Bagerhat's Chitra river forest at risk

Approximately one hundred kilometres north of the Sundarbans along the banks of Bagerhat's Chitra River is a newer forest which has emerged over the past decade. Locally known as the 'Mini Sundarbans', the tidal forest of keora mangrove-apple trees, sundari mangroves and nipa palms located in Chitalmari upazila is a natural haven for wildlife, including migratory birds. The ecosystem's integrity is far from secure however, with bird poachers increasingly active and because wild animals in search of food are coming into conflict with nearby poultry farms.

“There are a variety of animal species in the forest,” says Vanjon Biswas from adjacent Dumuria village. “The forest is their kingdom. But if the animals sense an opportunity they snatch chickens. Now and then villagers kill the animals to protect their poultry.”

The Mini Sundarbans is home to populations of jungle cat, fishing cat and Bengal monitor lizard, all of which are prone to prey on domestic birds and their eggs. The death of these animals at the hands of villagers is gradually putting their local populations at risk.

Meanwhile, the migratory birds which take shelter in the forest during the winter months face the challenge of poachers. “Dishonest people sometimes trap or shoot wild birds,” says Jalil Sheikh from Khiligati village beside the forest.

Among the myriad of avian species to be found in the forest are doves, pigeons, magpie-robins, cranes and hawks. It is also a popular habitat for bats.

As for aquatic species, dolphins can be seen time to time in the river, though due to siltation and declining river navigability the environment is less suitable for dolphins than once it was.

“The forest must be kept as a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife,” says District Forest Officer Saidul Islam. “I will visit the area as soon as possible to take necessary steps to protect the forest.”

Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Tapan Kumar Biswas says that all kinds of measures are being taken to increase awareness of the need to protect fauna. “If anybody is killing wild animals, stern action will be taken against them,” he says.