Introduction
Bangladesh, a country blessed with diverse ecosystems—from tropical rainforests and wetlands to the world’s largest mangrove forest—boasts rich biodiversity. Yet, urbanization, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict threaten many of its native species. In response, various wildlife conservation projects have emerged, combining government efforts, community involvement, and international collaboration to safeguard endangered animals and critical habitats. This article explores Bangladesh’s leading conservation projects, success stories, challenges, and the road ahead.
1. Why Wildlife Conservation Is Crucial in Bangladesh
Wildlife in Bangladesh is not only a symbol of ecological richness but also a vital component of environmental health, agriculture, and local livelihoods. Some key reasons why conservation matters:
- Biodiversity Protection: Home to tigers, elephants, leopards, dolphins, and rare birds.
- Environmental Stability: Wildlife contributes to pollination, seed dispersal, and ecosystem balance.
- Economic Importance: Ecotourism and sustainable fishing generate revenue.
- Cultural Significance: Many communities rely on forests and rivers for heritage and identity.
2. Flagship Project: Sundarbans Biodiversity Conservation
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger. The Bangladesh Forest Department, with partners like USAID and WildTeam, has implemented projects to:
- Create tiger conservation units.
- Track population through camera trapping and genetic sampling.
- Train community patrol groups to reduce poaching.
- Establish eco-tourism zones to balance conservation with economic growth.
The Sundarbans also provide sanctuary to estuarine crocodiles, otters, spotted deer, and over 300 bird species.
3. Marine Protected Areas: Saving Dolphins and Sea Life
Swatch of No Ground Marine Protected Area
In 2014, Bangladesh declared its first Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Bay of Bengal, known as the Swatch of No Ground, spanning 1,736 sq. km. The MPA is home to:
- Irrawaddy and Ganges river dolphins
- Bryde’s whales
- Sharks, rays, and turtles
Key Activities:
- Reducing dolphin bycatch in fisheries.
- Monitoring marine mammal populations.
- Educating coastal fishermen on marine safety and conservation.
The Rainforest Trust and local NGOs are also pushing for new MPAs to protect 2.4 million acres of coastal and marine habitat.
4. Leopard and Elephant Conservation in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT)
The Chittagong Hill Tracts, bordering India and Myanmar, house some of the last remaining populations of:
- Clouded leopards
- Leopards
- Asian elephants
Due to deforestation and human encroachment, these species are increasingly at risk. Projects by IUCN and local authorities focus on:
- Installing camera traps to map population ranges.
- Promoting human-elephant conflict mitigation strategies.
- Launching education campaigns among indigenous communities.
One community-led initiative uses drone surveillance to monitor elephant movement and prevent crop damage.
5. Fishing Cat Conservation in Hail Haor Wetlands
The fishing cat, a medium-sized wild cat adapted to wetlands, faces a decline due to habitat destruction and poaching. The Hail Haor region in Sylhet is a critical habitat.
Project Focus:
- Data collection through tracking and tagging.
- Habitat restoration efforts in collaboration with the Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance.
- Conducting conflict resolution workshops with local farmers and fishers.
These actions aim to balance conservation with the livelihood needs of wetland-dependent communities.
6. Community-Based Otter Fishing and Conservation
In parts of Khulna and Barisal, a centuries-old tradition sees fishermen using trained otters to herd fish into nets. This symbiotic relationship not only sustains livelihoods but also ensures the survival of smooth-coated otters.
Conservation Measures:
- Protecting otter populations through controlled breeding.
- Educating younger generations to maintain the tradition.
- Preventing otter trafficking through stricter regulations.
This rare practice has attracted global attention as a model for sustainable and ethical wildlife use.
7. Dolphin Conservation in the Ganges and Meghna Rivers
The Ganges River Dolphin, declared the national aquatic animal of Bangladesh, is endangered due to:
- River pollution
- Dams and water extraction
- Entanglement in fishing gear
With support from WCS Bangladesh, initiatives include:
- River dolphin sanctuaries
- Engaging fishing communities in citizen science
- Developing sonar detection systems to reduce boat strikes
The Meghna River near Chandpur has become a key area for pilot dolphin conservation programs.
8. Turtle Conservation in Cox’s Bazar and Saint Martin’s Island
Bangladesh’s coastline serves as a nesting ground for several endangered turtle species, including:
- Olive Ridley turtles
- Green turtles
Conservation Projects:
- Beach patrolling during nesting seasons
- Turtle hatcheries to improve survival rates
- Restricting lights and tourism near nesting beaches
IUCN Bangladesh works with local volunteers and fishermen to collect data and prevent poaching of turtle eggs.
9. Addressing Human-Wildlife Conflict
With expanding urban and agricultural zones, encounters with wildlife are on the rise. Notable examples include:
- Snake killings after social media panic over Russell’s viper.
- Leopard killings in the CHT.
- Elephants raiding villages in Bandarban and Sherpur.
Solution Approaches:
- Emergency response teams for wildlife conflicts.
- Compensation schemes for affected farmers.
- School-based education on coexistence.
The Russell’s Viper Rescue Campaign, for instance, was launched after misinformation caused mass killings of this ecologically beneficial snake species.
10. Protected Areas and Eco Parks
Bangladesh has over 40 protected areas, including:
- Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary – known for Asian elephants.
- Lawachara National Park – home to hoolock gibbons and barking deer.
- Baroiyadhala National Park – a biodiversity hotspot in Chittagong.
- Kaptai National Park – preserves endangered flora and fauna.
Eco-tourism projects in these parks promote awareness while generating revenue for conservation.
11. International and Institutional Collaborations
Several global organizations are partnering with Bangladesh to enhance conservation impact:
- UNOPS and USAID: Tiger and forest protection in the Sundarbans.
- Rainforest Trust: Marine and mangrove area preservation.
- WCS and IUCN: Species monitoring and policy advocacy.
Locally, the Bangladesh Forest Department and Wildlife Crime Control Unit are key players in implementing national strategies and anti-poaching enforcement.
12. Policy and Legal Framework
The Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012 governs wildlife protection in Bangladesh. Other key policies include:
- National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
- Marine Protected Area Guidelines
- Eco-tourism Management Plans
The government is also working toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating wildlife protection with development goals.
13. Challenges Facing Wildlife Conservation in Bangladesh
Despite the progress, multiple challenges persist:
- Illegal wildlife trade
- Funding limitations
- Lack of trained personnel
- Inadequate law enforcement
- Climate change and sea-level rise
Addressing these requires stronger governance, cross-border cooperation, and community ownership of conservation goals.
14. The Future of Conservation in Bangladesh
Looking ahead, wildlife conservation in Bangladesh must:
- Integrate smart technologies like AI and drones for tracking.
- Expand marine conservation zones.
- Strengthen community-based conservation models.
- Promote eco-tourism and conservation education.
- Improve data collection and research on lesser-known species.
The “Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041” includes green technology and environmental sustainability as central themes—offering a unique opportunity to align national growth with conservation priorities.
Conclusion
Wildlife conservation projects in Bangladesh illustrate the country’s growing commitment to ecological stewardship. From the Sundarbans to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and from dolphins to fishing cats, Bangladesh is fighting to preserve its rich biodiversity. Collaborative, community-based, and science-driven approaches will be crucial to ensuring that future generations inherit a world where people and wildlife thrive together.