Well done, forest department
Bangladesh is rich in biodiversity even though it has a lot of problems to tackle. Among the faunal composition of its rich natural heritage there are several species that deserve high priority attention both from the general masses and also from the relevant government department. The Forest Department (FD) is the management authority for the wildlife in Bangladesh.
In a recent incident a gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) got entangled in the long-line (hazari borshi) and was captured by the fishermen at Kalasona point, Phulchari on 16th November 2008. The fishermen later brought it to Bogra with the intention to sell it to earn some money. The fishermen, in this case were aware that it is illegal to capture the gharial but greed overcame their morals. On getting the information from Dr. Zuberi, Member, Crocodile Specialist Group/South Asia & Iran, I informed the relevant officer of the FD. The FD officials responded positively and quickly, seized the animal in Bogra and took appropriate steps to release it at the same place from where it was captured. The FD deserves an appreciation for saving the life of a critically endangered animal. I hope that the FD keeps proper documentation of such incidents for future references as such records carry immense scientific value. In future if any similar case happens the FD should mark/tag the animals for future identification and I may help the FD with this.
Gharial population is dwindling in Bangladesh and is recognized as one of the most critically endangered crocodilians in the world. We should feel proud that we still have this and should take appropriate measures so that it continues to survive in our country. This also brings in the issue of increased and continued activities for enforcement and awareness raising for wildlife protection by the Forest Department and NGOs working in the field of nature/biodiversity conservation.
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