Academics say the University of Chittagong campus shelters 331 wildlife species-almost a third of Bangladesh’s recorded fauna—highlighting its importance as a major biodiversity refuge on World Wildlife Day.
Nearly one third of Bangladesh’s recorded wildlife species have been documented on the University of Chittagong campus, underscoring its status as one of the country’s key biodiversity strongholds, academics said on Monday while marking World Wildlife Day.
The findings were presented by Supernumerary Professor Md Farid Ahsan at a discussion held under the global theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conservation of Health, Heritage and Livelihood.”
According to Prof Farid Ahsan of the Department of Botany, 331 of the country’s 1,121 recorded wildlife species have been found within the campus area.
He said that of the 70 frog species recorded nationwide, 22 occur on the campus. Among Bangladesh’s 170 reptile species, 59 have been documented there. The campus is also home to 230 of the country’s 732 bird species. In addition, a significant number of Bangladesh’s 139 mammal species inhabit the area.
“The CU campus is not just an academic institution but also a significant refuge of biodiversity in the country,” he said while presenting his paper.
The day’s programme began around 7:00am with an inter-university wildlife observation competition. It was followed by a wildlife presentation session, a species identification contest and a rally.
The rally started from the Faculty of Biological Sciences and concluded at the auditorium of the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, where the discussion session took place. A wildlife-themed puzzle and quiz competition was organised after the discussion.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Muhammod Yeahia Akhter attended the event as chief guest. In his address, he urged the Department of Biological Sciences to adopt a planned approach to motivate students, particularly those interested in conserving trees, fish, birds and forests.
Even small-scale initiatives can make a meaningful difference, he said.
He added that protecting wildlife and the environment is fundamentally about safeguarding human existence.
“Although it is our responsibility to protect the planet for future generations, more resources and attention are often spent on activities that contribute to its destruction,” he said, stressing the need for self-reflection.
Dr Mohiuddin Sikder, adviser to the Chittagong Bird Club, said universities are primarily centres of research and that national progress depends on quality laboratories and research activities.
The discussion was chaired by Prof Mosammat Rasheda Chowdhury, chair of the Department of Zoology.
Golam Shafik, vice-president of the Bangladesh Bird Club, also addressed the gathering.
The programme was organised by the Department of Zoology and the Chittagong University Bird Club with support from Prokriti O Jibon Foundation and the Bangladesh Bird Club.
Prizes were distributed among winners of the various competitions at the end of the event.
