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A Survey on the Faunal Diversity of Savar Upazila, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Md. Eftekhar Hossain
Department of Environmantal Science, Stae University of bangladesh, 77 Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka - 1205, Bangladesh

Mohammad Mamun Chowdhury
Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Kazi Farhed Iqubal
Department of Environmantal Science, Stae University of bangladesh, 77 Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka - 1205, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A survey was conducted during January to December 2006 to assess the status of faunal diversity of Savar Upazila, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 30 species of birds, 24 species of winter birds, 7 species of reptiles, 3 species of amphibians, 15 species of mammalians and 32 species of fishes were recorded. Relative abundance of those species were determined. Of the birds, House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) was abundant while Blyth's Kingfisher (Alcedo hercules), Rock Eagle Owl (Bubo bengalensis), Hooded Pitta (Pitta sordida), Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus xanthornus), White-winged Duck (Cairina seululala) and Duck (Anser indicus) were rare. The relative abundance of winter bird could not be assessed because of their migratory habit. Striped keelback (Amphiesma stolata) and Common Smooth Water Snake (Enhydris enhydris) were very common while Black pond turtle (Geoclyms hamiltonii) and Pond tortoise (Melanochelys trijuga) were recorded as endangered. Common Toad (Bufo melanostictus) were abundant but Bull Frog (Rana tigrina) was rare. Asiatic Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus) and House Mouse (Mus musculus) were abundant while Common Otter, Large Indian Civet, Irrawaddy River Dolphin, Indian Hare were rare. Carpu, Silver carp, Tilapia, Nilotica were abundant while, Freshwater Garfish, One stripe spinyeel and Grey Featherback were rare. Landfilling, deforestation, poaching, industrial effluents and current jal were identified as major threats to the faunal diversity of Savar area.

Keywords: Bangladesh Faunal diversity, Relative abundance, Birds, Retile, Amphibians, Mammalians, Fishes

Location: Department of Environmantal Science, Stae University of bangladesh, 77 Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka

Start Date: 00-01-2006

End Date: 00-12-2006

Program Area: Conservation and Biodiversity

Non-commodity: Data collection and collation

Objectives:

The current study was carried out to assess the faunal diversity, which may serve as a database for the future conservation action plan.

Methodology:

Savar upazila is situated at a distance of about 24 km to the Northwest of Dhaka metropolis. It lies between latitudes 23⁰45.5` N to 24⁰02` N and longitudes from 90⁰11` E to 90⁰20.5` E with an area of 280.13 sq km. The Upazila consists of one municipality, 9 wards, 11 union parishads, 175 mouzas and 321 villages. The data collection was based on direct observation on the animals in the field. Different survey methods i.e., plot counting for amphibians and reptiles, transect line counting and block counting for birds and mammals and catch assessment, market survey and information on gears for fishes were used according to MOEF. During observations, necessary equipments: color coated binoculars, telescope, sound tracker, digital still camera and camcorder, tape recorder, nets, traps and spotlights were used. Rivers, canals and wetlands were accessed by a motorized boat while the other areas were covered by foot. Fauna were identified upto species level according to different aurhors. Besides local people were interviewed and questionnaires were distributed among them to know the existence and assess the status. The study was conducted from January to December 2006.

Source of Information: Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences; 11: 373-379; ISSN 1028-8880

Article Link (Online Journal): DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2008.373.379; URL: http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2008.373.379

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Bangladesh has 388 bird species, 109 species of reptiles, 22 species of amphibians, 110 species of mammals and 266 species of fishes but Savar has only 30 species of birds, 24 species of winter birds, 7 species of reptiles, 3 species of amphibians, 15 species of mammals and 32 species of fishes which is relatively low contrasting the number of species found around in Bangladesh. Faunal diversity is important in maintaining ecosystem functioning and natural balance but it is now decreasing due to various factors like trapping, shooting, netting and destruction of habitats. To conserve the faunal diversity several measures should be taken immediately. Wetlands should be protected. Shooting and use of traps and nets should be prohibited. Use of pesticides also should be banned and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) should be practiced. Incorporation of NGO`s with the different Government agencies should be done. A mass awareness program should be launched for the local communities to conserve the fauna. Afforestration and declaration of several areas as Sanctuary would obviously contribute to the conservation of faunal diversity.

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