Once famed for its spacious roads and colonial buildings, Gendaria in Old Dhaka has witnessed a profound transformation over the last 50 years. The neighborhood, now congested and filled with high-rise structures, has lost not only its architectural grandeur but also its once-thriving wildlife.
In the midst of modernization and infrastructural development, Gendaria residents used to uphold a unique heritage—caring for troops of free-ranging rhesus macaques that considered the area their home. However, the number of these monkeys has dramatically decreased, signaling a concerning shift in the local ecosystem.
For centuries, Gendaria locals nurtured a harmonious relationship with these monkeys, offering them food and care. However, radical changes in the last two decades, including the departure of old families and the rise of massive high-rises, have disrupted the macaques’ sources of food and shelter.
Sadhana Aushadhalaya’s factory stands as one of the last refuges for these monkeys. Established in 1914, the factory has continued the legacy of providing space and sustenance for the remaining monkeys. Despite challenges, employees are dedicated to maintaining this connection with nature.
Apart from the diminishing macaque population, Dhaka, despite its urban sprawl, once hosted various wildlife species, contributing to a balanced urban ecosystem. However, due to habitat loss and food source depletion, many of these animals are now rarely seen.
Frogs, efficient controllers of mosquitoes, have witnessed a decline due to water pollution caused by industrial waste and pesticide use. Even though tadpoles were released into water bodies in 2021 to control mosquito larvae, the overall decline of frogs has ecological consequences.
The mongoose, once kept as a pet to control rat and snake populations, is also facing challenges. The disappearing green spaces in the city limit their ability to find suitable habitats for burrowing.
Bird species, such as the house swift, once abundant in Dhaka, are now scarce due to the rapid destruction of greenery and nesting spaces. Aquatic birds, like cormorants and fish eagles, have lost their habitats as rivers become polluted and encroached upon.
Urbanization without consideration for wildlife habitats has led to the decline of various species. Experts emphasize the need for careful urban planning, conservation of natural habitats, and the creation of green spaces to preserve existing species and restore lost ecological balance in Dhaka.
