December 30, 2024
MOULVIBAZAR – A rare vulture has been rescued from a paddy field in Srimangal upazila of Moulvibazar.
The Bangladesh Wild Animal Service Foundation rescued the bird from the Jamburachhara area on Saturday night and handed it over to the Forest Department yesterday afternoon, said the Foundation’s director, Sajal Deb.
Sajal said upon receiving information about a sick Guinea vulture lying in a paddy field, unable to move due to the cold, a team led by him went to the spot and rescued the bird.
The team first brought the bird to the foundation where it was placed in a cage, warmed by a nearby fire, and fed. The bird later was handed over to the forest department today [Sunday], he said.
Sajal also said, “Once, this species of vulture was commonly seen in our region. However, their numbers have declined drastically, and now they are almost nonexistent. The species is on the brink of extinction.”
Jamil Mohammad Khan, assistant conservator of forests (ACF) of the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Department in Moulvibazar, said the vulture is currently being monitored at the Lawachhara Rescue Center.
If it is confirmed to be in good health, it will be released back into the forest, he said.
Tofazzal Sohel, general secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon in Habiganj chapter, said felling large trees, religious superstitions, and a lack of food are some of the reasons for the extinction of native vultures.
“To keep our environment healthy, beautiful, and livable, we feel that common people should be more aware of the need to protect vultures like other wild animals,” he added.