Once a vibrant sanctuary for migratory birds, Sylhet’s Beanibazar is now witnessing a worrying decline in its seasonal avian guests.
The wetlands, rivers, canals and reservoirs that once echoed with the calls and songs of birds from distant lands have fallen eerily silent.
A decade ago, the skies and waters of Beanibazar were alive with the vibrant hues and melodies of migratory birds, creating a mesmerising spectacle. Today, however, the scene is starkly different.
Changing Landscape
The rapid pace of urbanisation, widespread deforestation and excessive use of pesticides have significantly altered the natural habitats that once welcomed these birds.
The consequences are visible in the diminishing number of winged visitors that once made the region their temporary home during winter.
Local residents recall a time when birds such as magpies, parrots, doves, crows and cuckoos were a common sight, flitting through the trees, fields, and courtyards.
The intricately woven nests of Babui birds on palm leaves once stood as a testament to nature’s exquisite craftsmanship. Today, such scenes are fading into memory.
Even the well-known bird sanctuaries in the upazila have lost their charm.
The once-thriving Muria Haor, a major wetland that used to host thousands of migratory birds, now sees only a fraction of its former visitors.
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Poaching Problem
Despite legal protections, illegal poaching continues to exacerbate the decline.
Locals allege that hunters use chemicals and traps to capture birds, further threatening their populations.
Without stringent enforcement of conservation laws, this unlawful practice remains a major concern.
Dr. Mohammad Mobin Hai, Upazila Livestock Officer, attributes the decline to urbanisation, deforestation, pollution, climate change, and habitat loss.
Dr. Shamim Hossain, Upazila Livestock Extension Officer, points out that the destruction of forests has drastically reduced safe nesting areas for birds.
Meanwhile, Lokman Hakim, Upazila Agriculture Officer, highlights the dwindling food sources as another critical factor.
Bigger Picture: A Global Crisis
Beanibazar’s struggle is not an isolated case. A recent United Nations report reveals that 44% of migratory species worldwide are experiencing population declines, with one in five at risk of extinction.
According to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), around 14% of the world’s migratory birds—134 out of 960 species—are under threat.
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The findings underscore the impact of habitat destruction, urban expansion, agricultural development, and climate change on migratory species. Climate shifts, in particular, are disrupting migration patterns, forcing birds to alter their traditional routes or perish in the process.
Call for Conservation
The silence of Beanibazar’s once-vibrant bird sanctuaries serves as a sobering reminder of nature’s fragile balance. Without urgent conservation efforts, the seasonal spectacle of migratory birds may soon become a tale of the past. Protecting wetlands, enforcing anti-poaching laws, and restoring lost habitats could be the key to reversing this decline.
As the region grapples with these challenges, the question remains: will Beanibazar’s skies once again fill with the fluttering wings of its lost visitors, or will their absence become permanent?