Arrival of migratory birds drops in northern region

Various reasons have attributed the situation. The reasons are drying up of rivers and tributaries, rampant plying of mechanised boats, overfishing and indiscriminate hunting of migratory birds, ornithologists told this at a press conference recently.

The number of migratory birds has reduced to two-thirds during the last few years. Because migratory birds are being killed rampantly. Small fishes have also become scarce in water bodies.

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Around 40 bird species have become extinct in the region in last 50 years while many others are facing extinction, they said.

They stressed the need for safeguarding native and migratory birds in the greater interest of ecological balance.

They stressed on effective and concerted efforts by the concerned authorities to preserve various species of birds.

Bangladesh Birds Club (BBC) organised the press conference aiming at resisting selling and purchasing of migratory birds at a city hotel on Thursday. Its founder-convener Enamul Haque was the key-note speaker.

Among others, Prof Sarwar Jahan, Director of the Institute of Environmental Sciences of Rajshahi University (RU), Prof Abdul Mannan of Zoology Department, Prof Rakib Ahmed of Geography and Environmental Studies and local conveners Tanvir Mahmud and Taznova Taznin addressed.

The speakers expressed their concern over threat to birds.

Habitats of birds are gradually reducing due to various reasons, including depletion of forests, change in natural vegetation, use of pesticides and insecticides, plantation of exotic trees and human interference, they said.

They lauded the government initiative of planting fruit-bearing and herbal trees.

They sought young people's participation in conservation of nature. They also urged young men to be aware about conservation of nature, eco-tourism and development of rural resources.