Golden oriole spotted

Oriole is a North American bird: The male is black and orange and the female is yellow-green, and a European bird: The male is bright yellow with black wings.

Golden oriole is locally known as yellow bird, said Moklesur Rahman, divisional research officer of FRI.

"So far we have traced about ten golden orioles in our forests and we are keeping a watch on their movement for study on their status," Moklesur, also an expert on wildlife, said.

A plan is underway to develop a forest habitat for golden oriole on the FRI hillside campus, institute source said.

The idea of developing a sanctuary for the birds came to our mind recently when we have traced the movement of black- headed oriole in our forest," Moklesur said.

"If we can develop a safe sanctuary for them we can easily raise their number," he said.

" We want to keep them free from noise and the area will be kept restricted," he added.

" We can also develop the area for recreation as a large number of visitors come here regularly to enjoy scenic beauty of our hill- bound, forest-clad campus. Moreover, golden oriole is a very beautiful bird," Moklesur said.

The FRI campus is located in the heart of the city over an area of 75 acres of land.

Moklesur said that golden oriole is becoming extinct in the country after 1980 following a massive depletion of forests. "No measures were taken to conserve the species," he said

" If we can help them undisturbed nesting in the forests, it is possible to revive their status with the increase of population," he added.

"We are trying to communicate with the higher authorities for support to develop a special forest habitat for the golden oriole on our hillside campus," he said.