The Iwokrama International Centre has strongly condemned the actions of a group of passersby who were recently observed physically harassing a Giant Green Anaconda within the Iwokrama Forest, warning that such behaviour is both irresponsible and unlawful.
According to the Centre, individuals were seen pulling and interfering with the animal, causing unnecessary stress and potential harm to the snake within one of Guyana’s most ecologically significant protected areas.
“Wildlife within the Iwokrama Forest is protected, and such actions are both irresponsible and unlawful,” the Centre stated, emphasising that all species within the forest play critical roles in maintaining ecological balance. Interference with wildlife, it warned, not only threatens individual animals but also disrupts the integrity of the broader ecosystem.
The Iwokrama Forest is traversed by the Linden–Lethem Road, which runs for 72 kilometres through the protected corridor. The Centre reminded all persons using this route that it is illegal to harm, harass, or interfere with wildlife under the Iwokrama Act of 1996.
Beyond wildlife protection, Iwokrama used the opportunity to issue a broader reminder to road users about responsible behaviour within the forest. Motorists are urged to observe the 50 km/h speed limit along the unpaved road, remain alert for wildlife crossings, stay in their lane particularly at blind corners and refrain from drinking and driving.
The Centre also called on road users to avoid littering, hunting, fishing, mining, lighting fires, and polluting waterways within the forest. Special attention was drawn to 3-Mile Creek, a water source for Fair View Village, where washing vehicles, littering, and any other polluting activities are strictly prohibited.
Iwokrama further urged all road users to respect the communities located along the route to Lethem and to allow animals to cross the road safely without disturbance.
The Centre called on the public to uphold the law and take an active role in protecting Guyana’s natural heritage.
