Forestlands are decreasing fast in Bangladesh. And wild animals are often killed here in the name of protecting human settlements. In the past few years or so, the killing of tigers in the forests has decreased, as confirmed by the Forest Department. But sad to say, a significant number of elephants are being killed every year. In a blatant violation of existing laws to protect wildlife, people sometimes even take out processions after killing animals belonging to the critically endangered species like leopards and wild cats. As a result, many species now risk extinction.
One of the cruellest methods of killing wild animals is setting up several kinds of traps including electrical ones. Critically endangered animals including Asian elephants often come to the locality in search of food. As they try to enter croplands, they are ensnared by electric traps. Using live wire, in my view, is nothing but a way of committing cold-blooded murder. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are nearly 300 Asian elephants living in the country's forests. In the last two to three years, at least 50 wild elephants died, among which 13 were reportedly electrocuted and shot. Recently in Nilphamari, a leopard has been killed by this type of trap, which was set up for jackals.
We must make our villagers aware of the fact that killing a wild animal is not a solution to save their crops and chickens. We urge the authorities concerned regarding this alarming issue so that they can take initiatives to save both wild animals and villagers' crops.
Jeba Tasnim Binta Alamgir,
Student of University of Dhaka,
jebatasnim41@gmail.com