STATUS AND PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE OF WILDLIFE TOURISM IN BANGLADESH

INTRODUCTION
The People’s Republic of Bangladesh is situated in the northeastern part of the South Asian subcontinent, situated between 200 25’ and 260 38’ north latitude and 880 01’ and 920 40’ east longitude. Total area of this country is about 147,570 km² with three broad physiographic regions, flood plains, terraces, hills etc. occupying about 80%, 8% and about 12% of the total land area respectively. The majority parts of Bangladesh are less than 12 meters (39 ft) above the sea level, and the mountainous regions on the northeast and southeast exist with an average altitude of 244m and 610m respectively. The peak point of the state (1230m) is located at the southeastern edge of the erstwhile district of Chittagong Hill Tracts. Till today Government of Bangladesh has declared 38 Protected Areas (PA) including 17 National Parks, 20 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 01 Marine Protected Area and also declared 02 Vulture Save Zones. Forest Protected area covers 439,881.31 hectares excluding marine protected area and vultures saves zones and represents 2.98 % of total area of the country. These PAs are distributed into the four major forest typologies of Bangladesh, namely Tropical Evergreen and Semi Evergreen Forest (or Hill Forest), Moist Deciduous Forest, Mangrove Forest and Coastal Forest.
Bio-geographically, Bangladesh situated at the junction of the Indian and Malayan sub-regions of the Indo-Malayan Realm and is placed very near to the western side of Sino-Japanese region. The country’s biodiversity imitates this mixture. Huge number of native floras, including 3,000-4,000 species of woody floras, have been recorded from Bangladesh, and also supports 130 species of mammals, 710 species of birds, 164 species of reptiles and 56 species of amphibians (Reza Khan 2013). Rich aquatic biodiversity comprises 260 species of finfish belonging to 56 families, 43 species of freshwater and land Mollusks, 246 bryophytes species, 195 species of Pteridophyets and 429 species of butterflies. Bangladesh’s aquatic diversity, especially marine ecology, has not yet been adequately discovered. A total of 219 species including fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals are being noted as threatened according to Bangladesh National Criteria (IUCN Bangladesh 2006). The rich biodiversity is significant to the local context as well as to the international context. Two RAMSAR sites Tanguar Haor and three Wildlife Sanctuaries of Sundarbans (East, west & south) in 1992 have been declared in Bangladesh and the entire Sundarbans (world’s largest mangrove tract) was being designated as a World Heritage Site in 1997.
PRESENT CONSERVATION STATUS OF WILDLIFE IN BANGLADESH
Animals Group
(terrestrial and marine) No. of species of resident wild animals (terrestrial and marine) No. of species extinct from the nature No. of threatened and endangered species Data deficient No. of species not threatened
Critically endangered Endangered Vulnerable Total
Fish 708 0 12 29 17 58 66 584
Amphibian 56 0 0 3 5 8 7 7
Reptile 164 1 13 28 22 63 39 24
Bird 710 2 19 20 8 47 164 407
Mammal 130 10 21 15 7 43 53 17
Total 1644 13 65 95 59 219 329 1039
*Source: IUCN 2006 and Reza Khan 2013
PROTECTED AREAS
List of notified Protected Areas (PA) of Bangladesh
National Park
Sl. No. National Park Location Area (ha.) Date of Notification

1. Bhawal National Park Gazipur 5,022.29 11-05-1982
2. Modhupur National Park Tangail/Mynsingh 8,436.13 24-02-1982
3. Ramsagar National Park Dinajpur 27.75 30-04-2001
4. Himchari National Park Cox's Bazar 1,729.00 15-02-1980
5. Lawachara National Park Moulavibazar 1,250.00 07-07-1996
6. Kaptai National Park Ctg. Hill Tracts 5,464.78 09-09-1999
7. Nijhum Dweep National Park Noakhali 16352.23 08-04-2001
8. Medha Kassapia National Park Cox's Bazar 395.92 04-04-2004
9. Satchari National Park Habigonj 242.91 15-10-2005
10. Khadeem Nagar National Park Sylhet 678.80 13-04-2006
11. Baraiyadhala National Park Chittagong 2933.61 06-04-2010
12. Kadigar National Park Mymensing 344.13 24-10-2010
13. Shingra National Park Dinajpur 305.69 24-10-2010
14. Nababgong National Park Dinajpur 517.61 24-10-2010
15. Kuakata National Park Patuakhali 1613.00 24-10-2010
16. Altadeghe National Park Nagaon 264.12 14-12-2011
17. Birgonj National Park Dinajpur 168.56 14-12-2011
    Sub-Total 45,746.53

Wildlife Sanctuary
Sl. No. Wildlife Sanctuaries Location Area (ha.) Date of Notification

1. Rema-kelenga Wildlife Sanctuary Hobigonj 1795.54 07-07-1996
2. Char Kukri-Mukri Wildlife Sanctuary Bhola 40.00 19-12-1981
3. Sundarban (East) Wildlife Sanctuary Bagerhat 31226.94 06-04-1996
4. Sundarban (West) Wildlife Sanctuary Satkhira 71502.10 06-04-1996
5. Sundarban (South) Wildlife Sanctuary Khulna 36970.45 06-04-1996
6. Pablakhali Wildlife Sanctuary Ctg. Hill Tracts 42069.37 20-09-1983
7. Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary Chittagong 7763.97 18-03-1986
8. Fashiakhali Wildlife Sanctuary Cox’s Bazar 1302.42 11-04-2007
9. Dudh Pukuria-Dhopachari Wildlife Sanctuary Chittagong 4716.57 06-04-2010
10. Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary Chittagong 1177.53 06-04-2010
11. Shangu Wildlife Sanctuary Bandarban 2331.98 06-04-2010
12. Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary Cox’s Bazar 11614.57 24-03-2010
13. Tengragree Wildlife Sanctuary Barguna 4048.58 24-10-2010
14. Sonarchar Wildlife Sanctuary Patuakhali 2026.48 24-12-2011
15. Chandpai Wildlife Sanctuary Bagherhat 560.00 29-01-2012
16. Dudmukhi Wildlife Sanctuary Bagherhat 170.00 29-01-2012
17. Daingmari Wildlife Sanctuary Bagherhat 340.00 29-01-2012
18. Nagarbari-Mohangonj Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) Sanctuary Pabna 408.11 01-12-2013
19. Shilanda-Nagdemra Wildlilfe (Dolphin) Sanctuary Pabna 24.17 01-12-2013
20. Nazirgonj Wildlilfe (Dolphin) Sanctuary Pabna 146.00 01-12-2013
    Sub-Total 2,20,334.78

Marine Protected Area
Sl. No. Marine Protected Area Location Area (ha.) Date of Notification

1.  Swatch of No-ground Marine Protected Area  South Bay of  Bengal    1,73,800.00 27-10-2014
   

Vulture Safe Zone
Sl. No. Safe Zone Location Area (ha.) Date of Notification

1. Vulture Save Zone Shylet, Hobigonj, Sunamgonj, Molvibazar, Netrokona, Kishorgonj, Gazipur, Mymanshing, Brammonbaria, Norshindi, Comilla & Khagrachari 19,66,300.18 23-12-2014
2. Vulture Save Zone Faridpur, Magura, Jhinaidha, Madaripur, Jossore, Gopalgonj, (Except Tungipara), Narial, Shariatpur, Barishal, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira, Pirojpur, (Except Vandaria), Jhalakhati, Patuakhali and Barguna. 27,71,700.26 23-12-2014
   Sub-Total 47,38,000.44
   *Source: Bangladesh Forest Department
   ** Though vulture save zones are declared under Wildlife (conservation & security) Act, 2012 but it was not notified as Protected Area cause most of the areas belongs to private property.
   *** Marine Protected Area is the outer side of Sundarbans and have common border with India.

WILDLIFE TOURIST HOT SPOTS IN BANGLADESH

BHAWAL NATIONAL PARK
Bhawal National Park was established and preserved as a National Park in 1974. It was declared officially in 1982. It is located in Gazipur district, Dhaka Division of Bangladesh. Its principle is to protect important habitats as well as to afford opportunities for recreation. It belongs to IUCN Management Category V, as a protected landscape. It is a tropical moist deciduous forest, where Sal is the main tree species and locally is called ‘Gajari forests’. This Sal forest is a secondary forest originated from coppice. The area was renowned for Peacocks, Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Black Panther, and Sambar Deer. However much of the wildlife had been disappeared and only a few species remain. Approximately 18 species of mammals, 11 species of amphibians, 19 species of reptiles and 84 species of birds are found in the park area. Civet, Mongoose, Fox, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar and Hare are the main mammals. Monitor lizard, Snake, Python & Tortoise are the main reptiles. Most of this region was covered by forests fifty years ago and the dominant species was Sal (Shorea robusta). 390 species of plants are being recognized in the PA area among which are 35 species of climbers, 127 species of herbs, 60 species of shrubs and 168 species of timber trees. This is the most popular tourist spot near the Dhaka City. The park is nearly 80 km away from the capital and well communicated by bus.

MADHUPUR NATIONAL PARK
The Madhupur national Park is situated in the northern part of Bhawal-Madhupur Shal (Shorea robusta) forest tract, somewhat 50 km south of the Garo Hills of the Meghalaya State of India, and about 151 km north of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Park is deciduous with a slight mixture of evergreen forest. The main plant species of the forest is Shal (Shorea robusta). In Modhupur National Park, the total number of identified plant species is 176. There are 4 Rubber plantations surrounding the site, namely Pirgacha Rubber Garden, Chandpur Rubber Garden, Sontoshpur Rubber Garden and Kamalapur Rubber Garden. This park also has wide variety of fauna. Identified fauna species include 4 amphibians, 7 reptiles, 11 mammals and 38 birds species. This deep forest is the key place for both researcher and tourist.

SATCHARI NATIONAL PARK
Satchari National Park (SNP) to begin with supported an indigenous vegetation of mixed tropical evergreen forest. On the other hand, almost all of the original forest has been removed or substantially altered, turning it into a secondary forest. Amongst the wildlife found in SNP are 6 species of amphibians, 18 species of reptiles, 149 species of birds and 24 species of mammals. Hoolock Gibbon and Phayre’s Langur are the keystone species of SNP with lesser known species like the Htun Win’s Tree Frog have only been recently recognized. Among the bird species Oriental Pied Hornbill, Red Jungle Fowl and Red- headed Trogon are common. A number of wildlife species have gradually become extinct from the park like the Tiger, Barking Deer, Leopard, Porcupine and Wild Cow to mention a few. It is paradise for bird lovers.

LAWACHARA NATIONAL PARK
Lawachara NP is a nature reserve in Bangladesh situated at Maulvibazar District in the northeastern region of the country. The area was declared as national park by the government on July 7, 1996. The Lawachara NP is a mixed tropical evergreen forests and a biodiversity hotspot in the country with many endangered and endemic species of fauna and flora (Mukul, 2008; 2014). The highly productive ecosystem of the Lawachara NP provides a wide range of valuable services, for example, about 167 species of plants, 276 species of wildlife, including 246 species of birds, 20 species of mammals, 6 species of reptiles, 4 species of amphibians as well as the flagship species such as the critically endangered Hoolock Gibbons of which merely 62 individuals remain in the area (Leech and Ali, 1997; FSP 2000b; Thompson and Johnson, 1999; 2003; Feroz and Islam, 2000; Ahsan, 1995a; Khan, 1982). In order to enhance economic benefit plantation program in the forest was started as early as 1923 with establishment of reserve forest. Since then plantation took place till 1984 (FD, 1997). A large number of tourists visit particularly easily accessible parts of Lawachara to have a feel of luxuriant vegetation of evergreen forests and good landscape of the Park with rolling hills and interspersed valleys. An estimate by Feeroz and Islam (2000) illustrates that during December to February, in average, 300 buses and minibuses/month visit the park. According to them, the visitors stay throughout the day and leave in the evening. According to Ahsan (1995b), during winter, every day 2-5 groups of visitors come to the park by buses and micro-buses, comprising about 15-100 people/group. The place is well developed with tourist facilities including tea garden lodge, hill view eco-cottage, five star hotels etc.

HIMCHARI NATIONAL PARK
Himchari National Park is just south of the town of Cox’s Bazar which consist of abundant tropical rain forest, grasslands and trees, and features a numeral of waterfalls, the largest of which cascades downward to the sandy, sun-drenched beach. The flora and fauna in the part is rich and birders in no way fail to be delighted at the extensive birdlife. At once the stomping ground was herds of Asian elephant. Himchari is still habitat to a small number of these majestic animals. Other mammals like Gibbon, Rhesus Macaque, Leopard Cat, Fishing Cat, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Dhole (also known as the Asiatic Wild Dog) and Indian Muntjac are present in the park. Additionally the Himchari National Park is home to around 56 species of reptiles, 55 species mammals and 14 amphibian species. There are about 100 species of trees, shrubs, canes, palms, ferns, grasses, and herbs in the park. This extensive diversity of plant life provides appropriate habitats for more than 286 species of birds that call the park home, including the Barn Swallow, Asian Palm Swift and Jungle Myna. The most astonishing thing of this park is the seashore of the Bay of Bengal with natural forest on the other side.

KAPTAI NATIONAL PARK
The semi-ever green forest encompasses very high hills, springs, canals and river. Kaptai National Park is located in the Rangamati Hill Tracts, which cascades between the Karnaphuly and Kaptai Mountain Ranges. It is an extremely astonishing natural area that has to be experienced to be truly esteemed. This is where undulating green hills greet the spectacular blue azure of the Kaptai Lake in an exciting combination of color. Various natural springs each add their own unique appeal to the park while wildlife stun the public as they scuttle about on their regular activities. Some of the wildlife that inhabits the park includes Elephant, Deer, Jungle Cat, Monkey etc. Almost 60 percent of wildlife taking place in Bangladesh found here. The tropical rain forest that is originated on the banks of the Karnaphuly River is another amazing feature of this lovely park. Every year millions of national and foreign tourists come to this place to see the beautiful scenario.

TEKNAF WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Located on the banks of the Naf River in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazaar and occupied almost 11,500 hectare. A highlight of the Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary is the Kudum Cave, more usually referred to as the “Bat Cave” for noticeable reasons. The two species of bats, of which there a large number, are not the only cave inhabitants. Kudum Cave is also habitat to 04 species of snails, 04 species of fish dwelling in the underwater pools and 03 species of spiders. The sanctuary harbors a wide diversity of tropical semi-evergreen flora and fauna. The Sanctuary contains 55 mammals like the Slow Bengal Loris and the Masked Palm Civet; 286 birds including the White-Bellied Seagull, White-Browed Piculet along with some Kingfisher and Bittern species; 56 reptiles, 13 amphibians, and 290 species of plants. Currently, Asian Elephants, Wild Boars, Clouded Leopards, Hog-badgers, Deer etc. are found in plenty. Only way to this place is by bus with accommodation facilities are Forest rest house, hotels and eco-cottages in Teknaf.

REMA-KALENGA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
This is a dry and evergreen forest. It is also the second largest natural forest in Bangladesh after the Sundarbans. It is the country's second largest wildlife sanctuary and the most prosperous in terms of biodiversity. It is situated in Habiganj district. It is a pleasant combination of diverse kinds of plants, animals and birds life. Tourist can get one of the best experiences of bird watching here. 167 species of bird's inhabitants here e.g. Greater Yellownape, Asian Barred Owlet and Great Racket-Tailed Drongo. Primates included Hoolock Gibbon, Phayres Langur, Rhesus Monkey, Capped Languer, Slow Loris, Fishing Cat, Wild Boar and Barking Deer are in this forest. Identified species includes 37 mammals, 7 amphibians, 18 reptiles and 638 plants are in this forest. The prime communication way to the park is by bus or car.

PABLAKHALI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Pablakhali Wildlife sanctuary is the optimum hill forest left over in Bangladesh and an amazing wetland site also. Main attraction of this place is Asiatic Elephant and a lot of species of native birds. Other mammals are Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Dhole, Small Cats, Otters, Wild Boar and Sambar. Although 183 Bird species, 76 Mammal species and many other species of Reptiles and Amphibians were recorded. In addition to these animals, a large variety of Snakes, Lizards and other Reptiles are also very common to this area. The list of wild birds is also quite long, notable species being Pigeons, Doves, Jungle Fowl, Partridge, Pheasants, Mayna, Woodpecker, Cuckoo, Owl, Adjutant, Thrush, Babbler, Drongo, Grackle, Chat Robin, Swallow, Bee-eater, Hoopee, Teals, Quails and Wild Ducks etc. There are two rest houses available for the tourists.

CHUNATI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary is about 70 km south of Chittagong city and on the way of Cox's bazaar highway. This is amazing and rare kind of ecosystem in Bangladesh. The Sanctuary is also declared as MIKE site. South of the forest is still roaming area of Asian elephant. This area is continuous natural panorama of hills and grasslands. Rhesus Macaque, Barking Deer included with19 mammals, 53 birds, 4 amphibians and 7 reptiles in this forest. The natural trails of the Sanctuary are ideal place for hiking. It is a great resource of eco-tourism. Rest houses are obtainable for tourists manage by the Forest Department.

DUDHPUKURIA- DHOPACHARI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Dudhpukuria- Dhopachari Wildlife Sanctuary is tropical evergreen & semi-evergreen forest located in Rangunia, Chittagong. The Wildlife Sanctuary contains significantly high floral and faunal diversities. Garjan is the dominant tree species along with its correlate plant species. Asian Elephant, Gibbon, Wild boar, Rhesus Macaque, Barking Deer are the most prominent mammal among the faunal species. Forest rest house is obtainable for the tourist.

KUAKATA NATIONAL PARK
It is situated in Potuakhali district. The park, located on the sea shore, encompass costal mangrove plantations. Main attraction of the park is long sandy seashore. Besides this the sandy beach is the egg laying ground for thousand of marine turtle. The park also supports a lot of wildlife. Keora and Bain are the main plant species of this park, a mixture of plant based resources such as Reeds, Catkin, Grass, Hental, Helipana and Maila are found in plenty throughout the area. Kuakata is one of the most attracting sightseer places of the country. The foremost way to go the site is by bus and lots of standard hotels, motels and eco-cottages are accessible.

SUNDARBANS
The Sundarbans is the world’s largest coastal wetland shared between Bangladesh (62%) and India (38%). In the line with the bio-geographical zoning approach, 05 habitat typologies are recognized namely; Shore, Low Mangrove Forest, High Mangrove Forest, Open Land or Grassland, and Estuarine River Base. The Shore habitat covers from the open sandy to muddy areas along the edges of the Wildlife Sanctuary on the Bay of Bengal which generally serves as the major habitat of distinctive bird species in the Sundarbans. The seashore is rich in minuscule aquatic organisms including shells, crabs and shrimps etc. Sundarbans was declared as “World Heritage Site” in 1997. In addition, 03 Wildlife Sanctuaries, Government of Bangladesh has also declared 03 new wildlife (dolphin) sanctuaries in 2013 along the shore of Sundarbans to conserve large number of Ganges River Dolphins or Shushuks, Irrawaddy Dolphins and Finless Porpoises.
Low Mangrove habitat is a tidal area and usually characterized by low undergrowth composed of small trees, shrubs, hentals and others. Sundarbans is eminent for the Charismatic and Flagship species the Royal Bengal Tiger. It is the merely mangrove habitat in the world for the Royal Bengal Tiger, Panthera tigris tigris species. According to the camera trapping census, 2015 in Sundarnas only 106 tigers left. It harbors other important wildlife e.g. globally threatened Estuarine Crocodile, Indian Python, Ganges and Irrawaddy Dolphins and the critically endangered endemic river Terrapin (Batagur baska). Here tourists also catch the attention of other wildlife e.g. Spotted deer, Wild boar, Rhesus monkey, Otter, Jackal, etc.
Mangrove Forest is generally characterized by high vegetation consisting of medium to large trees such as Sundri, Gewa, Keora, Baen, Passur and others. Its special biodiversity is expressed in a large assortment of flora; 334 plant species belongs to 245 genera and 75 families, 165 algae and 13 orchid species. It is also rich in faunal diversity with 693 species of wildlife which includes; 49 mammals, 59 reptiles, 9 amphibians, 210 white fishes, 26 shrimps, 14 crabs and 43 mollusks species. The varied and colorful bird-life found along the channel of the property is one of its greatest attractions including 315 species of waterfowl, raptors and native birds including 09 species of kingfisher and the magnificent white-bellied sea eagle.
The prime way to visit the Sundarbans is by water vessel. But before that tourists have to go Khulna by bus, train or by air up to Jessore and then Khulna by bus or car. There are some authorized travel agencies have package for tourist in the winter season including night halt on vessel inside the Sundarbans. This is the great opportunity for all nature devotees to enjoy the jungle safari with the Royal Bengal Tiger.

NIJHUM DWIP NATIONAL PARK
Nijhum Dwip Island is a small island under Hatiya upazila of Noakhali District in Bangladesh. The Island is the southernmost island of Bangladesh. A cluster of islands mainly; Ballar Char, Char Osman, Kamlar Char and Char Muri emerged in the early on 1950s as an alluvium in the shallow estuary of the Bay of Bengal On the south of Noakhali. One of the key shorebird sites in the East-Asia- Australasian Flyways. Huge numbers of migratory shore birds visit the islands, such as Waders, Gulls, Terns, Egrets, Ducks, Geese etc. Some rare species like Spotted Green Shank, Spotted Red Shank, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Indian Skimmer, Sandpiper, Wagtail, and Brown-headed Gull are also being seen. Among the trees Keora is common everywhere. In addition Gewa, Kankra, Bain, Babul, Karamja, Pashur and many other species also found in this island. The main attraction in these forests is the herd of about 20,000 spotted deer, Axis axis (Md. G. Rabbi, 2011). Some private eco-cottages and hotels are in the Island and Hatia. Accommodation water vessels are available from Dhaka to Hatia.

SONADIA ISLAND
Sonadia Island is located in Cox’s Bazaar with an area of 4916 hectare. The Island was declared an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) by the Government of Bangladesh in 1999. Tourist and researchers have been fascinated mostly for mangrove, marine turtles and migratory bird watching. The island is prosperous in species despite its small size. The significant habitats at the site include mangrove, mudflats, beaches and sand dunes, canals and lagoons and marine habitat. The place supports the very last enduring remnant of natural mangrove forest in south-east Bangladesh. The site lies on the East Asian Australasian and Central Asian Flyways and the mangrove and shallow shoals surrounding the island offer an excellent wintering area for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds, including 03 globally threatened species Spoon-bill Sandpiper, Nordmann’s Greenshank and Great Knot. The sandy beaches and sand dunes support some globally threatened marine turtle species. Other important species include Irrawaddy dolphin and crustacean species, a wild grass relative of rice, fishes and mollusks. Bus and airline services and are available from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar. Then speed boat needs to be hired for Sonadia Island. There is no accommodation in Sonadia. So visitors have to stay at Cox’s Bazar.

CHAR KUKRI MUKRI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Char Kukri Mukri Wildlife Sanctuary is an offshore island of Char Fasson under Bhola district. The area of this sanctuary is around 40 hectare, which is alienated from Bhola mainland by the river Meghna. Composition of coastal mangrove is dissimilar than that of the Sundarbans. Keora (Sonneretia apetala) is prevalent and Gewa (Gumlina areborea) is also present. Among the wildlife Spotted Deer, Monkey, Wild Boars are common. Mammals also include Fishing Cat and Oriental Small-clawed Otter. More than 8 species of Herons breed in the Sanctuary. Other waterfowls include Egrets, Bitterns, and Grey Pelican. All 03 of the Monitor species dwelling in Bangladesh were being reported from this Sanctuary. The only way to this place is by water vessel from Dhaka (Sadarghat Launch Terminal).

TANGUAR HAOR
Tanguar Haor is a sole wetland ecosystem of national and international significance. The haor address to swamp forests, hundreds of bird’s species, fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals, many of which are rare and endangered. Tanguar Hoar is roughly 10,000 ha and is located in Sunamgonj, North-Eastern district of Bangladesh. It was declared an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) in 1999 by the Government of Bangladesh, and a “Ramsar Site”, wetland of national and international importance, by the Ramsar Bureau in 2000. The wetland supports freshwater mother fisheries and is a recognized residence in every winter to nearly 200 migratory bird species. The prime way to the haor is by bus or train. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenario with amazing food staying in eco-cottage managed by stakeholders. NGOs also have some cottage to facilitate tourists.

HAIL HAOR

Hail Haor is a basin between hills that becomes a large solitary body of water which overall catchments area 60,000 ha, Wet Season haor area 12,490 ha, Dry Season water area 4,009 ha (March 2000), 400 ha (1999 dry season) and Adjacent floodplain 20,000+ ha. Out of total area, 100 ha were declared as a Fish Sanctuary known as Baikka Beel. Hail Haor comprises of open water with emergent vegetation (mostly lotus), and a fringe of resident swamp forest planted about 10 years ago. Initially it was protected to conserve and restore fish and it also supports about 90 species of fish, but populations of wintering water birds has increased after the declaration of Fish Sanctuary. So far 141 bird species have been documented within the sanctuary. It habitually supports nearly 20,000 migratory water birds every year. Up to 9 wintering Pallas’s Fish Eagles, large flocks of ducks including up to 4,500 Fulvous Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) occur in winter, Greater Spotted Eagle is regular, and good numbers and diversity of shorebirds, marshland warblers and other birds occur. This is the only substantial community managed wetland sanctuary in the country.
Due to its picturesque attractiveness and scenery, it attracts huge number of tourists to visit Baikka Beel every year mostly in the winter season. The beel is very much closer to Srimangal, Moulovibazar and well communicated both by bus and train. Accommodation facilities are also well developed by NGOs and Local community.

BSM SAFARI PARK, GAZIPUR
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park (BSMSP) is one of the best tourist attractions in Bangladesh. Tourist will get the flavor of visiting wild Africa here. It is innovative and attractive visiting place. The Park has established with an area of 3690.0 acres. On the basis of actual field situation including 1335.0 acres Core Safari Park, 576.0 acres Safari Kingdom, 955.0 acres Biodiversity Park and 824.0 acres Extensive Asian Core Safari Park.
The Natural forest of BSMSP is vigorous plant storage. All group of plants like trees shrubs, herbs, climbers which are gymnosperm, angiosperm, pteridophyte, bryophyte, epiphyte & parasite etc are available in natural forest of this park. Besides different type of ornamental plants, orchids, seasonal flowering plants, medicinal plants and fruit bearing plants are also present here. There are a total no. of 276 plant species under 227 genera and 80 families in the natural forest of this park. The park is home for both wild and cage animals. In wild condition the park supports about 78 species of birds, 05 amphibia, 14 mammals and 13 reptiles. The main attraction of the park is cage animals for the tourist. About 05 Thousand visitors visit the park. The park becomes the main tourist hotspot of the capital dwellers. Notable cage wildlife’s are Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, White Lion, Asiatic Black Bear, Giraffe, Barking Deer, Gharial, Salt water Crocodile, Turtle, Ostrich, Emu, Great Hornbill, Pelican, Flamingo. A butterfly garden is also established including about 50 butterfly species.
The major communication way to this park is bus, car etc. It will take 2 hours from the capital.

CONCLUSION
Bangladesh is a land of wildlife, hills and forests, sandy sea beach and other panoramic beauties. Here tourist can hear the roar of the Royal Bengal Tiger in the largest mangrove forest, Sundarbans. Bangladesh Government has taken many projects to make sure the best facilities for both national and international nature lovers.
Heartily welcome to “Beautiful Bangladesh”.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Some information was collected from various sources notable; Bangladesh Forest Department, IUCN Bangladesh, Nishorgo Support Project (NSP), BSM Safari Park Project, Internet Articles etc. Special thanks to Dr. Tapan Kumar Dey and Mr. Hoq Mahbub Morshed for sharing ideas and views. Few photo credits go to Dr. Bitapi C. Sinha, Mr. Ashit Ranjan Paul, IUCN Bangladesh, Shimanto Dipu, Wildlife Center, Md. Faysal Ahmad, A.E.M. Rubayet Elahi, Md. Shohel Rana and Israt Jahan.

REFERENCE
Ahsan, M.F. 1995a. Fighting Between Two Females for a Male in the Hoolock Gibbon. International Journal of Primatology, Vol. 16, No. 5, pp. 131-137.

Ahsan, M.F. 1995b. Human Impact on 2 Forests of Bangladesh: A Preliminary Case Study. International Wildlife Management Congress, The Wildlife Society, Bethesda, Maryland. Pp. 368-372.

Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD), Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of Bangladesh. (http://www.bforest.gov.bd)

Dey, T.K; Rabbi, M.G. 2015. Guide Book on Wildlife Law Enforcement in Bangladesh.

FD (Forest Department), 1997. Sylhet Forest Division -at a glance. Forest Department. pp 34.

Feeroz, M.M.; Islam, M.A. 2000. Primates of the West Bhanugach Forest Reserve: major threats and management plan. In: Bangladesh Environment 2000, (M. Feeroz Ahmed, ed.).

FSP (Forestry Sector Project), 2000b. First Five Year Management Plan for Lawachara National Park. Vol. 2: Background and support material. Forest Department, Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Integrated Protected Area Co-Management (IPAC): State Of Bangladesh’s Forest Protected Areas, 2010

IUCN Bangladesh 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (www.iucnredlist.org)

Khan, M.A.R, 1982. On the distribution of the mammalian fauna of Bangladesh. Pages 560-575, in: Proc. of the Second National Forestry Conference, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 21-26 January 1982.

Khan, M.A.R, 2013. Wildlife of Bangladesh: Check List Cum Guide, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Leech, J.; Ali, S.S. 1997. Report of the Extended Natural Resources Survey: Part IV – plant and animal species lists. GoB/WB Forest Resources Management Project, Technical Assistance Component. Mandala Agriculture Development Corporation, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Mukul, S.A. October 5–10, 2008. The role of traditional forest practices in enhanced conservation and improved livelihoods of indigenous communities: case study from Lawachara National Park, Bangladesh. In: Proceedings of the 1st international conference on Forest Related Traditional Knowledge and Culture in Asia. Seoul, Korea, pp 24–28.

Mukul, S.A. 2014. Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem functions of traditional agroforestry systems: case study from three tribal communities in and around Lawachara National Park. In:

Chowdhury, M.S.H. (Ed.) Forest Communities in Protected Areas of Bangladesh: Policy and Community Development Perspectives. Springer, Switzerland, pp. 171–179.

Nishorgo Support Project (NSP), Bangladesh Forest Department. 〈http://www.nishorgo.org〉.

Rabbi, M.G.; Jaman, M.F.; and Sarker, S.U. 2011. Ecology And Status Of Avifauna Of Nijhum Dwip And Damar Char, Noakhali And The Conservation Issues. Journal of NOAMI, Vol-28.

Thompson, P.M.; Johnson, D.L. (eds) 1999. Checklist of birds recorded at 19 sites in Bangladesh. Updated to 1 February 1999. Unpublished Report.