A remote wildlife pond in Satchari Hill Forest is facing disturbance after going viral online, with conservationists warning that tourism and social media exposure threaten bears and fragile forest ecosystems.
Conservationists are warning that human activity is increasingly threatening Bangladesh’s remaining safe refuges for wildlife. A deep forest pond in Satchari, a remote area in Chittagong’s hill forests, has long been a critical source of water for bears and other sensitive species.
Wildlife Inspector Abdullah As Sadique shared that in 2024 he carefully observed the pond for about 30 minutes to monitor bear activity using camera traps. “Even from a distance our presence made animals uncomfortable,” he wrote. “Many left the pond without drinking water. We immediately left to avoid disrupting their natural behavior.”
Sadique had previously urged local authorities and volunteers to prevent the site from becoming a viral tourist spot similar to a nearby location known as the “Mandar Tree,” which attracted crowds and disrupted wildlife.
Despite these warnings the pond recently went viral on social media after a visitor posted a photo of a bear with the exact location. Since then visitors have reportedly livestreamed videos held group picnics and even organized small events inside the forest disturbing wildlife.
“Does our brief entertainment or celebration benefit the animals in any way?” Sadique asked. He stressed that turning wildlife habitats into casual picnic spots threatens the natural behavior of sensitive species and undermines conservation efforts.
Conservationists say such disturbances jeopardize cryptic and endangered wildlife disrupt ecosystems and contribute to the broader loss of biodiversity in South Asia. They are calling for stricter enforcement of protective regulations increased public awareness and responsible wildlife tourism practices.
“Let us allow wildlife to live in their natural way,” Sadique emphasized highlighting the urgent need to protect Bangladesh’s last undisturbed forest sanctuaries.
