Extinction of animal species poses

The biological scientists have underlined the need for conducting an acceptable and extensive census to take proper steps for the conservation of the country's wildlife while many of them are facing extinction because of global warming and man made environmental hazards, reports BSS. Dean of Biological Science Faculty of Dhaka University (DU) Dr MA Basher told the news agency that numerous species of animal are endangered because of the impact of climate change following global warming. The life cycles of many species are adversely affected because of late winter setting followed by global warming in Bangladesh. Dr Basher who studied on the life cycle of butterflies found that about 30 per cent species-losses have occurred in the last few decades due to climate change. Dr Bashar pointed out that decline in the population of butterflies is also hampering the healthy growth of forests in the country. He explained that butterflies could play an important role in the gene flow mechanism of plants, especially in the forest area. The gene flow activity standardises the healthiness of a forest. Climate change is also caused extinction of 50 per cent different species of animal particularly fishes are lost in the last 60 to 70 years and many species are on the verge of extinction posing a serious threat to biodiversity of the country, environment experts said. It is difficult to mention the accurate figure of the number of extinct species of animals as no nationwide animal census has been carried out in the country, Dr Bashar. About 50 per cent fishes of fresh water and aquatic animals, especially the carnivorous species have become extinct during the last 60-70 years, said Dr Bashar. He said similarly the terrestrial eco-system, the carnivorous animals and some reptiles and birds in some cases are lost by more than 50 per cent from the environment. "Both vertebrate and invertebrate animals including eagles, vultures, crocodiles, snakes, lizards and birds are seriously endangered," he added. If the trend of extinction of animal species continues, human being will be the worst victim as healthy and sound survival of human being are linked to balanced biodiversity. Insects, soil-loving insects and earthworm species are getting tremendously endangered and threatened, Dr Bashar added. Indiscriminate cutting of trees to meet demand of wood in the country is another major concern for survival of wildlife, Dr Bashar said cutting of trees in a large scale should be stopped to protect the wildlife from extinction. Executive Director of Centre for Global Change Dr Ahsan Uddin Ahmed said biodiversity of the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest of the world, is endangered due to man-made and natural hazards.