The New Nation - Internet Edition

Dulahazara Safari Park is the only Safari Park in Bangladesh. The nature of the forest is tropical evergreen and rich with different types of floral and faunal composition. It is located far from 107 km south of Cox’s-Bazar-Chittagong highway eastern side of Chakaria Upazila of Cox’s Bazar District (21039’- 21043’ N and 72002’-92007’ E). It was established as Dulahazara Deer Breeding Centre in 1965 with 60.7 ha of land. The Dulahazara safari park area was declared by the government and manage by the permanent boundary. The Dulahazara and Herguja block of Cox’s-bazar Dulahazara forest were started from 2000 in 300 hactres. After few days rest of 600 hactres were included and bounded permanently. Total area of this safari park is 900 hactres.

As a most beautiful and famous tourist spot of Bangladesh, the major source of economy of Cox's- Bazar is tourism. Millions of foreigners and Bangladeshi natives visit this coastal city every year. Dulahazara Safari Park is one of the biggest place of ecotourism of Cox's-Bazar. At present about approximately 1,00,000 Visitors come here every year. The eco-tourism creates opportunities in areas having unique features or attributes in natural scenic beauty, wildlife and wilderness. Local communities have maximum opportunities to be benefited from the eco-tourism. By and large Bangladesh has tremendous potentialities of development of eco-tourism opportunities in the country, as there are numerous sites like as Dulahazara Safari Park.

The climate of Bangladesh is mostly determined by its location in the tropical monsoon region: high temperature, heavy rainfall, excessive humidity, distinct seasonal variations and wind circulation. The annual average temperature in Cox's-Bazar remains at about a maximum of 34.8 °C and a minimum of 16.1 °C. The average amount of rainfall remains at 4,285 mm.

Faunal composition of this safari park:

The sanctuary itself protects a large number of wild elephants which are native to the area. In the safari park there are domesticated elephants which are available for a ride. Other animal attractions include- a. Mammals: Tiger, Lion, Barking Hog Deer, Deer, Langur, Jungle Cat, Rhesus Monkey, Slow Loris, Gayal, Samber b. Birds: Cattle egret, Great Hornbill, Koel, Pigmy wood pecker, Common Kingfisher, Bhahminy Kite, White breasted waterhen, Brown fish Owl, Barn Owl c. Amphibians: Indian bull Frog, Green Frog, Cricket Frog, Chinese Frog, Toad d. Reptiles: Marsh Crocodile, Clawtailed turtle ,Bostami Kasim, Rock Python, Grey Indian Monitor, Gharial, Cobra etc.

Floral diversity:

a. Tall trees: Bahera, Chapalish, Bot, Shimul, Gharjon, Shil Koroi b. Medium & small trees: Domur, Sonalo, Jharul, Chalta, Horitoci, Amloki, Hergaja, Mahagoni c. Shrubby plants: Lata Babul, Banana, Datmajon, Khanchan, Boro Lajjaboti d. Climber: Essarmol, Boro Komari lota e. Ephiphyte: Pug pepul, Rusna, Porgasa f. Bamboo: Muli, Kalisari g. Canes: Jali bath, Vuthum bath, Karath bath h. Grass: Congrass, Fuljar, Kas i. Orchids: Jibonti, Rusna,Cattleya etc.

There are 8 water reservoirs and 2 artificial lakes which help to fulfill the water and fish demand of wild animals for their survival in this park like forest. This Dulahazara nature history museum is one of the milestone for the development and conservation of wild life. There are many birds, wild animals and fishes are now naturally found in this Dulahazara park. Many marine chordates and non-chordate animals are specially taken here for conservation annd enrichment the value of ecotourism. Climatic condition, geological location, soil structure, flora and faunal composition remain in this natural forest help to the tourists, teachers, students, researchers to get clear concept about endemic wild animals and it’s relational point with our existence. The park has got attention as a recreational spot for general mass of the people and for the biologists it is one of the educational spot as well. The area has become now between a safari park and a zoo.

Lacking of establishing conservational ecotourism in Bangladesh:

Absence of wildlife management ignition of the government and wildlife specialized resource in wild life circle like FRI, FC, Lack of co-operation between government agencies, NGO’s and universities and wildlife management plan and policy, Problems of forest, eco-park, safari park management and administration are often variable. They involve both major and minor complications. In recent years, however, political and vested interests dominating the various strata as of rural and urban societies have multiplied problems and rendered the forester’s task more refractory. These impose more exacting demands on his discretion and activity. Limited numbers of executive and protection staffs have been made by DFOs to assume wildlife duties and the DFOs have their own activities, so they get little scope for serving wildlife. At this time, the authority has take steps to improve this safari park as an International tourist place. In the mean time the authority had made some projects to development of these areas. The areas will be formed in this way that it can play a great role in our country’s tourism.

Following steps can be taken for development of ecotourism in this area:

1. Management of forest areas involves theoretical and practical expertise, which are to be practiced by trained foresters.

2. Taking sustainable management policy and law.

3. All information regard these should be recorded carefully by the officials and the government.

4. All division should be independent.

5. Specialized person should be employed in these management.

6. Extend and develop the existing facilities for this safari park.

7. Creates recreational facilities and Conserve and develop the endangered wild animals.

8. Improvement and extension of existing wildlife breeding center.

9. Increasing opportunities for eco-tourism, education and research.

Government should sincere to fulfill the needs of this park. It is not only the work of Government itself. It is also the headache of all people of Bangladesh. Nothing is possible without public participation. So, all of us should work together to build up a beautiful and sustainable environment and environmental friendly ecotourism venue for the future generation and a source of revenues for Bangladesh.

The above is a compilation from studies of different sources and expressed views are writer’s personal opinions.

(Ashraful Alam is Research coordinator, Society for Environment and Nature Study (SENS), Dept. of Environmental Science and Resource Management Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Sontosh, Tangail)