A pregnant deer died after being hit by a vehicle in Gazipur, killing two unborn fawns and highlighting growing risks to wildlife from shrinking forest habitats near the Gajari Forest area.
A deer that had wandered from the forest into a nearby locality was killed after being struck by a vehicle, according to authorities and local residents. The incident occurred late Sunday night and also led to the deaths of the two unborn fawns the deer was carrying. The accident took place near the Shaldah Para area, close to the Gajari Forest, along the road separating Kaliakair and Sreepur upazilas.
On Monday morning, locals found the deer lying beside the road. Residents said several deer had been seen roaming the Shaldah Para area in recent days. They believe the animals may be venturing out at night in search of food due to shrinking forest areas caused by illegal logging and poaching.
Local resident Anwar Hossain said Gazipur Safari Park is located just a few kilometres from the accident site. He suggested that an investigation should determine whether the deer crossed the park’s boundary fence before reaching the road.
However, Assistant Forest Conservator Tarek Rahman, who oversees the Safari Park, confirmed that no deer had escaped from the park.
Sharif Khan Chowdhury, head beat officer of the Kachighata Range in Kaliakair, said the deer and its two fawns would be buried. He added that the area where the accident occurred is surrounded by dense forest and locals have long reported seeing deer moving through the area.
