Forests are one of the major habitats to the plants and animals of the biodiversity rich Bangladesh.
Many kinds of forests exist in Bangladesh due to its geological location.
With the presence of the Hilly Mixed Evergreen Forests, Deciduous Forests, Natural Mangrove Forests and Freshwater swamp our country has attained a unique beauty.
Diverse species of plants, animals and insects are found in these forests.
To conserve the wildlife and biodiversity of Bangladesh, many forest areas have been declared as Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Among those the Fasiakhali Wildlife Sanctuary is remarkable.
Fasiakhali Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Chakaria Upazila, 48 km. north from the Cox’s Bazar.
Once, this area was famous for its Garjan forests.
This forest used to be full of life with birds and other wildlife.
Under the north Forest Department of Cox’s Bazar, this forest has been declared as wildlife sanctuary in 2007.
It encompasses an area of 1300 hectares.
Most of the Fasiakhali Wildlife Sanctuary is hilly forest area.
But the hills are small.
The soil here is reddish and muddy loamy soil.
Though it is a hilly Evergreen Forest, the old trees are rarely seen here.
The presence of many streams in the forest has made it dynamic.
Some streams flowing eastwards have joined the Matamuhuri River.
There are various species of plants and rare species of animals in the Fasiakhali Wildlife Sanctuary.
Alongside the naturally grown trees, forests created by the Forest Department also exist.
There are many plants including Garjan, Sal, Teak, Telshur, Mahogany, Java Plum and Banyan Tree.
Many species of wildlife are also seen here.
Among the wildlife Asian Elephant, Rhesus Monkey, Capped Langur, Barking Deer, Porcupine, Wild Boar, Jungle Fowl and Bengal Fox are the regular faces of this forest.
Here the wild Elephants roam in herds.
But with paved street running through the sanctuary, there are specific and separate corridors for the Elephants too.
The forest is always bustling with various birds.
The chirpings of Hill Myna, Parrot, Owl, Egret, Woodpecker, Indian Myna, Jungle Babbler, Bulbul, Munia and Bee-eater keep this forest resonant.
Apart from them, amphibians and reptiles are available throughout the forest.
The bushes, trees and grassland here are especially suitable for the habitation of amphibians and reptiles.
Various species of frogs are seen around the hilly streams.
The natural beauty of Fasiakhali Wildlife Sanctuary and adjacent areas make it a potential tourist spot.
The tourists from Cox’s Bazar sea beach can also have a different taste in this hilly forest.
A number of human habitations have grown around the adjacent areas of Fasiakhali Wildlife Sanctuary.
So, the local people often collect natural resources from the forest.
But now the biodiversity of this area is threatened due to excessive population and unplanned natural resource extraction.
Agriculture is one of the prominent livelihoods of the local people.
Some areas, being appropriated for agriculture, are having adverse effect on its biodiversity.
As there are lack of large trees in most of the hills, many animals have lost their habitats.
Also, illegal occupation, extraction of bamboo, rattan, wood, firewood etc. are damaging the forest ecosystem.
Beside losing habitat, the wildlife are also facing scarcity of food.
The overall biodiversity is being endangered.
To overcome this we need long term conservation management plans.
Public awareness building is also necessary.
This sanctuary is currently being run by co-management system.
Voluntary participation of the local people in this regard can play a major role in the conservation and management of the forest and the natural wealth of the forests.
As an alternative to extracting natural forest resources the Social Forestry Program is having an effective impact.
Reducing dependency on forest by creating alternative employment can save the forest as well as ensure safe habitat for various wildlife.
16 окт 2024
