New law prohibits hunting of Paluman Tottot

Posted on Jun 28 2000

Hunting of the Commonwealth Bird Paluman Tottot is now prohibitive under a new law signed by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio on Monday.

Public Law 12-8 strengthens the regulations being implemented by the Division of Fish and Wildlife to protect all bird species endemic to the Northern Marianas, he said.

Likewise, the governor expressed relief that the division has reported a “healthy” and “increasing” population of Tottot which had been excluded from the endangered list until enactment of the new law.

“I am confident that DFW will continue to oversee the conservation and protection of our islands’ wildlife,” Mr. Tenorio said in his message to the Legislature.

Under the legislation sponsored by Sen. Richardo S. Atalig, chair of Health, Education and Welfare Committee, hunting of Tottot is now punishable by imprisonment of between six months to a year and fine of $1,000 to $5,000.

Mr. Atalig said the protection and conservation of the bird specie will allow its survival and availability for the future CNMI generation.

NMJGL to hold registration

Scholarship woes cut enrollment at NMC • College official prods gov’t leaders to revive program for part-time students

Disclaimer: Comments are moderated. They will not appear immediately or even on the same day. Comments should be related to the topic. Off-topic comments would be deleted. Profanities are not allowed. Comments that are potentially libelous, inflammatory, or slanderous would be deleted.