Chittagong University. Photo: Anurup kanti das

There are dense forest touching the hillocks . From far away it looks like a canvas painted by a famous artist. In the early morning or in the falling afternoon, if any one sees a herd of deer, there is nothing to be surprised as it is a common scenario of Chittagong University (CU).
Because of geographical locations, there are huge assemblages of biodiversity on the CU campus, 22 kilometres off the port city. It is full of greens and a sanctuary for the wild animals.
Covered with creepers, shrubs, and big trees, there are also around 30 to 32 small hillocks on the campus. There are more trees from various classes and families as well as animals from various species in the hillocks.
In the bush of trees, maya deer, monkey, wild hog, porcupine, rabbit, squirrel and birds of various species roam without any fear. Besides, there are some rare species of snakes and frogs.
The university is situated on 1753.88 acres of land. Of these, 865-acres are plain and hilly rough area, a haven of flora and fauna. A combination of various kinds of trees, wildlife and insects have given the university a unique characteristic.
The number of birds is increasing on the campus gradually. Once upon a time there were around 80 species of birds that have now increased to around 150.
Thirty-five species of frogs are found in Bangladesh. Of them, 22 species of frogs are available on the CU campus. In only half a kilometre of Kata Pahar (hill), there are frogs of 15 species that are rare in the world. There are three kinds of tortoises on the campus, a zoologist said.
Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences of Chittagong University (IFESCU) launched an integrated initiative in 1982 to conserve the eco-system of the campus. The institute has so far brought around 550 acres of land under the afforestration programme and at least 5.50 lakh saplings of trees were planted.
IFESCU research revealed that there are 187 species of trees, 174 species of shrubs, 396 species of herbs, 78 species of climbers, 44 species of orchids, 47 species of mosses and 52 species of ferns on the campus.
There are a huge number of medicinal plants and timber trees including Dharamara (Stereospermum Personatum), Aamcundul (Swintonia Floribunda), Tun (Toona Ciliata), Arshul (Vitex Glabrata) Boilum (Anisoptera Scaphula), Pitaraj (Aphanamixis Polystachya), Agor (Aquilaria Agallocha), Hijol (Barringtonia Acutangula), Telshur (Hopea Odorata), Kanjal (Bischofia Javanica), Chapalish (Artocarpus Chama), Banshpata (Podocarpus Nerifolia) and Mohua (Madhuca Indica).
There are also 53 species of ornamental plants on the campus.
Moreover, there are 19 species of mammals, 20 species of reptiles, 12 species of amphibians, 150 species of birds, 130 species of fishes and 117 species of insects, recorded from various researches conducted by IFESCU.
The number of invertebrate species are more than the wildlife, the research said.
Hunting posed a threat to the diverse collection of animals of CU campus, said Prof Gazi Syed Mohammad Asmat.
For preserving the biodiversity of CU campus, authorities should declare the campus a reserved area, said Prof Gazi Asmat.
The species of birds are increasing rapidly on the campus, he said, adding that for preserving the birds the campus should be divided into four corners and students can play vital role in this regard.
In comparison with many protected areas of Bangladesh, CU campus is much more enriched with biodiversity, said Prof Mohammad Kamal Hossain of Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences.
He said the huge natural resource of the CU campus could play an important role to the expansion of education, research and tourism.
Dr Kamal said for the preservation of its biodiversity, the government should take initiatives.