. Indicators of a nest might embody disturbed floor or monitor marks within the sand.
“In the event you see a mound or an space that appears just lately disturbed, give it a large berth,” Mr. Henriques cautioned. “The feminine could also be close by, and whereas some gained’t react, others might strategy you. In that case, the very best factor to do is to calmly flip round and stroll away.”
Authorities and environmental consultants proceed to teach the general public on safely coexisting with these native reptiles, urging folks to respect their habitat and train warning when visiting coastal areas.
