Bangladesh is a small country. Diversified forests, hills and wetlands have enriched the ecosystems in here. For favorable environment thousands of wildlife are still surviving in this country. As a result, Bangladesh in known as heaven for wildlife resources. To preserve this richness a number of wildlife sanctuaries have been established in various places of the country. Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary is remarkable among those. Besides wildlife conservation, this Sanctuary is a source of education, research and entertainment. And due to conservation of wildlife, plant diversity is also being conserved in here. Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary is sited in Chunarughat Upazila of Hobigonj District. Kalenga is in the north of this Sanctuary, Rema is in the south-west and Tripura of India is in the east. It was declared as Sanctuary in 1982 with around 1095 hectares area. After its expansion in 1996 it now covers around 1796 hectares area. Rema-Kalenga is a mixed evergreen forest. It is one of the healthy natural forests of Bangladesh. Rows of large trees in the forest indicate its healthiness. 3 trekking trails for tourists are there in Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary. Those trekking trails cover respectively 30, 60 and 180 minutes walking distance. Journey through the 30 minutes trail would reveal a zigzag lake surrounded by hillocks. Reflection of trees on the lake creates a lovely scene. Numerous birds come to this lake in winter. Amphibians, reptiles and other species of animals can also be seen. Various species of fishes are there in the lake. Walking through the 60 & 180 minutes trails would unveil the rows of Arjun trees. Rema-Kalenga is rich with various sized hills and hillocks. Sounds of wildlife and insects extricate the solitude and silence of this forest. The Sanctuary remains sonorous with sweet calls of birds. This Sanctuary is home to various rare species of organisms. Numerous streams are flowing in a zigzag way in this Sanctuary. Those streams together make 3 large streams and ultimately merge with Khowai River. The flow of streams increase in monsoon. These streams supply water throughout the Sanctuary. As a result, soil of Rema-Kalenga is mostly soggy and diversified plants grow in this moist soil. Herbs and shrubs envelop soil with green in here. That green becomes colorful with wild flowers. The whole Sanctuary looks colorful. Attracted by the colors various species of butterflies come in here. They roam from flowers to flowers and enrich the Sanctuary by helping in pollination. Various trees grow alongside Herbs and shrubs. Chapalish, Fig, Banyan, Haritaki, Bahera, Uriam, Teak etc. trees can be seen all over of the forest. Chapalish is the dominating tree of the forest. These trees supply food and shelter to wildlife. Hill Myna, Green Pigeon, Hornbill etc. birds roam on trees. Rema-Kalenga becomes resonant with sweet calls of birds. Various Reptiles also take shelter on trees in here. Flying Lizard is particularly an interesting reptile of this forest. Monkey, Gibbon, Langur etc. can also be seen in this forest. Being social animals, these mammals roam in group. Their restless movements keep the forest energized. With diversified plants Rema-Kalenga is truly a heaven for wildlife. Watchtower is also there in Rema-Kalenga to watch the beauty of the Sanctuary. But due to extension of farmland, invasion of alien plant species, excessive harvesting of fuel, deforestation, cattle husbandry etc. reasons Rema-Kalenga is not well like before. Moreover, number of wildlife is decreasing due to illegal hunting. If it continues like this, number of other dependent organisms will also decrease and the complete ecosystem of the Sanctuary will be harmed. Safeguarding Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary will entail conservation of wildlife and apt management system. Government, national/international organizations and local people can play the leading role in this regard. Only then this Sanctuary will become richer with wildlife resources.

• published: 02 Nov 2014
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