Black francolin

Nature and Life Episode 154 (Endangered Wildlife and Environment)

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• published: 11 Mar 2014
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Bangladesh is rich with greeneries. Geographical position and diversity in seasons have enriched this country with biodiversity. But due to environmental adversities wildlife are threatened throughout the world including Bangladesh. Since the beginning of 20th century, population growth and unplanned development have been destroying much of wildlife's habitat, forests, rural bushes, wetlands, Haor-Baor and Beels. As a result, wildlife's habitats have shrunk, their population declined, some species have become fragmented and some abolished. In 20th century we have lost around 13 species of vertebrates. The remaining wildlife species are now endangered in the changed environment. Among them mammals are in worst condition. This is due to their physical structure, feeding habit and breeding system. In Bangladesh, about 1/3 of around 125 species of mammals is endangered. Endangered species include: Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Langur, Gibbon, Slow Loris, Bear, Barking Deer, Sambar, Fishing Cat, Otter, Dolphin, Hedgehog, Indian Bison etc. Once Tigers used to be available throughout the country, but now only few are surviving in Sundarbans. Those remaining few are also experiencing various threats. Population of Fishing Cats and Otters is also decreasing. Due to habitat shortage, Fishing Cats are coming to human territories and are getting killed. Otters are becoming endangered due to shortage of feeding and habitat. Among large animals, Elephants are endangered. Once widely available Elephants are now only seen in bordering areas of Jamalpur & Sherpur and certain places of Chittagong Hill tracts. Shortage of feeding and habitat is marginalizing Elephants. They are moving towards human territories in search of food. Creating problem for both Human and Elephant. Indian Bison is endangered all over the world. They are sporadically seen in some places of hilly regions of Bangladesh. This largest Bovinae is a critically endangered wildlife of our country. Population of Gibbon, Langur and Slow Loris is shrinking. Among them, Gibbon and Phayre's Langur are critically endangered. Number of Gibbon has decreased substantially. Phayre's Langurs have also become rare. Large trees are necessary for Monkeys, Langurs and Gibbons to inhabit. Shortage of large trees in natural forests is the prime reason behind their decreased population. Among 4 available species of Deer all are endangered but Spotted Deer. This includes Sambar Deer, Barking Deer and Hog Deer. Dolphins' population has decreased due to river pollution and reduced navigability. Dolphins are endangered in Bangladesh. Population of rural wildlife like: Fox, Civet, mongoose, Hedgehog and the like is gradually falling. After mammals, birds are the most vulnerable. Peafowl and Pink-headed Duck have completely disappeared from the nature of Bangladesh. White-rumped Vulture, Lesser Adjutant, Hill Myna, Hornbill, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Pheasant, Francolin, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Indian Skimmer, Black-headed Ibis, Darter and many other birds are now endangered. Lesser Adjutant and Pallas's Fish Eagle are also endangered. Few of Pallas's Fish Eagle are surviving in Haor areas. Once widely available Lesser Adjutants are now available only in Sundarbans. Besides habitat shortage, Hill Mynas have another problem. They are being used as pet bird. As they are known as talking bird, they are being subject to illegal trade. People are catching them from nature. Accordingly, their population is gradually decreasing. Spoon-billed Sandpiper is critically endangered all over the world. Only around 200 of them are surviving throughout the world. Few of its members still can be seen in the coastal region of this country. Masked Finfoots are an endangered waterbird of Bangladesh. They are endangered all over the world. They are also known as 'Goyla Hash' In Bangladesh, they can only be seen in Sundarbans. In winter, Black-headed Ibis and Indian Skimmers can be seen in coastal regions. Their population is also decreasing due to shortage of feeding and human intervention in their territory. Other species of birds are also being endangered due to habitat shortage. Reptiles of Bangladesh are also becoming endangered gradually. Among Reptiles, 63 species are in the list of endangered or critically endangered. Including: Python, Saltwater Crocodile, Gavial, Bostami Turtle, Asian Leaf Turtle, Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, Cobra, Krait, White-lipped Pit Viper and various species of lizards. Few Saltwater Crocodiles are surviving only in Sundarbans. Freshwater Crocodiles have already been abolished from the nature of Bangladesh. Though Gavials used to be available in all big Rivers of Bangladesh, but now they are at the brink of extinction. Ring Lizard of Bangladesh is the second biggest Lizard of the world. Their population is also decreasing.