Destruction of Bird Colony in Bogura Results in Mass Death of Asian Openbill Chicks
Photo Collected
SHERPUR, Bogura — Hundreds of Asian openbill stork chicks and eggs have been destroyed following the indiscriminate felling of trees that served as a long-standing nesting colony in Ramnagar village.
The clearing operation began last Saturday morning when loggers used hydraulic saws to fell seven large trees, including Pitraj and Jalpai species, located along the banks of the Karatoya River in Garidaha Union. Local residents reported that the trees housed between 70 and 80 stork nests. As the trees were brought down, the nests plummeted to the ground, crushing over a hundred eggs and killing numerous hatchlings.
Witnesses at the scene on Monday described a grim landscape where remnants of shattered nests, broken eggshells, and the lifeless bodies of young birds lay scattered among the debris of felled branches. Villagers identified the individuals responsible for the sale of the trees as Azahar Ali and his siblings, who reportedly sold the timber from their 16-decimal plot to a local trader.
Ramnagar village has been recognized as a “bird colony” since 2014, serving as a critical sanctuary for avian wildlife. Data from the local environmental advocacy group, Poribesh Protirakkha Sangstha, indicates that approximately 500 trees in the village provide habitat for 1,500 to 2,000 birds across 15 to 20 different species. Residents noted that the village was a popular destination for nature enthusiasts who traveled from various regions to observe the thriving bird population.
Sohag Roy, president of Poribesh Protirakkha Sangstha, stated that the destruction of active bird nesting sites is a violation of wildlife conservation laws. However, he acknowledged the lack of clear regulatory frameworks to provide compensation for landowners who preserve trees that serve as bird colonies.
Sherpur Forest Department Range Officer Salauddin Parvez confirmed he was aware of the incident but noted that the department lacks the legal authority to prevent the harvesting of trees located on private property.
Sherpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Saiduzzaman Himu stated that while there are limitations regarding private land management, authorities are prepared to initiate legal proceedings should a formal, written complaint be filed regarding the ecological damage.
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