Satyajit Das (Moulvibazar Correspondent):
In the past year, 222 wild animals have been rescued in Moulvibazar's Srimangal, of which 104 were found dead. The Forest Department said that wild animals are leaving the forests and moving to localities due to various environmental reasons including food and water shortages, climate change, and habitat destruction**.
In 2024, the Srimangal Range Office of the Forest Department rescued various species of animals, including monkeys, fish cats, leopard cats, wild cats, various types of owls, hawks, muniya birds, vultures, hawks, sandpipers, pythons, conure snakes, 'red eyed' snakes, and gray phoenicons.
The rescued healthy animals were released into the Lawachhara forest, but the dead animals were buried, said Jamil Mohammad Khan, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) of the Srimangal Range of the Forest Department.
Experts say, "Excessive speeding vehicles, use of horns and microphones on the roads adjacent to Lawachhara National Park have become a serious threat to wildlife. Deer and monkeys in particular are often killed by vehicles."
In addition, biodiversity is under threat due to deforestation, unplanned construction, colorful signboards put up to attract tourists, and disregard for forest laws.
World-renowned scientist Stephen Hawking once warned, "If we fail to maintain environmental balance, the earth will become uninhabitable for human habitation."
In this context, forest conservationists say that it is important to take appropriate steps to protect wildlife and preserve the environment. Along with the Forest Department, this crisis can be addressed through public awareness and proper law enforcement.
