In a groundbreaking conservation effort, Asia witnesses its first-ever release of crocodiles equipped with satellite transmitters into a river. Sri Lankan crocodile expert Dr. Ru Somaweera and Australia’s Dr. Paul, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Forest Department and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), spearheaded this initiative.
The crocodiles, Juliet and Madhu, both saltwater crocodiles, were outfitted with satellite transmitters before their release into the Bhadra River in the Sundarbans. These remarkable creatures were sourced from the Karamjal breeding center and Michael Madhusudan Dutt’s village home.
Dr. Abu Naser Mahasin Hossain, divisional forest officer of the Sundarbans West Forest Division, affirmed the endeavor’s significance, noting that it will provide crucial insights into crocodile movements and survival rates.
The program commenced with the release of one crocodile in the evening, followed by another at 9 pm, as confirmed by Howladar Azad Kabir, officer-in-charge of the Karamjal Wild Animal Breeding Centre.
The release ceremony was attended by key figures including Muhammad Nurul Karim, divisional forest officer of Sundarban East Forest Division, Dr. Abu Naser Mahasin Hossain, Nirmal Kumar Pal, divisional forest officer of Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division, and Sarwar Alam, country director of IUCN.
This monumental event marks a significant stride in crocodile conservation efforts, shedding light on their behavior and contributing to their long-term protection in the Sundarbans.
