The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is warning members of the public who may be seeking to purchase pets as gifts for the Christmas season to be careful not to buy protected species.

Protected animals include the Yellow-billed parrot, the Black-billed parrot, the Crested Quail Dove, the Jamaican Parakeet, the American Crocodile and the Jamaican Boa (Yellow Snake).

Members of the public are reminded that it is an offence under the Wild Life Protection Act if they are found with any protected animals or protected birds in their possession or are found hunting, killing, capturing or wilfully molesting any protected animals or protected birds.

Individuals found guilty of the offence may be charged a maximum fine of $100,000 or face one year imprisonment.

NEPA urges members of the public to report any such illegal activities at 754-7540 or 1-888-991-5005. Persons may also call 119 or make a report to the nearest police station.