Nature and Life - Episode 203 (Endangered Waterbirds of Bangladesh)

Numerous rivers and tributaries are spread throughout the country.
These rivers and tributaries have created numerous water bodies.
So Bangladesh is renowned for being surrounded by water bodies in the world.
Bangladesh is recognized as a good habitat for the waterbirds for having enough food for them in the water bodies.
But many of the water bodies have been filled up due to human population growth.
To fulfill the food demand of the population natural resources are being harvested excessively.
As a result, the safe habitats for the waterbirds are decreasing.
Due to unplanned industrialization, different chemical substances excreted by the industries are getting mixed with these water bodies.
Along with this, various harmful wastes are also being added.
These wastes are then reaching large rivers through small connected water bodies.
The healthy river is becoming polluted.
So a number of waterbirds have become endangered due to lack of food and roaming grounds.
The Spoon-billed Sandpiper is one of the most endangered species.
They are endangered critically not only in Bangladesh but also in the whole world.
They are still seen in our coastal areas, especially in the Sonadia Island.
Another endangered species Indian Skimmer is also seen in the coastal areas.
They are endangered worldwide.
This beautiful bird with orange-yellow beak can be seen in the large rivers and estuaries.
The largest group of this bird is seen at Nijhumdwip in winter.
The Masked Finfoot is endangered all over the world.
They are found only in Sundarbans in Bangladesh.
They are also locally known as ‘Goyla Hansh’.
Lesser Adjutant and Asian Openbill are the larger waterbirds found in our country.
Once they used to be widely available in our country.
They spend most of the daytime in the water bodies.
But they need large trees for roosting and breeding.
And due to lack of large trees they have now become endangered in this country.
Various species of Herons cover a major portion of the waterbirds in our country.
Most of them live here for the whole year.
Their population has decreased due to water pollution and food scarcity.
Various species of coastal birds are seen in the coastal areas of this country.
They come here to keep themselves safe from the harshness of winter.
Among them different species of Sandpiper, Plover, Godwit, Curlew and Ibis are significant.
They usually roam in the clayey chars of coastal area.
Thousands of coastal birds are seen all around the chars during low tide.
Due to lack of habitat & food, caused by manmade & natural reasons, they are not seen as before in this country.
The wild ducks are another group of birds of Bangladesh that depend on water bodies.
Around 28 species of wild ducks can be seen here roaming in the water bodies.
Among them Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, Ducks and Shelducks are significant.
Most of them migrate to the Haor areas in winter.
They are also seen roaming in the coastal areas.
They are also affected by the climate change.
Besides, their population is decreasing day by day due to trap hunting.
Bronze-winged Jacana, Pheasant-tailed Jacana and Waterhen used to be seen in almost all water bodies of Bangladesh once.
But since most of the rural & urban water bodies have been filled up, they are now endangered.
Most of these endangered waterbirds are insectivorous, fish eaters or herbivorous.
The insectivorous birds save the crops by feeding on harmful insects.
The fish eaters maintain good health of the water bodies by feeding on diseased fishes.
Moreover, they remain in the Haors, Baors, Swamps and Lakes at different times of the year.
Their droppings make the land of those places fertile.
But the number of the endangered bird species is increasing day by day.
If it continues, they might go extinct in near future.
If they become extinct, other dependent species will also be harmed.
As a result, the overall ecosystem will become unbalanced.
So, through the joint effort of the Government and people, these birds have to be conserved by ensuring sufficient food and natural habitats for them.
Only then the aesthetic beauty and the balance of the environment will be maintained.