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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/white-faced-capuchin-buzz-demo-2-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6598" /><figcaption>A Panamanian white-faced Capuchin, Cebus imitator, in its natural jungle habitat (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)</figcaption></figure>
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<p>A white-faced Capuchin monkey sighted in
Jacks Hill, St. Andrew was successfully captured by members of the National
Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) on Wednesday, August 28.</p>
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<p>Responding to reports of the monkey by
residents, a two-day operation among members of NEPA, Veterinary Services
Division (VSD), Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
(JSCPA) and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) led to the mammal’s capture.</p>
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<p>In a statement, NEPA indicated that the
monkey has been placed in quarantine by the VSD to determine if it’s the host
of diseases following the results of a sleuth of tests.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/white-faced-capuchin-buzz-demo-1024x575.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6600" /><figcaption>Photo: Wikimedia Commons</figcaption></figure>
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<p>“In recent months, the agency has been
concerned and been tracking the increasing number of reports of monkey
sightings across the island. Reports were received from St. Ann, St. Elizabeth
and St Andrew. All are being investigated,” NEPA further indicated.</p>
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<p>A joint decision will be taken by NEPA and the VSD on the fate of the monkey once test returns are received.</p>
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<p>The white-faced Capuchin monkey, <em>Cebus imitator</em> is non-native (exotic) to
Jamaica, NEPA warned.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/map-of-jamaica-showing-mountains-buzz-demo-1024x640.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6616" /><figcaption>Physical map of Jamaica (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)</figcaption></figure>
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<p>“The occurrence of this non-native,
potentially invasive species poses significant risk to Jamaica’s terrestrial
ecosystem and agricultural sector,” NEPA’s statement continued.</p>
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<p>The <em>Cebus imitator</em> is also a carrier of the Hepatitis virus, Ebola, rabies and other dangerous diseases, which can be transmitted to human beings.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/ebola-virus-in-monkeys-buzz-demo.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6619" /><figcaption>The Ebola virus, magnified, multiplying in an infected monkey (Photo: MedicalXpress.com)</figcaption></figure>
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<p>According to NEPA, the importation and/or
trade of these non-native species without requisite permits are illegal
according to the Endangered Species (Protection, Conservation and Regulation of
Trade) Act. </p>
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<p>Any Jamaican or non-resident found to be in
breach of the law will attract a fine of not more than $2 million and/or up to two
years’ imprisonment.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/gavel-in-court-buzz-demo-1024x679.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3073" /></figure>
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<p>Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) at the VSD Dr
Osbil Watson, expressed his concern over the possible implications for Jamaica’s
already overburdened health sector, should more Capuchins begin to breed and spread
to other areas. </p>
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<p>“The [VSD] has always been concerned about
the frequency of report of sightings of exotic animal species,” Dr. Watson
declared.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/osbil-watson-buzz-demo.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6612" /><figcaption>Dr. Osbil Watson (Photo contributed)</figcaption></figure>
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<p>“This situation is no doubt of a direct
threat to public health and safety as it relates to non-human primates, which
have the potential to transmit pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and
parasites to humans,” he added.</p>
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<p>Read NEPA’s joint statement <a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/national-environment-planning-agency/white-faced-capuchin-monkey-sighted-in-jacks-hill-st-andrew-captured/10157469100949834/">in full here</a>.</p>
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