An endangered Steppe Eagle was rescued in Saidpur and is receiving intensive veterinary care, showcasing swift community action and the growing role of volunteers in protecting Bangladesh’s migratory birds nationwide.
A sick Steppe Eagle, a globally significant migratory bird of prey, was rescued from Saidpur in northern Bangladesh and is currently receiving intensive veterinary care, volunteers said.
The rescue took place on Tuesday night in the Sahebpara area of Saidpur municipality after residents noticed the weakened bird. Members of Setubandhan Jubo Unnayan Sangstha, a volunteer organisation working on bird conservation, environment and biodiversity, responded promptly and recovered the eagle.
Conservationists say the rescue highlights the growing role of community-led initiatives in protecting migratory birds and safeguarding biodiversity in Bangladesh.
According to local sources, a youth named Swapan first spotted the ailing raptor and informed Md Amir Hossain, founder of Saidpur Darpan. Hossain later contacted the volunteer group, which carried out the rescue operation the same night.
The rescued bird has been identified as a Steppe Eagle, locally known as the Desert Eagle. Its scientific name is Aquila nipalensis. Veterinary assessment is currently underway to determine the cause of the bird’s illness.
The Steppe Eagle is a long-distance migratory species that winters across South Asia, including Bangladesh, which lies along a critical migratory flyway for raptors. The species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to rapid population decline caused by habitat loss, poisoning and electrocution from power lines.
Those present during the rescue included Md Alamgir Hossain, founding president of the organisation; Ruhul Amin Shimul, environmental affairs secretary; Reza, youth affairs secretary; and other volunteers.
