There has been an increase in the consumption of crocodile meat at social and recreational events in the country.

This was revealed by executive director of the Caribbean Coastal Area Management, (C-CAM), Ingrid Parchment, who said information brought to her attention is that consumers have now moved from eating the crocodile tail to now having the shoulder.

Parchment said it is unclear what quantity or how frequent this addition to the menu is being had at events dubbed 'Crocodile Sundays' and 'Crocodile Thursdays'. She says visits to the suspected areas and sites of hunting, preparation and consumption have not been very fruitful.

illegal species

Parchment says the reptiles are illegal species therefore it is illegal to hunt or to be in possession of, even more to be consuming the meat.

Parchment also stated that while C-CAM is unaware of the actual population of the animals, it cannot risk having it being out to the point of extinction.

She is urging the National Environ-mental Planning Agency (NEPA) and other government agencies to put together a collaborative effort to investigate this matter.

In the meantime, she is advising that people stay away from the animals and to call NEPA, C-CAM or the police to remove any animal found on or near living or business premises.