Bangladesh is known as one of the key countries of the fishing cat Prionailurus vi-verrinus, whic... more Bangladesh is known as one of the key countries of the fishing cat Prionailurus vi-verrinus, which is now recognized as a globally endangered species in response to its potentially rapid population declines in the last decade primarily due to habitat loss. We analysed media coverage of two major daily newspapers and interviewed local forest officials and conservationists in order to understand human-fishing cat conflicts, the distribution of human-fishing cat conflicts, current management practices and public perceptions. Content analysis of a total of 82 reports on the fishing cat in local and national newspapers revealed 30 confirmed deaths in four years. Other reports included 18 rescue-release cases by the Forest Department of Bangladesh. However, the status of the cats in 38 cases remained undetermined, as there was not enough information in the news reports. A survey of fishing cat habitat inside and outside protected areas throughout Bangladesh is essential. A management plan involving local conservation groups based in villages adjacent to wetlands can help reduce possible human-fishing cat conflicts and notify local wildlife authorities to take necessary conservation actions.
The little-known Bristled Grassbird is thought to be declining due to the loss of grassland habit... more The little-known Bristled Grassbird is thought to be declining due to the loss of grassland habitats throughout its range, and is currently classified as globally 'Vulnerable'. In order to investigate the current status and possible causes of the presumed decline, we assessed population density of Bristled Grassbird in Padma and Jamuna river systems of Bangladesh. The study was conducted during the breeding seasons of the Bristled Grassbird in April and May in 2016-2019, using distance sampling and habitat suitability modelling. We also examined habitat preferences and responses to environmental changes based on vegetation structure and habitat modifications at point count locations. We detected a total of 39 birds with a mean group size of 1.44 individuals. We estimated 4.52 (95% CI: 2.65-7.73) individuals per km 2 with an encounter rate of 1.48 detections per point count station and 341.15 birds within the study area. Our habitat suitability model projected a total of 167.41 km 2 of suitable habitat and a total of 756.7 birds in floodplain grasslands of Padma and Jamuna river systems. The Bristled Grassbird was positively associated with grass height and grass density with 92.31% of 39 detections at Saccharum spontaneum dominated grasslands. We did not find a significant effect on Bristled Grassbird detections with increasing human activities, although the detection rate decreased linearly with increasing agricultural intervention and grass harvesting. These findings indicate that the Bristled Grassbird is more widely distributed throughout Bangladesh, and may be less vulnerable to grassland modifications, than previously thought.
The Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaeus is one of the most threatened ... more The Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaeus is one of the most threatened migratory shorebirds in the world, breeding in Russia and wintering in Asia. The global population is declining rapidly and is projected to be extinct within a few decades without intervention. Here, we present the results of shorebird surveys in previously unrecognised site in Bangladesh along the Meghna Estuary, identified for the first time by using species distribution models. Counts and habitat preference of Spoon-billed Sandpipers and other endangered shorebirds are described here with notes on the global importance of the newly discovered site. The sum of the peak counts for each shorebird species across the two surveys was 25,993 including a minimum of 48 Spoon-billed Sandpipers. The majority of the Spoonbilled Sandpipers were observed during low tide while foraging (66.6%) and logistic regression testing for effects on the presence of foraging Spoon-billed Sandpiper indicate that they mainly preferred to forage on shallow mud. We summarise the threats to Spoon-billed Sandpipers and other birds in the new site that is currently not recognized as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, although it fulfils several Ramsar Criteria. We also propose conservation and monitoring measures for long-term protection of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper and its habitat.
The catastrophic declines of three species of ‘Critically Endangered’ Gyps vultures in South Asia... more The catastrophic declines of three species of ‘Critically Endangered’ Gyps vultures in South Asia were caused by unintentional poisoning by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac. Despite a ban on its veterinary use in 2006 (India, Nepal, Pakistan) and 2010 (Bangladesh), residues of diclofenac have continued to be found in cattle carcasses and in dead wild vultures. Another NSAID, meloxicam, has been shown to be safe to vultures. From 2012 to 2018, we undertook covert surveys of pharmacies in India, Nepal and Bangladesh to investigate the availability and prevalence of NSAIDs for the treatment of livestock. The purpose of the study was to establish whether diclofenac continued to be sold for veterinary use, whether the availability of meloxicam had increased and to determine which other veterinary NSAIDs were available. The availability of diclofenac declined in all three countries, virtually disappearing from pharmacies in Nepal and Bangladesh, highlighting the advances made in these two countries to reduce this threat to vultures. In India, diclofenac still accounted for 10–46% of all NSAIDs offered for sale for livestock treatment in 2017, suggesting weak enforcement of existing regulations and a continued high risk to vultures. Availability of meloxicam increased in all countries and was the most common veterinary NSAID in Nepal (89.9%in2017). Although the most widely available NSAID in India in 2017, meloxicam accounted for only 32% of products offered for sale. In Bangladesh, meloxicam was less commonly available than the vulture-toxic NSAID ketoprofen (28%and 66%, respectively, in 2018), despite the partial government ban on ketoprofen in 2016. Eleven different NSAIDs were recorded, several of which are known or suspected to be toxic to vultures. Conservation priorities should include awareness raising, stricter implementation of current bans, bans on other vulture-toxic veterinary NSAIDs, especially aceclofenac and nimesulide, and safety-testing of other NSAIDs on Gyps vultures to identify safe and toxic drugs.
In Bangladesh from 2014 to 2016, a total of 40 sick or injured Himalayan Griffons were rescued fr... more In Bangladesh from 2014 to 2016, a total of 40 sick or injured Himalayan Griffons were rescued from the northern districts: 27 in winter 2014–2015 and 13 in winter 2015–2016. Due to the number of Himalayan Griffons being rescued in the northern districts, and the resources required to rescue and transport them to another part of the country, it was deemed necessary to set up a Vulture Rescue Centre in northern Bangladesh. In winter 2016–2017, 16 Himalayan Griffons were rescued.
In Bangladesh the Slender-billed Vulture has been reported by various
authors but is now listed a... more In Bangladesh the Slender-billed Vulture has been reported by various authors but is now listed as a rare resident, considered as Data Deficient, with no records since 2000. However, on 23 November 2014 a single Slender-billed Vulture was observed in a nesting colony of White-rumped Vultures G. bengalensis at Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary, Sylhet, north-east Bangladesh.
Observations on new and important breeding records of riverine birds on the Padma River near Bakh... more Observations on new and important breeding records of riverine birds on the Padma River near Bakharali, Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi division in Bangladesh, including first breeding records of Common Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica and Vulnerable Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis.
Summary The little-known Bristled Grassbird Chaetornis striata is thought to be declining due to ... more Summary The little-known Bristled Grassbird Chaetornis striata is thought to be declining due to the loss of grassland habitats throughout its range, and is currently classified as globally ‘Vulnerable’. In order to investigate the current status and possible causes of the presumed decline, we assessed population density of Bristled Grassbird in Padma and Jamuna river systems of Bangladesh. The study was conducted during the breeding seasons of the Bristled Grassbird in April and May in 2016–2019, using distance sampling and habitat suitability modelling. We also examined habitat preferences and responses to environmental changes based on vegetation structure and habitat modifications at point count locations. We detected a total of 39 birds with a mean group size of 1.44 individuals. We estimated 4.52 (95% CI: 2.65–7.73) individuals per km2 with an encounter rate of 1.48 detections per point count station and 341.15 birds within the study area. Our habitat suitability model project...
Data on the globally Near Threatened River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii are scarce. In this study,... more Data on the globally Near Threatened River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii are scarce. In this study, we investigate the species’ population density, breeding biology and conservation status in Bangladesh. In six transects with an aggregate length of 63.45 km, we counted 78 adult River Lapwings, an overall density of 1.2 per km. Densities were greater in the three transects in the district of Chapai Nawabganj (52 adults along 18.80 km: 2.8 per km) than in the three transects in the district of Kushtia (26 adults along 44.65 km: 0.6 per km). Our surveys show that these areas hold the highest concentration of River Lapwings in Bangladesh and possibly anywhere in the world. We studied ten River Lapwing nests, and we present the biometrics of 11 eggs. We also assessed the threats the species is facing in the areas we surveyed. These include sediment extraction from rivers, river dredging, construction of dams and other anthropogenic activities and disturbances. Currently the sites are unprotected. In our view, they are so important to River Lapwings that they should be given protected status such as designation as ‘riverine protected areas’.
SummaryThe Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaeus is one of the most thre... more SummaryThe Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaeus is one of the most threatened migratory shorebirds in the world, breeding in Russia and wintering in Asia. The global population is declining rapidly and is projected to be extinct within a few decades without intervention. Here, we present the results of shorebird surveys in previously unrecognised site in Bangladesh along the Meghna Estuary, identified for the first time by using species distribution models. Counts and habitat preference of Spoon-billed Sandpipers and other endangered shorebirds are described here with notes on the global importance of the newly discovered site. The sum of the peak counts for each shorebird species across the two surveys was 25,993 including a minimum of 48 Spoon-billed Sandpipers. The majority of the Spoon-billed Sandpipers were observed during low tide while foraging (66.6%) and logistic regression testing for effects on the presence of foraging Spoon-billed Sandpiper indi...
Bangladesh is known as one of the key countries of the fishing cat Prionailurus vi-verrinus, whic... more Bangladesh is known as one of the key countries of the fishing cat Prionailurus vi-verrinus, which is now recognized as a globally endangered species in response to its potentially rapid population declines in the last decade primarily due to habitat loss. We analysed media coverage of two major daily newspapers and interviewed local forest officials and conservationists in order to understand human-fishing cat conflicts, the distribution of human-fishing cat conflicts, current management practices and public perceptions. Content analysis of a total of 82 reports on the fishing cat in local and national newspapers revealed 30 confirmed deaths in four years. Other reports included 18 rescue-release cases by the Forest Department of Bangladesh. However, the status of the cats in 38 cases remained undetermined, as there was not enough information in the news reports. A survey of fishing cat habitat inside and outside protected areas throughout Bangladesh is essential. A management plan involving local conservation groups based in villages adjacent to wetlands can help reduce possible human-fishing cat conflicts and notify local wildlife authorities to take necessary conservation actions.
SummaryThe catastrophic declines of three species of ‘Critically Endangered’ Gyps vultures in Sou... more SummaryThe catastrophic declines of three species of ‘Critically Endangered’ Gyps vultures in South Asia were caused by unintentional poisoning by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac. Despite a ban on its veterinary use in 2006 (India, Nepal, Pakistan) and 2010 (Bangladesh), residues of diclofenac have continued to be found in cattle carcasses and in dead wild vultures. Another NSAID, meloxicam, has been shown to be safe to vultures. From 2012 to 2018, we undertook covert surveys of pharmacies in India, Nepal and Bangladesh to investigate the availability and prevalence of NSAIDs for the treatment of livestock. The purpose of the study was to establish whether diclofenac continued to be sold for veterinary use, whether the availability of meloxicam had increased and to determine which other veterinary NSAIDs were available. The availability of diclofenac declined in all three countries, virtually disappearing from pharmacies in Nepal and Bangladesh, highlight...
The IUCN Bangladesh Country Office has published this manual for conducting bird census, bird rin... more The IUCN Bangladesh Country Office has published this manual for conducting bird census, bird ringing and sample collection and analysis in hopes that it will provide a guidelines for correctly performing these tasks. This manual will be a great source of reference for researchers, experts, volunteers and all other stakeholders involved in the monitoring of wild birds and avian influenza.
Analysis of long-term datasets on bird populations can be used to answer ecological and managemen... more Analysis of long-term datasets on bird populations can be used to answer ecological and management questions that are useful for conservation. Tanguar Haor (9500 ha) is one of the major freshwater wetlands in Bangladesh and supports a large number of migratory and resident waterbirds. Because of its unique ecological and economic values, it is arguably the most notable wetland in the floodplains of northeast Bangladesh and in the region. This Ramsar site supports globally important populations of threatened waterbirds, such as the Baer's Pochard Aythya baeri, Common Pochard Aythya ferina, Falcated Duck Mareca falcata, Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster, and Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa. Considering the international significance of this site, knowledge gaps on waterbird population trends, and key ecological factors, we conducted waterbird census between 2008 and 2021 to identify priority sites for conservation, population trends of resident and migratory waterbirds, and environmental factors that influence their abundances. We recorded a total of 69 species of waterbirds (maximum count of 166,788 individuals in 2013) and assessed population trends of 47 species. Of these, peak counts of 15 species exceeded the 1% threshold of their Asian-Australian Flyway population estimates. Most species (59%) showed a declining trend, including the critically endangered Baer's Pochard and the vulnerable Common Pochard, and 16 species (41%) showed an increasing trend. Based on the abundance and species diversity, we have identified Chotainna beel and Lechuamara beel as conservation priority sites within the Haor complex and discuss key threats to these areas. We also offer evidence that adjusting water-level management to annual rainfall patterns could be a useful intervention for waterbird management. Involving local communities in conservation efforts by creating bird sanctuaries within the Haor complex will strengthen waterbird conservation in the country and along the East Asian-Australian Flyway.
Bangladesh is known as one of the key countries of the fishing cat Prionailurus vi-verrinus, whic... more Bangladesh is known as one of the key countries of the fishing cat Prionailurus vi-verrinus, which is now recognized as a globally endangered species in response to its potentially rapid population declines in the last decade primarily due to habitat loss. We analysed media coverage of two major daily newspapers and interviewed local forest officials and conservationists in order to understand human-fishing cat conflicts, the distribution of human-fishing cat conflicts, current management practices and public perceptions. Content analysis of a total of 82 reports on the fishing cat in local and national newspapers revealed 30 confirmed deaths in four years. Other reports included 18 rescue-release cases by the Forest Department of Bangladesh. However, the status of the cats in 38 cases remained undetermined, as there was not enough information in the news reports. A survey of fishing cat habitat inside and outside protected areas throughout Bangladesh is essential. A management plan involving local conservation groups based in villages adjacent to wetlands can help reduce possible human-fishing cat conflicts and notify local wildlife authorities to take necessary conservation actions.
The little-known Bristled Grassbird is thought to be declining due to the loss of grassland habit... more The little-known Bristled Grassbird is thought to be declining due to the loss of grassland habitats throughout its range, and is currently classified as globally 'Vulnerable'. In order to investigate the current status and possible causes of the presumed decline, we assessed population density of Bristled Grassbird in Padma and Jamuna river systems of Bangladesh. The study was conducted during the breeding seasons of the Bristled Grassbird in April and May in 2016-2019, using distance sampling and habitat suitability modelling. We also examined habitat preferences and responses to environmental changes based on vegetation structure and habitat modifications at point count locations. We detected a total of 39 birds with a mean group size of 1.44 individuals. We estimated 4.52 (95% CI: 2.65-7.73) individuals per km 2 with an encounter rate of 1.48 detections per point count station and 341.15 birds within the study area. Our habitat suitability model projected a total of 167.41 km 2 of suitable habitat and a total of 756.7 birds in floodplain grasslands of Padma and Jamuna river systems. The Bristled Grassbird was positively associated with grass height and grass density with 92.31% of 39 detections at Saccharum spontaneum dominated grasslands. We did not find a significant effect on Bristled Grassbird detections with increasing human activities, although the detection rate decreased linearly with increasing agricultural intervention and grass harvesting. These findings indicate that the Bristled Grassbird is more widely distributed throughout Bangladesh, and may be less vulnerable to grassland modifications, than previously thought.
The Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaeus is one of the most threatened ... more The Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaeus is one of the most threatened migratory shorebirds in the world, breeding in Russia and wintering in Asia. The global population is declining rapidly and is projected to be extinct within a few decades without intervention. Here, we present the results of shorebird surveys in previously unrecognised site in Bangladesh along the Meghna Estuary, identified for the first time by using species distribution models. Counts and habitat preference of Spoon-billed Sandpipers and other endangered shorebirds are described here with notes on the global importance of the newly discovered site. The sum of the peak counts for each shorebird species across the two surveys was 25,993 including a minimum of 48 Spoon-billed Sandpipers. The majority of the Spoonbilled Sandpipers were observed during low tide while foraging (66.6%) and logistic regression testing for effects on the presence of foraging Spoon-billed Sandpiper indicate that they mainly preferred to forage on shallow mud. We summarise the threats to Spoon-billed Sandpipers and other birds in the new site that is currently not recognized as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, although it fulfils several Ramsar Criteria. We also propose conservation and monitoring measures for long-term protection of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper and its habitat.
The catastrophic declines of three species of ‘Critically Endangered’ Gyps vultures in South Asia... more The catastrophic declines of three species of ‘Critically Endangered’ Gyps vultures in South Asia were caused by unintentional poisoning by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac. Despite a ban on its veterinary use in 2006 (India, Nepal, Pakistan) and 2010 (Bangladesh), residues of diclofenac have continued to be found in cattle carcasses and in dead wild vultures. Another NSAID, meloxicam, has been shown to be safe to vultures. From 2012 to 2018, we undertook covert surveys of pharmacies in India, Nepal and Bangladesh to investigate the availability and prevalence of NSAIDs for the treatment of livestock. The purpose of the study was to establish whether diclofenac continued to be sold for veterinary use, whether the availability of meloxicam had increased and to determine which other veterinary NSAIDs were available. The availability of diclofenac declined in all three countries, virtually disappearing from pharmacies in Nepal and Bangladesh, highlighting the advances made in these two countries to reduce this threat to vultures. In India, diclofenac still accounted for 10–46% of all NSAIDs offered for sale for livestock treatment in 2017, suggesting weak enforcement of existing regulations and a continued high risk to vultures. Availability of meloxicam increased in all countries and was the most common veterinary NSAID in Nepal (89.9%in2017). Although the most widely available NSAID in India in 2017, meloxicam accounted for only 32% of products offered for sale. In Bangladesh, meloxicam was less commonly available than the vulture-toxic NSAID ketoprofen (28%and 66%, respectively, in 2018), despite the partial government ban on ketoprofen in 2016. Eleven different NSAIDs were recorded, several of which are known or suspected to be toxic to vultures. Conservation priorities should include awareness raising, stricter implementation of current bans, bans on other vulture-toxic veterinary NSAIDs, especially aceclofenac and nimesulide, and safety-testing of other NSAIDs on Gyps vultures to identify safe and toxic drugs.
In Bangladesh from 2014 to 2016, a total of 40 sick or injured Himalayan Griffons were rescued fr... more In Bangladesh from 2014 to 2016, a total of 40 sick or injured Himalayan Griffons were rescued from the northern districts: 27 in winter 2014–2015 and 13 in winter 2015–2016. Due to the number of Himalayan Griffons being rescued in the northern districts, and the resources required to rescue and transport them to another part of the country, it was deemed necessary to set up a Vulture Rescue Centre in northern Bangladesh. In winter 2016–2017, 16 Himalayan Griffons were rescued.
In Bangladesh the Slender-billed Vulture has been reported by various
authors but is now listed a... more In Bangladesh the Slender-billed Vulture has been reported by various authors but is now listed as a rare resident, considered as Data Deficient, with no records since 2000. However, on 23 November 2014 a single Slender-billed Vulture was observed in a nesting colony of White-rumped Vultures G. bengalensis at Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary, Sylhet, north-east Bangladesh.
Observations on new and important breeding records of riverine birds on the Padma River near Bakh... more Observations on new and important breeding records of riverine birds on the Padma River near Bakharali, Chapai Nawabganj, Rajshahi division in Bangladesh, including first breeding records of Common Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica and Vulnerable Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis.
Summary The little-known Bristled Grassbird Chaetornis striata is thought to be declining due to ... more Summary The little-known Bristled Grassbird Chaetornis striata is thought to be declining due to the loss of grassland habitats throughout its range, and is currently classified as globally ‘Vulnerable’. In order to investigate the current status and possible causes of the presumed decline, we assessed population density of Bristled Grassbird in Padma and Jamuna river systems of Bangladesh. The study was conducted during the breeding seasons of the Bristled Grassbird in April and May in 2016–2019, using distance sampling and habitat suitability modelling. We also examined habitat preferences and responses to environmental changes based on vegetation structure and habitat modifications at point count locations. We detected a total of 39 birds with a mean group size of 1.44 individuals. We estimated 4.52 (95% CI: 2.65–7.73) individuals per km2 with an encounter rate of 1.48 detections per point count station and 341.15 birds within the study area. Our habitat suitability model project...
Data on the globally Near Threatened River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii are scarce. In this study,... more Data on the globally Near Threatened River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii are scarce. In this study, we investigate the species’ population density, breeding biology and conservation status in Bangladesh. In six transects with an aggregate length of 63.45 km, we counted 78 adult River Lapwings, an overall density of 1.2 per km. Densities were greater in the three transects in the district of Chapai Nawabganj (52 adults along 18.80 km: 2.8 per km) than in the three transects in the district of Kushtia (26 adults along 44.65 km: 0.6 per km). Our surveys show that these areas hold the highest concentration of River Lapwings in Bangladesh and possibly anywhere in the world. We studied ten River Lapwing nests, and we present the biometrics of 11 eggs. We also assessed the threats the species is facing in the areas we surveyed. These include sediment extraction from rivers, river dredging, construction of dams and other anthropogenic activities and disturbances. Currently the sites are unprotected. In our view, they are so important to River Lapwings that they should be given protected status such as designation as ‘riverine protected areas’.
SummaryThe Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaeus is one of the most thre... more SummaryThe Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaeus is one of the most threatened migratory shorebirds in the world, breeding in Russia and wintering in Asia. The global population is declining rapidly and is projected to be extinct within a few decades without intervention. Here, we present the results of shorebird surveys in previously unrecognised site in Bangladesh along the Meghna Estuary, identified for the first time by using species distribution models. Counts and habitat preference of Spoon-billed Sandpipers and other endangered shorebirds are described here with notes on the global importance of the newly discovered site. The sum of the peak counts for each shorebird species across the two surveys was 25,993 including a minimum of 48 Spoon-billed Sandpipers. The majority of the Spoon-billed Sandpipers were observed during low tide while foraging (66.6%) and logistic regression testing for effects on the presence of foraging Spoon-billed Sandpiper indi...
Bangladesh is known as one of the key countries of the fishing cat Prionailurus vi-verrinus, whic... more Bangladesh is known as one of the key countries of the fishing cat Prionailurus vi-verrinus, which is now recognized as a globally endangered species in response to its potentially rapid population declines in the last decade primarily due to habitat loss. We analysed media coverage of two major daily newspapers and interviewed local forest officials and conservationists in order to understand human-fishing cat conflicts, the distribution of human-fishing cat conflicts, current management practices and public perceptions. Content analysis of a total of 82 reports on the fishing cat in local and national newspapers revealed 30 confirmed deaths in four years. Other reports included 18 rescue-release cases by the Forest Department of Bangladesh. However, the status of the cats in 38 cases remained undetermined, as there was not enough information in the news reports. A survey of fishing cat habitat inside and outside protected areas throughout Bangladesh is essential. A management plan involving local conservation groups based in villages adjacent to wetlands can help reduce possible human-fishing cat conflicts and notify local wildlife authorities to take necessary conservation actions.
SummaryThe catastrophic declines of three species of ‘Critically Endangered’ Gyps vultures in Sou... more SummaryThe catastrophic declines of three species of ‘Critically Endangered’ Gyps vultures in South Asia were caused by unintentional poisoning by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac. Despite a ban on its veterinary use in 2006 (India, Nepal, Pakistan) and 2010 (Bangladesh), residues of diclofenac have continued to be found in cattle carcasses and in dead wild vultures. Another NSAID, meloxicam, has been shown to be safe to vultures. From 2012 to 2018, we undertook covert surveys of pharmacies in India, Nepal and Bangladesh to investigate the availability and prevalence of NSAIDs for the treatment of livestock. The purpose of the study was to establish whether diclofenac continued to be sold for veterinary use, whether the availability of meloxicam had increased and to determine which other veterinary NSAIDs were available. The availability of diclofenac declined in all three countries, virtually disappearing from pharmacies in Nepal and Bangladesh, highlight...
The IUCN Bangladesh Country Office has published this manual for conducting bird census, bird rin... more The IUCN Bangladesh Country Office has published this manual for conducting bird census, bird ringing and sample collection and analysis in hopes that it will provide a guidelines for correctly performing these tasks. This manual will be a great source of reference for researchers, experts, volunteers and all other stakeholders involved in the monitoring of wild birds and avian influenza.
Analysis of long-term datasets on bird populations can be used to answer ecological and managemen... more Analysis of long-term datasets on bird populations can be used to answer ecological and management questions that are useful for conservation. Tanguar Haor (9500 ha) is one of the major freshwater wetlands in Bangladesh and supports a large number of migratory and resident waterbirds. Because of its unique ecological and economic values, it is arguably the most notable wetland in the floodplains of northeast Bangladesh and in the region. This Ramsar site supports globally important populations of threatened waterbirds, such as the Baer's Pochard Aythya baeri, Common Pochard Aythya ferina, Falcated Duck Mareca falcata, Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster, and Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa. Considering the international significance of this site, knowledge gaps on waterbird population trends, and key ecological factors, we conducted waterbird census between 2008 and 2021 to identify priority sites for conservation, population trends of resident and migratory waterbirds, and environmental factors that influence their abundances. We recorded a total of 69 species of waterbirds (maximum count of 166,788 individuals in 2013) and assessed population trends of 47 species. Of these, peak counts of 15 species exceeded the 1% threshold of their Asian-Australian Flyway population estimates. Most species (59%) showed a declining trend, including the critically endangered Baer's Pochard and the vulnerable Common Pochard, and 16 species (41%) showed an increasing trend. Based on the abundance and species diversity, we have identified Chotainna beel and Lechuamara beel as conservation priority sites within the Haor complex and discuss key threats to these areas. We also offer evidence that adjusting water-level management to annual rainfall patterns could be a useful intervention for waterbird management. Involving local communities in conservation efforts by creating bird sanctuaries within the Haor complex will strengthen waterbird conservation in the country and along the East Asian-Australian Flyway.
Data on the globally Near Threatened River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii are scarce. In this stu... more Data on the globally Near Threatened River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii are scarce. In this study, we investigate the species’ population density, breeding biology and conservation status in Bangladesh. In six transects with an aggregate length of 63.45 km, we counted 78 adult River Lapwings, an overall density of 1.2 per km. Densities were greater in the three transects in the district of Chapai Nawabganj (52 adults along 18.80 km: 2.8 per km) than in the three transects in the district of Kushtia (26 adults along 44.65 km: 0.6 per km). Our surveys show that these areas hold the highest concentration of River Lapwings in Bangladesh and possibly anywhere in the world. We studied ten River Lapwing nests, and we present the biometrics of 11 eggs. We also assessed the threats the species is facing in the areas we surveyed. These include sediment extraction from rivers, river dredging, construction of dams and other anthropogenic activities and disturbances. Currently the sites are unprotected. In our view, they are so important to River Lapwings that they should be given protected status such as designation as ‘riverine protected areas’.
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Mammals by Sakib Ahmed
Birds by Sakib Ahmed
authors but is now listed as a rare
resident, considered as Data Deficient, with no records since 2000. However, on 23 November 2014 a
single Slender-billed Vulture was observed
in a nesting colony of White-rumped Vultures G.
bengalensis at Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary,
Sylhet, north-east Bangladesh.
Books by Sakib Ahmed
Papers by Sakib Ahmed
authors but is now listed as a rare
resident, considered as Data Deficient, with no records since 2000. However, on 23 November 2014 a
single Slender-billed Vulture was observed
in a nesting colony of White-rumped Vultures G.
bengalensis at Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary,
Sylhet, north-east Bangladesh.