Conservation (May 2022)

A Proposed Safari Park in a Subtropical Forest in Northeastern Bangladesh Will Be Detrimental to Native Biodiversity

  • Mohammad Ali Reza Khan,
  • Enam Ul Haque,
  • M. Monirul H. Khan,
  • Inam Ahmed,
  • Suprio Chakma,
  • Habibon Naher,
  • Mohammad Abdul Wahed Chowdhury,
  • Sharif Ahmed Mukul,
  • Sayam U. Chowdhury,
  • Shahriar Caesar Rahman,
  • M. Tarik Kabir,
  • Hasan Arif Rahman,
  • Muntasir Akash,
  • Mandira Mukutmoni,
  • Animesh Ghose,
  • Hassan Al-Razi,
  • Sabir Bin Muzaffar

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation2020020
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2, no. 2
pp. 286 – 296

Abstract

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Biodiversity in tropical and subtropical forests are at high risk of decline due to rapid anthropogenic development. Planned activities that potentially benefit communities near forests are often undertaken at the expense of forest biodiversity. Recently, the Government of Bangladesh released plans to develop a safari park in Lathitila forest in northeastern Bangladesh. This mixed evergreen, stream-fed, trans-border forest harbors 26 globally threatened species. The proposed plan aims to bring several exotic game animals such as the lion (Panthera leo), spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) and cheetah (Acionyx jubatus) to be maintained in captivity. Additionally, exotic bird aviaries, gardens, a dolphinarium, a marine aquarium exhibit, and a carp pond have been proposed for construction. Here, we (i) summarize some of the key attributes of safari parks and the misconceptions associated with them; (ii) highlight some of the planned development activities of the proposed safari park; (ii) list the threatened species found in the area, and (iii) explain why establishing a park in the area would be detrimental the region’s biodiversity. We urge the government to abandon the plans to develop a safari park and suggest that the area be brought under formal protection for the benefit of biodiversity conservation.

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