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Wildlife Diversity in Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary: Performance of a Protected Area for Wildlife Conservation in Bangladesh

Dr. Md.Mokhlesur Rahman
Ex-Director
Bangladesh Forest Research Institute , Chittagong , Bangladesh

Md Kamrul Islam
Research Assistant
Wildlife Section, Bangladesh Forest Research Institute , Chittagong , Bangladesh

Sk. Md.Mainuddin
Field Investigator
Wildlife Section, Bangladesh Forest Research Institute , Chittagong , Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Evidence of 154 wildlife species was found in the chunati wildlife sanctuary for two years intensive study in which 40 are threatened. It was also found that 44% amphibiamns, 75% reptiles, 5% birds and 53% mammals existing as threatened species in compared with the total threatened wildlife species of Bangladesh. Moreover, it reveals that 09 are critically endangered (CR), 17 endangered (EN) and 14 vulnerable (VU) among the threatened species of the sanctuary followed by IUCN standard. it was clearly realized fro the study of th sanctuary that there is no system in managing the wildlife resources in a proper way. Part from this clearing of the forest land for cultivation and agriculture crops of the sanctuary have been adversely affecting the quality of wildlife habitat. Moreover, grazing, thatch collection, poaching and hunting, predation and habitat loss were also identified as threats in declining population of the wildlife species in the sanctuary.

Keywords: Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary, Asian Elephant, Endangered Species, Major threats

Location: Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary

Start Date: 01-07-2007

End Date: 30-06-2008

Program Area: Conservation and Biodiversity

Commodity: Plant

Objectives:

To assess the present status of wildlife resources and to evaluate the performance of a PA considering habitat for sustainable wildlife conservation

Methodology:

General observations on the wildlife diversity were made during 2007-2008 by periodic visits in the chunati wildlife sanctuary. To facilitate the study the sanctuary was divided into three sub-habitat as (a) Hills vegetation (b) cultivated land with valley and (c) different cannels/charas(wet land).Wildlife species were recorded by studying different transect within seven forest beat area. Two transect were surveyed within each block and there were total 16 transect of variable length that covered 30% land of the entire forest area. The length of each transect was about 6 km. depending on availability of foot track. Transect width reduced where vegetation cover was thick, high and valise was narrow. Transect width extended where vegetation cover was sparse, undergrowth and valise were wide and spread. During the census direct observation was made as well as indirect clue for the presence of wildlife was noted (Call, Foot prints, Droppings, scats on ground, Nest, tadpole and Movement sound. Besides the forest staff, the farmer wood and grass collectors were interviewed to collect information of wildlife existence within the study area. Census was started at dawn and continued till evening using binocular, field guide and reference books for identification of the wildlife species. Data were noted on pre-designed data sheet. Observations in the field with respect to wildlife occurrence more or less agree with the published literatures.

Source of Information: Bulletin-9, Wildlife section 2009. Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, Chittagong

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1. Government

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The survey has provided important baseline information on the threatened wildlife species of the sanctuary for the first time in Bangladesh. It is the time to protect the threatened species of the sanctuary on priority basis through enforcement of the wildlife Act (1974) as well as conservation of the species. Habitat is the key indicator for conservation of wildlife species in Chunati wildlife sanctuary. But Wildlife species are continuously facing several threats to their habitat by deforestation, cultivation, set firing, hill cutting and increased human settlement in the sanctuary. Establish and manage plantations of indigenous species through participation of the local people for maintaining enriched forests as good habitat favoring wildlife. Mono culture will not be allowed and also the exotic species such as acacia, euclyptus and mangium will not be planted inside the sanctuary as these practices do not favor for sustainable management of wildlife.

Knowledge Management: Journal