An area is declared as sanctuary mainly in order to conserve wildlife where hunting, killing and even doing anything that may threaten wildlife's lifestyle is strictly prohibited. In sanctuaries, plants are also protected along with wildlife. To date the Ministry of Environment and Forest, of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, has declared 17 areas as wildlife sanctuary to facilitate conservation of wildlife. Remarkable Wildlife Sanctuaries of Bangladesh include: East, West and South of Sundarbans; Pablakhali of Khagrachori; Char Kukri of Vola; Rema-Kalenga of Habigonj; and Chunti & Hazarikhil of Chittagong. These sanctuaries possess different attributes due to the difference in climate, features of soil, water and geographical position. For these sanctuaries are part of different ecosystem, the dominant plants' species varies between them. Diversity in plants, in these sanctuaries, has caused the diversity in wildlife as well. Sundarbans is located, by the bank of Bay-of-Bengal, at the south of the country. It is also known as Mangrove Forest. This mangrove forest is the largest Wildlife Sanctuary of the country. Sundari (Heritiera fomes), Gewa (Excoecaria agallocha), Goran (Ceriops decandra) and Golpatta (Nypa fruticans) are the dominant plants of Sundarbans because of its different soil type and saline water. This sanctuary is rich with both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity. World renowned Bengal Tiger, salt water Crocodile and Dolphin are found in here. Mischievous drive of Spotted Deer yields life in grasslands of this forest. Bees collect honey from flowers to flowers and build their hives in trees to save it. Colorful birds are scattered in almost everywhere. About 400 species of fishes reside in water bodies flowing within the forest. Hence, this sanctuary is also called as natural fish breeding zone. Because of its enormous size, number of Wildlife Sanctuaries has been formed in this particular forest. There is Dolphin sanctuary in this forest along with other sanctuaries for terrestrial plants and animals. These types of aquatic sanctuaries are formed with Parts of different rivers that flow within Sundarbans. Ecosystem of our North-Eastern and South-Eastern sanctuaries is different to some extent. Rema-Kalenga, Pablakhali, Chunti, Fasiakhali, Shangu and Teknaf are remarkable wildlife sanctuaries of this area. These sanctuaries are formed, with evergreen plants, in hilly ecosystem. Diversified aesthetic hilly environment is different from any other ecosystems of the country. Hundreds of streams emerge from various fountains and pass through in a zigzag way. These streams have been enlivening the sanctuaries. Heavy rainfall occurs in here. Diversified plants grow in this wet soil. Garjan (Rhizophora mucronata), Chapalish, Chatim, Shegun, Telshur etc. are the dominant trees of these sanctuaries. Various species of bamboo, numerous shrubs and herbs are also found along with trees. For this reason, these sanctuaries have dense plants. Hornbill, Sunbird, Drongo, Barbet, Myna, Parakeet, Bulbuls etc. birds obtain their livelihood from these trees. Their sweet twittering echoes in the hilly silence. Monkeys, Langurs, Squirrels etc. look for food and shelter in these trees. These sanctuaries are the safe home to Elephants, Hedgehogs, Foxes, Wild boars and various species of Reptiles and Amphibians. These sanctuaries are the only habitat left for some of the country's critically endangered wildlife including; Elephant, Gibbon, Langur and few species of birds. There are also some sanctuaries in the coastal zones of this country. Among them, 'Char Kukri' and 'Sonar Char' are remarkable. These sanctuaries are mainly for bird conservation. Here, various animals wander among the waves of ocean and the shiny dune of shore. Flocks of Terns and Gulls draw a white glow on the dune. Green Reed land and Keora (Sonneratia apetala) trees provide shelter to various species of birds. Besides our resident birds, numerous migratory birds come here during winter. Migratory birds like - Sandpiper, Plover, Curlew, Godwit etc. look for food walking on the coastal muddy soil. Flock of global critically endangered 'Spooned-billed Sandpiper' and 'Indian Skimmer' are still surviving in this region. Among Reptiles- sea snakes and turtles are available in here. Right now, the ecosystems of the country's sanctuaries are mostly endangered despite their vital role in conservation of and research on the remaining wildlife of Bangladesh. Conservation work is being hampered due to extension of farming land inside sanctuaries, excessive tree cutting and arbitrary killing of wildlife. Additionally, unplanned administration and inadequate enforcement of law are largely influencing the destruction of these sanctuaries. Planner, Director and Anchor: Muqeed Majumdar Babu. Research & Script: Mushfiq Ahmed, Shamim Ahmed. Subtitle: A M M Khairul Anam (Mithu). Voiceover: Khairul Ahasun Shohag.

• published: 11 May 2013
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