Nature and Life - Episode 197 (Bhawal National Park)
The Bhawal National Park is sited in Gazipur district about 40 km. north from the capital city, Dhaka.
The traditional flora and fauna are being conserved here in a natural environment.
Besides, this Park is a source of entertainment for thousands of visitors.
The Bhawal forest was declared as a National Park in 1982.
The total area of the park is about 5 thousand hectares.
The soil of this area is slightly acidic.
Moreover, due to the presence of Iron and Aluminium the soil looks reddish or yellowish.
The soil of this park is somewhat rough due to insufficient rainfall.
So, the ecosystem of this park is little different.
A diversified ecosystem has emerged here due to the presence of Sal trees.
The park losses its beauty in the winter as these trees shed leaves in winter.
The ground covers with the dry leaves.
New leaves grow again after the winter.
The whole park becomes green again.
Beside the Sal trees, different species of plants like- Golden Shower, Cotton tree, Albizia tree, Indian Gooseberry, Horitoki, Arjun, Giant Crape-myrtle, etc. are in seen here.
The shrubs and herbs make the forest green.
Varity of wild flowers are seen blooming in here.
The climber plants are seen very commonly in the Bhawal National Park.
These plants spirally grow on the large trees.
Various species of wildlife take shelter on these trees.
Most of them are birds.
The Leafbirds, Barbets, Owls, Woodpeckers, Bee-eaters, Weavers, Parakeets etc. are the most notable birds of this park.
Except these, some other known bird species can also be seen in here.
Presence of these birds make the Park colorful and resonant.
Some mammals are available in this park.
The monkey is the notable mammal of this park.
They are often seen foraging for feeding in the trails of the Park.
The Jackals, Porcupines and Squirrels are also seen in here.
An artificial lake has been made for the beautification of the park and entertainment.
For this reason, the Bhawal ecosystem is rich with the aquatic biodiversity.
Different species of amphibians are found in this lake.
They can also be seen throughout the Park.
This park is a safe home to various reptiles.
Skinks, Monitor Lizards, Keelbacks, Cobras, Rat snakes etc. are the significant reptiles of this Park.
This diversified wildlife is the life of this park.
Their presence has enriched the ecosystem of the Park.
To conserve some endangered species, the Turtle Breeding Center has been built in here.
Some endangered species of turtles along with the critically endangered River Terrapin are being conserved and bred in here successfully.
A mini Zoo has been built in here for entertainment.
Here the herd of the deer fascinates everyone.
The Bangabandhu Safari Park has been built beside the park for observing the indigenous and exotic wildlife species.
This is one of the unique animal kingdoms of the country.
The wildlife roam here freely in the natural environment surrounded by large fences.
There are different fences for Tiger, Lion, Deer, Zebra, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Elephant and various colorful birds.
The visitors can observe the animals very easily.
Moving around by riding car inside the Safari Park is both thrilling and enjoying.
Along with this, it creates biodiversity conservation awareness among the visitors.
The Bangabandhu Safari Park is also playing role in conserving the biodiversity of the Bhawal region.
But the natural balance of the Bhawal National Park is being disturbed day by day.
Huge human population is mainly impacting negatively on the ecosystem of the Park.
Deforestation, expansion of agricultural lands, land acquisition, building infrastructures and wildlife hunting is increasing continuously.
The wildlife is going extinct from here due to lack of habitats.
So, the overall ecosystem of the Park is not in good condition at all.
If our destructive works continues like this, the remaining wildlife will go extinct from here as like as the Tiger and Peacock.
So, to keep the natural balance of the Bhawal NP, apt initiatives have to be taken.
Initiatives have to be taken to conserve the biodiversity by preventing deforestation.
Only then our traditional Bhawal National Park will sustain.