Wildlife of Bangladesh
Checklist of 1,042 animals published
When Dr Reza Khan looks at the nature, he goes for the miniscule detail. Even, with his one eye impaired, he can pick a camouflaged spider that looks like a scorpion from the hillside. He has an enormous interest in the nature and its wildlife.
So, when Dr Khan goes for a checklist of wildlife, it certainly becomes an asset for the country. This is what he did when he introduced yesterday his book titled “Wildlife of Bangladesh A Checklist” for 1,042 animals in four categories — 42 species of amphibians or toads and frogs, 157 species of reptiles, 718 species of birds and 125 species of mammals.
And he has put Bangla names for each living creature in the checklist. Now that is an enormous job done by this eminent zoologist Dr Reza Khan.
For the first time, the book with photographs of the wildlife and zoological and English or common names of the animals has reported three birds and animals, which are found in the country.
The newly recorded birds and animals are—Kankrabhook Bang (crab-eating frog), Chhoto Bhua Daini Badur/Chhoto Daini Chamchika (megaderma spasma) and Radir Pata Futki (Phylloscopus schwarzi Radde’s Warbler).
Unwrapping the book at a function at the National Press Club auditorium in the city, Environment and Forest Secretary Dr Mihir Kanti Majumder congratulated the author for preparing the checklist. He termed the list “a great job” for the nation and the country.
“We have to protect our biodiversity for our own existence,” said Mihir, also the chief guest of the publication ceremony.
The checklist has recorded 42 species of amphibians or toads and frogs, 157 species of reptiles or turtles-tortoises, lizards, snakes and crocodiles, 718 species of birds and 125 species of mammals.
In addition, names of 50 species or so of wildlife that can only be confirmed to be present in the country after getting sites or specimen records through visual supports or actual animals collection and cataloguing.
Author Dr Reza said Sahittya Prokash, a publication house, has published the book marking the International Year of Biodiversity 2010.
Celebrated wildlife biologist Prof Kazi Zaker Husain also congratulated the author for making the checklist. He stressed on expansion of teaching on wildlife for better management of forest and other objects in the biodiversity.
Speaking at the occasion Mofidul Hoque of Sahittya Prokash said nature lover Dr Reza is always devoted to wildlife and his contribution to the country through this book will be helpful for many in the society.
The price of the checklist is fixed at Tk 200.
