331 wildlife species recorded on CU campus: Paper

A total of 331 of Bangladesh’s 1,121 recorded wildlife species have been found on the University of Chittagong campus, speakers said at a discussion marking World Wildlife Day today.

The information was shared by Supernumerary Professor Md Farid Ahsan at the event organised under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conservation of Health, Heritage and Livelihood.”

The day’s programme began around 7:00am with an inter-university wildlife observation competition. It was followed by a wildlife presentation session, a species identification contest, and a rally.

The rally started from the Faculty of Biological Sciences and concluded at the auditorium of the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, where the discussion session was held. A puzzle and quiz competition on wildlife was also arranged after the discussion.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Muhammod Yeahia Akhter attended the programme as chief guest.

In his speech, he said the Department of Biological Sciences must take a planned approach to inspire students, particularly those interested in working on the conservation of trees, fish, birds and forests.

Even small-scale initiatives can have meaningful impact, he added.

He further said the question of protecting wildlife and the environment is essentially a question of safeguarding human existence.

"Although it is our responsibility to protect the planet for future generations, more resources and attention are often spent on activities that contribute to its destruction," he said stressing the need for self-reflection.

Presenting his paper, Prof Farid Ahsan from the Department of Botany, said the CU campus is not just an academic institution but also a significant refuge of biodiversity in the country.

“Of the 70 species of frogs recorded nationwide, 22 are found on the campus. Among 170 species of reptiles, 59 have been recorded there, while 230 out of the country’s 732 bird species have been observed within the campus,” he said.

He also noted that a significant number of the country’s 139 mammal species inhabit the campus. In total, nearly 331 of the country’s 1,121 wildlife species are present in the campus area.

Dr Mohiuddin Sikder, adviser to the Chittagong Bird Club, said universities are primarily centres of research, and national progress depends on quality laboratories and research activities.

The discussion was chaired by Prof Mosammat Rasheda Chowdhury, chair of the Department of Zoology.

Among others, Golam Shafik, vice-president of the Bangladesh Bird Club, also spoke at the event.

The programme was organised by the Department of Zoology and the Chittagong University Bird Club (CUBC), with support from Prokriti O Jibon Foundation and the Bangladesh Bird Club.

Prizes were distributed among the winners of different competitions at the end of the event.