Bangladesh Government declares its two wetlands as ‘wetland-dependent animal sanctuaries’

The government of Bangladesh has designated two wetlands in Biljoana Mouza (Tanor Upazila) and Bilbhala Mouza (Godagari Upazila) of Rajshahi as the country’s first ‘Wetland-Based Animal Sanctuaries.’

The Forestry-2 Branch of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MOEFCC), Bangladesh, recently issued two notifications announcing the news. The government has made this announcement in accordance with the Bangladesh Wildlife (Conservation and Protection) Act, 2012.

The wetland in Biljoana Mouza, Tanor Upazila, covers 1.65 acres, while the wetland in Bilbhala Mouza, Godagari Upazila, is 15.08 acres.

During the winter months, the Biljoana and Bilbhala wetlands serve as vital sanctuaries for both native and migratory bird species. These wetlands host native waterfowl such as Kalem, Koda, Dahuk, Gurguri, Jalppi, and Jalmayur, along with several species of migratory ducks, including Balihan, Patisraali, Bara Sarali, Piang Han, Khunte Han, and Bhutihan. Apart from these species of birds, various amphibians, reptiles and mammals live in the wetlands.

The biodiversity of these wetlands is currently under threat due to the increasing population and human activities in Bangladesh. Declaring these wetlands as sanctuaries will protect them as a safe habitat for birds and wildlife.

In addition, these 2 wetlands will become important biodiversity educational areas for students, researchers and nature lovers.