Protect Endangered Eagles in Bangladesh

Reporting Period: (March 2024 – August 2024)

Organization: Green Fundi Initiative (GFI-), New York, USA

Local Partner in Bangladesh: Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation and Social Services Centre (BCSSC).

1. Introduction

The "Save Pallas's Fish Eagle" project is a collaborative initiative between the Green Fund Initiative and the Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation and Social Services Centre (BCSSC). Launched in March 2024, the project aims to protect and conserve the Pallas's Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus), a vulnerable species under threat due to habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbances in Bangladesh. This progress report outlines the key activities, achievements, and challenges encountered during the implementation of the project to date.

2. Project Objectives

• Indentification and Conservation of Key Habitats: Protect and restore critical habitats essential for the survival of Pallas's Fish Eagle.
• Community Engagement: Raise awareness and involve local communities in the conservation efforts to ensure sustainable practices.
• Research and Monitoring: Conduct research and monitor the population trends of Pallas's Fish Eagle to inform conservation strategies.
• Policy Advocacy: Advocate for stronger legal protections and enforcement measures to prevent illegal activities impacting the species.

3. Key Activities and Achievements

3.1 Rescue and Protection

The Green Fund Initiative (GFI) and its partner in Bangladesh, BCSSC, successfully rescued a total of 06 eagles and 02 eaglets that had fallen from their nests. Most of the rescued eagles were initially captured by local residents who called our designated hotline numbers for assistance. GFI-BCSSC volunteers, along with local Forest Department officials, responded promptly, rescuing the eagles from various locations and bringing them to our conservation area for first aid and rehabilitation. After receiving the necessary care, the eagles were released back into the wild. The eaglets had fallen from their nests during a storm and were also rescued by the volunteers, who provided care and eventually rehabilitated them back into their natural habitat.

3.2 Community Engagement

• Awareness Campaigns: The project has conducted multiple awareness campaigns, reaching over 500 school children and 100 community members. These campaigns focus on the importance of preserving habitat and the role of Pallas's Fish Eagle in maintaining ecological balance.
• Training Workshops: Local community members have been trained in sustainable practices and habitat management to reduce the impact of human activities on the eagle’s habitat.

3.3 Research and Monitoring
No formal research activities have been conducted yet due to funding limitations. However, regular monitoring is being carried out by our volunteers and community groups.

3.4 Policy Advocacy
We are actively collaborating with the Forest Department to initiate policy activities. However, no concrete outcomes have been achieved at this stage.

4. Challenges

• Human-Wildlife Conflict: One of the significant challenges encountered is the conflict between local communities and wildlife, particularly concerning fishing practices. Efforts are ongoing to find a balance between conservation and livelihoods.
• Climate Change: Changing climate patterns are affecting the availability of suitable nesting sites and prey for Pallas's Fish Eagle, posing a long-term challenge to the species' survival.
• Resource Constraints: Limited funding and resources have restricted the scope of some planned activities, particularly in remote areas where access is difficult.

6. Conclusion

The "Save Pallas's Fish Eagle" project has made significant progress in its mission to conserve this vulnerable species in Bangladesh. Through a combination of habitat restoration, community engagement, research, and policy advocacy, the project is laying a strong foundation for the long-term survival of Pallas's Fish Eagle. Continued support and collaboration with local partners like BCSSC will be crucial to overcoming the challenges ahead and ensuring the success of this important conservation initiative.

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This progress report highlights the achievements and ongoing efforts of the Green Fund Initiative and BCSSC in protecting the Pallas's Fish Eagle in Bangladesh. Further updates will be provided as the project continues to develop.

Links:

• https://greenfundi.org/birds-and-wildlife/