The number of migratory birds is constantly decreasing in Hakaluki Wetland, Bangladesh
Due to bird hunting, the number of migratory birds is decreasing consistently in Hakaluki Haor, the largest wetland in Bangladesh. The information has come up from a recent bird census.
According to the relevant sources, from 2017 to 2021, except in 2020, the total number of birds gradually decreases every year.
Bird watchers taking part in the census informed that the number of birds was lower than before. They cited various reasons, including the late start of the census and bird hunting. However, the exact details of the bird census held in Hakaluki are unknown.
According to Bangladesh Bird Club sources, for the first time, a two-day bird census has taken place in Hakaluki wetland with government funding. From morning to afternoon, on 23rd and 24th February, two teams of six members were divided into two groups and conducted bird census in 45 small and big bills of Haor.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the local non-governmental organization Prokriti O Jibon Foundation (POJF) have jointly organized the project in Hakaluki. Bangladesh Bird Club (BBC) was in collaboration. The census was conducted jointly by three organizations led by renowned ornithologist Inam Al Haq.
Imam Al Haq said that “During the bird census, fewer birds have observed in 45 canals of wetland than last year. Some dead ducks and birds were found dead in the wetland and canals.
Elaborating on some of the reasons for the decline in the number of birds, Inam Al Haq said, ” Over time, the water level in most of the wetland has decreased. So the number of birds has also reduced. Therefore, the census started quite late.
In the just-finished winter season, miscreants have killed birds with poison-trap in the wetland. If the birds think their lives are in danger, they will not flock there.
It is necessary to stop hunting through poison-trap and other ways to increase the number of birds in Hakaluki. Bird specialist Inam Al Haq said measures should adopt to preserve it by establishing a bird sanctuary.
Mr. Inam Al Haque, Founder of Bangladesh Bird Club and took part in the census, said that after completing the census, they gave the information of the birds to IUCN. It is the first census conducted by a government initiative.
Therefore, the disclosure of information will go through the government system. Later, IUCN and the Forest Department will provide information on the number of birds.
Hakaluki haor ( Hakaluky Wetland systems} covers an area of about 28,000 hectares in Kulaura, Juri, and Baralekha of Moulvibazar and Fenchuganj and Golapganj Upazilas of Sylhet.
