Once known as a migratory bird, the Asian Openbill, known locally as “Shamukkhol,” is now a permanent resident of Bangladesh. As a result, it is increasingly recognized as a native species. The bird can be spotted across the country’s plains, coastal areas, and haor regions, as well as in Rangamati’s Kaptai Lake in the Chattogram Hill Tracts. However, due to indiscriminate hunting, the bird has lost much of its habitat and is now facing a threat to its existence.

Wildlife and bird researchers say the number of Asian Openbills seen around Kaptai Lake in Rangamati has declined significantly. One of the main reasons for this is human activity, especially the use of traps and habitat destruction. Many species of wildlife and birds are struggling to survive due to rampant hunting and the loss of shelter. Researchers believe that in order to protect biodiversity, it is crucial to create safe habitats and take firm steps to stop hunting.

Dr. Suprio Chakma, Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science at Rangamati Science and Technology University (RMSTU) and a wildlife researcher, told Bonik Barta, “In 2015, IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) prepared a Red List that included the names of several endangered and extinct species. But there hasn’t been any comprehensive survey on all wildlife or bird species. Those who research biodiversity usually work on specific species.”

Recently, flocks of Asian Openbills were spotted along the banks of the Shalak River in Juraichhari upazila of Rangamati. During the summer, as water levels drop in Kaptai Lake, the Shalak River resurfaces. Along its wide banks, the birds can be seen flying in flocks and foraging for food.

Photographer Rupayan Chakma was photographing Openbills along the riverbank. When asked, he said, “The openbills have built a safe haven along the banks of the Shalak River. Locally, these birds are known as ‘boks’ (herons).”

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released a Red List of endangered species in Bangladesh in 2000, followed by another in 2015. Since then, no new research or updated Red List has been published in the country. Moreover, there has been no official survey or data collection on the wildlife and bird species of the Chattogram Hill Tracts. Local researchers and nature enthusiasts believe that the region’s biodiversity urgently needs to be studied.

Sabuj Chakma, lead organizer of the Biodiversity Conservation Society of CHT, told Bonik Barta, “Asian openbills used to be very common in the Chattogram Hill Tracts. But in recent years, their numbers have dropped significantly. However, seeing them in flocks along Juraichhari’s river routes is a positive sign. To ensure their survival, we must prevent hunting and create secure habitats. The authorities need to be more proactive so that no one can hunt them. It’s also important to conduct local bird counts, which would help us understand whether bird populations are rising or declining.”

Deepanwita Bhattacharya, an official at the Forest Department’s Biodiversity and Nature Conservation division, told Bonik Barta, “The last wildlife and biodiversity survey was conducted by IUCN in 2015. No more surveys have been done in the last decade. But to understand a species’ current status, past data is essential. Surveys help us identify which species are becoming endangered or extinct, and which ones are growing in numbers.”