As the sun peeks over the horizon, casting its golden light upon the passenger ship terminal at Hatiya, a team of conservationists eagerly prepares to embark on a unique adventure.
Our destination? Nijhum Dweep National Park, the last remaining wintering ground for the globally endangered Indian skimmers in Bangladesh. The journey begins in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s bustling capital, where the team of four boards a flight bound for Nijhum Dweep. Upon arrival, we are greeted by the sprawling coastal mudflats and mangrove forests that make up this important bird and biodiversity area.
Our mission? To study the foraging ecology of the Indian skimmers and conserve their wintering ground. Despite the challenges of wading through knee-deep mud and navigating the vast delta of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system, our team is able to cope with the difficulties.
The quest to locate the Indian skimmers commenced in earnest. Month after month, we scoured the park, our eyes peeled for any sign of these elusive birds. November brought a quick glimmer of success — our team spotted two individuals, only to see them vanish the very next day. Undeterred, we pressed on, exploring every nook and cranny of the park and beyond. As the search continued, we extended our reach to potential new habitats within the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta including Nijhum Dweep National Park. Our team, bolstered by local community members, remained vigilant, monitoring field sites for any hint of the skimmers’ presence.
But our mission extended beyond mere observation. It was a quest for conservation– engaging with local communities, raising awareness, and educating the next generation.
Through film screenings and interactive talks, and hands-on training sessions, we inspired coastal communities and empowered school children about the importance of conserving the Indian skimmers and their habitats.
The response from the community was overwhelming, with students expressing a keen interest in conserving Indian skimmers population and their habitats. Additionally, schoolchildren, fascinated by tales of the skimmers unique foraging techniques, expressed a desire to witness their beauty firsthand. Their enthusiasm fueled the team’s determination to protect this unique species and its fragile habitat.
None of this exploration or education would have been possible without the unwavering support of Conservation Nation. Conservation Nation’s grant and support fuels our efforts to conserve this globally threatened species and its habitat in Bangladesh.
For in the mudflats of Nijhum Dweep National Park lies not only the endangered Indian skimmers, but also the promise of a brighter future for all who call this delicate ecosystem home. As we wrap up “Part One” of our journey, stay tuned for more updates as our quest for conservation continues!
