Nature Conservation Committee (NCC) began a month-long Waterfowl Census yesterday at Dighirpar char in Tongibari upazila in the district. The month-long census will be conducted in 30 wetlands across the country.
President of NCC, ornithologist Shahjahan Sarder said, around 25,000 birds live in the lower basin of River Padma.
Over the last 10 years more than 50 species of waterfowl were located in the area including cranes, ducks and small water birds.
Vice President of NCC, Md Shahjahan Mridha stressed on raising awareness among the people against poachers.
Noor Mohammad, a local of the area said the char had always been a habitat for winter waterfowl. He said locals are more aware nowadays and do not allow poaching.
Local lawmaker Shagufta Yasmin Emily said, bird sanctuaries are essential for maintaining ecological balance.
Dr Dipen Bhattacharya, Dr Afroza Khuki, Abdul Haque Sharfullah Baqui, Abdullah Al Noman and others have been participating in the census.
