A move to protect endangered wildlife

A proposal to expand Satchhari National Park in Chunarughat upazila of Habiganj by 600 hectares has been approved recently.

At present, the park covers a forest area of just 243 hectares, making it the smallest reserve forest in Bangladesh.

With the expansion, the park will have a total area of 843 hectares, allowing protection and preservation of its diverse ecosystem and some of the country's most critically endangered wildlife species, including bears, wild dogs, and different birds and other mammals.

According to the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department, the proposal was submitted by the Satchhari Co-Management Committee, in collaboration with the Forest Department, and was recently approved by the Ministry of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change after extensive consultations with experts and a review of the park's current wildlife management needs.

"Located along the border with India's Tripura state, Satchhari National Park is a mixed evergreen forest surrounded by seven hillocks, with nine tea gardens nearby, including Satchhari Tea Garden to the west and Chaklapunji Tea Garden to the east. It is home to an impressive array of wildlife species, including nearly 200 avian species within a one-kilometre radius," said Satchhari range officer Abdullah Al Mamun.

"The forest also shelters some of Bangladesh's most endangered species, including northern pig-tailed macaque, western hoolock gibbon, Phayre's langur, and barking deer, among others," he added.

Muntasir Akash, a zoologist and an assistant professor of Dhaka University, opined that the park's expansion is a critical move to protect the endangered species by allowing more available space for them while enhancing their conservation prospects.

Dr Inam Al Haque, founder of the Bangladesh Bird Club, said the forest is the only place in the country where such a high number of bird species can be found within a small area.

"As the forest grows, food sources will become more available, benefiting the bird population," he added.

The park is also home to around 28 species of reptiles and 10 species of amphibians, including the green pit viper, king cobra, python, and different species of frog. It also boats a colourful array of 190 species of butterflies.

"Satchhari's current area is insufficient for wildlife management. Its expansion is expected to improve habitat quality, provide better food sources, and ensure more secure movement for its wildlife," said Dr Jahangir Alam, divisional forest officer in Sylhet.

Tofazzal Sohel, general secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon's Habiganj unit, welcomed the decision, saying it will help protect the forest area, providing a safer environment for the animals' reproduction and movement, which is crucial for maintaining its rich biodiversity.