Two wetlands declared wildlife sanctuaries

The government has declared two ecologically vital wetlands in Rajshahi district as "Wetland-Dependent Wildlife Sanctuaries" to ensure the conservation of their rich biodiversity, particularly avian species.

The announcement came through two separate gazette notifications issued yesterday by Forest Wing-2 of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012.

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The newly designated sanctuaries include a 1.65-acre wetland in Biljowana Mouza of Tanore upazila and a 15.08-acre wetland in Bilbala Mouza under Godagari upazila.

These wetlands serve as crucial winter habitats for a diverse range of native and migratory bird species.

More than 100 bird species along with various amphibians, reptiles and mammals inhabit the wetlands.

The new designation is expected to provide a secure haven for wildlife and also promote ecological awareness, education, research and nature-based tourism.