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Mortality of Primates Due to Roads and Power Lines in Two Forest Patches in Bangladesh

Hassan Al-Razi*
Faculty of Life and Earth Science, Department of Zoology, Jagannath University. Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2Bangladesh Slow Loris Research and Conservation Project. 531/2, Shahidbagh, Mosque Road, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Marjan Maria
Faculty of Life and Earth Science, Department of Zoology, Jagannath University. Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2Bangladesh Slow Loris Research and Conservation Project. 531/2, Shahidbagh, Mosque Road, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Sabir Bin Muzaffar
Department of Biology, United Arab Emirates University. Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Primates are in imminent risk of extinction due to different types of anthropogenic activities. Mortality due to road accidents and electrocution from power lines are among the major direct anthropogenic threats to the survival of primates. We collected primate mortality data from 2015 to 2017 at Lawachara National Park and Satchari National Park in northeastern Bangladesh. We recorded 27 fatalities in five species of primates caused by road accidents (n = 15) and electrocution (n = 12). Most mortality records were for Trachypithecus phayrei (Blyth, 1847) (n = 8) while the lowest recorded mortality was for Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann, 1780) (n = 3). Ninety percent of primates in Bangladesh are threatened and populations are gradually declining. Our results suggest that roads and power supply lines are major sources of primate mortality that should be managed in these two forests. We strongly suggest avoiding construction of roads and power supply lines inside forests. Furthermore, control of the speed limit of vehicles inside the forests, use of insulated power lines, maintenance of natural canopy bridges and preparation of artificial canopy bridges are strongly recommended.

Keywords: Bengal slow loris; Conservation; Electrocution; Fragmentation; Road accident; Phayre’s langur

Location: Lawachara National Park and Satchari National Park in northeastern Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-00-2015

End Date: 00-00-2017

Program Area: Conservation and Biodiversity

Commodity: Plant

Objectives:

Thus, primates here are at high risk of mortality from road accidents on highways and from electrocution from electric power supply lines that pass through the remaining forest habitats. In this study the threats of primates arising from road accidents and electrocution were characterized.

Methodology:

We selected two forest patches of northeastern Bangladesh, namely Lawachara National Park (LNP) and Satchari National Park (SNP) for this study. Both national parks consist of mixed evergreen forest types planted in the 1930s and 1940s. Lawachara National Park is situated in Kamalganj Upazila, Maulvi Bazar District and covers a 1250 ha area . The canopy height of the forested areas in LNP varies from 10 to 30 m . This forest is fragmented by Sreemangal-Bhanugach highway and Dhaka-Sylhet railway line . In addition, an electric power supply line also passes through the forest approaching the highway. The second site, Satchari National Park, is within Chunarughat Upazilla, Habiganj District and has an area of 243 ha. The current extent of mixed evergreen forest is about 150 ha. The canopy height of this forest varies from 15 to 35 m. This forest patch is dissected by the old Dhaka-Sylhet highway and an electric power supply line that passes through the forest approaching the highway. We collected primate mortality data from both primary (direct observation) and secondary sources (published articles, interviews, social media uploads and newspaper reports) from 2015 to 2017 at these two national parks. Firstly, we collected primary data by direct observation during field work from July, 2015 to December 2017 during which we spent a total of 37 days in LNP and 68 days in SNP. Secondly, we collected secondary data from published articles. From March 2018 to April 2018 we searched the internet using Google and Google Scholar to find all related articles regarding primate mortality in SNP and LNP. Thirdly, we searched news published by national and local newspapers, online news portals, wildlife conservation groups and social media outlets. Finally, we collected data from interviews with forest staff, local people, as well as data from the record books of the range offices of SNP and LNP. We conducted a questionnaire survey over a seven-day period in February 2018 in SNP. In LNP we conducted the questionnaire survey between May 2018 to June 2018. The questionnaire was developed in advance and approved by the Forest Department prior to the study. After data collection we cross-checked all data to avoid duplication of reports. In order to test possible differences between the types of accidents both within and between parks we use the chi-square test (with values of significance determined at α < 0.05).

Source of Information: Zoologia (Curitiba) vol.36 Curitiba 2019

Article Link (Online Journal): https://doi.org/10.3897/zoologia.36.e33540

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The Phayre’s langur is surviving in few semi-evergreen forests of eastern parts of the country in small fragmented populations. The total population has declined by more than 80% in the last 20 years making it vulnerable to imminent extinction. Beside habitat destruction, logging, hunting, road accidents and electrocution are major threats of primates in Bangladesh. To mitigate the effects of road accidents and electrocution of primates and other wildlife in forest patches in Bangladesh, we strongly suggest avoiding construction of roads and power supply lines inside the last remaining forest patches. However, there is no direct law on the construction of roads and power supply lines inside the forest. As development progresses, roads and electric lines are constructed according to project needs. Stricter control of the speed limit of vehicles inside the forest should be imposed by creating speed breakers. To reduce fatalities from electrocution, we recommend the use of insulated power lines at least in the forested areas. Furthermore, maintenance of natural canopy bridges, and the preparation of artificial canopy bridges over the roads and electric power supply lines could further minimize mortality of primates and other arboreal mammals in forest patches of Bangladesh

Knowledge Management: Journal