Migratory birds from various countries of the world come in our country during winter. These birds come from regions such as Siberia, the North Pole, parts of Asia and Europe and around the Himalayas. Winter conditions, marked by heavy snowfall, create a harsh environment in their native areas, leading to acute food shortages. To survive, these birds seek refuge in temperate regions, including Bangladesh.
When winter ends, these birds depart. Unfortunately, our treatment of these winged guests is far from hospitable. Despite travelling thousands of miles to survive, these birds fall prey to poachers who use various hunting techniques including spears, traps and guns. A group of unscrupulous individuals persistently engages in bird hunting. Moreover, the high market value of these birds fuels the demand for their illegal trade.
Poaching constitutes a punishable criminal offense, with legal provisions under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1974, and the Wildlife Conservation and Safety Act, 2012.
The relentless hunting of these birds has led to a decline in their arrival and numbers within our country. Many species are on the verge of extinction, with approximately 130 of them disappearing due to indiscriminate bird hunting. This not only poses a threat to biodiversity but also contributes to increased insect attacks on cropland.
Migratory birds serve as vital contributors to our ecosystem. To preserve nature and the environment, immediate measures must be taken to cease the hunting of these guest birds, or else biodiversity will face imminent threats.
Nahida Nishi,
Dhaka
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