Urban expansion and forest loss in Jhenaidah are starving endangered black-faced langurs, driving them into villages, escalating human-wildlife conflict and prompting urgent calls for habitat protection and community-led conservation efforts.
Loss of forests and food scarcity are driving wildlife into human settlements, sparking conflict and raising conservation concerns.
The southwestern district of Jhenaidah has no naturally occurring forests. The area’s remaining greenery consists entirely of social or community forests. A decade ago, social forestry covered about 14.2 acres or 5.7 hectares, but rapid urbanization and unplanned settlements have drastically reduced this, according to local reports. Exact figures are unavailable from the Forest Department.
Environmentalists warn that without urgent intervention, the rare black-faced langur could gradually disappear, threatening biodiversity in the region. They emphasize the need for well-planned conservation initiatives, sustainable food supply programs and protection of remaining natural habitats.
Once home to fruit-bearing trees and wildlife such as Bengal tigers and black-faced gray langurs, locally known as kalomukho hanuman, these shrinking patches of forest no longer provide sufficient food. As a result, wildlife is increasingly entering villages, leading to conflict with humans. In some cases, animals have been trapped, beaten or killed, sometimes in public displays shared on social media.
Last year, a Bengal tiger took refuge in a rice field in Satgachi, a municipal area. The tiger was seriously injured by harvesting machinery and later beaten to death by locals, who displayed the body publicly. On December 29, another injured tiger was rescued in the Sadar sub-district and released by the Forest Department following a similar incident two days earlier in Shyampur village of Maduhati Union.
Local resident Sabdar Hossain described how a black-faced langur entered his poultry enclosure. He said he threw a brick to scare it away and the animal was accidentally injured.
Environmental experts warn that urban expansion is eroding natural habitats, forcing wildlife into dangerous encounters with humans. Sujon Biplob, a wildlife activist, said urbanization and reduced green cover are displacing animals. This threatens species and destabilizes ecosystems. People’s tolerance for wildlife is declining, leading to unnecessary killings.
Experts stress the importance of protecting remaining habitats, providing supplemental food, safeguarding wildlife from poachers and raising community awareness. Posters, public announcements and community meetings could help prevent conflict and improve coexistence.
Sujon Biplob added that black-faced langurs need proper habitat conservation, a reliable food supply and safe zones. Areas with frequent langur activity should be declared sanctuaries. Forests must not be destroyed and communities must be educated about coexisting with wildlife. Afforestation programs and strict enforcement of laws are essential to maintain ecological balance.
Bangladesh’s Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012 prohibits killing, hunting, or destroying wildlife habitats. Section 38(1) allows for penalties of up to one year in prison, fines of up to 100,000 BDT, or about 1,000 US dollars, or both.
Jhenaidah’s Acting District Forest Officer Zakir Hossain Banik said the Forest Department provides food to langurs, including peanuts, bananas and vegetables, mainly in Bhobonagar village. However, these measures are insufficient to meet the needs of more than 200 black-faced langurs. Banik added that the absence of natural forests makes establishing official sanctuaries impossible, though legal action is taken against anyone harming the animals.
