Protocol to help conserve trans-boundary habitat of elephants

Bangladesh has about 260 elephants, most of which reside in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and CHT region.

A substantial number of migratory elephants around 70 to 80 move between Bangladesh and India. Most of them reside in Sherpur and Mymensingh areas.

There were discussions going on between Bangladesh and India on how to better manage the migratory species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is proud to be able to contribute to the drafting of a standard operation protocol on this issue.

The protocol on transboundary elephant conservation signed on Thursday is an outstanding achievement for the protection of migratory elephants considered critically endangered species in Bangladesh.

This is to be noted that recently the Asian elephants have been declared migratory under the Convention of Migratory Species.

This is an opportunity for collaboration among countries sharing elephant habitat.

However, the protocol will enable both Bangladesh and India to conserve the trans-boundary habitat of elephants and magnificent large mammals.

The IUCN welcomes the landmark initiative.

Raquibul Amin spoke to Sadiqur Rahman over the phone. Raquibul Amin is the Country Representative of IUCN