In a bid to help develop a sanctuary for different species of birds, the Dinajpur district administration has kept nearly 5,000 earthen pots hanging from trees of Shalbon in Nababganj upzila of the district. More pots would be hung from trees to help the birds lay eggs safely. Birds play a key role in conserving crops by destroying harmful insects. The insects are the principal staple food of the birds and their babies, our correspondents say quoting local conservationists and bird lovers. Residents of Nababganj have welcomed the initiative. The Nababganj upazila administration has urged all to come forward to protect the birds with this noble initiative of theirs.

The vast Shalban stretches across Jagannathpur, Harilyakhur, Baro Jalalpur, Rasulpur and Khatkhia Moujas. Bulbul Ahmed, a leader of the Bangladesh Exotic Bird Conservation Association, welcomed the initiative. He said this is the correct step to help conserve the birds in the area, allowing them to raise their chicks and be protected from all hazards in their infancy.

Choosing the vast dark forest is the appropriate place for developing a bird sanctuary, he added, citing their experience in raising exotic birds in earthen pitchers with straw beds inside for the chicks to get the comfort and warmth to develop. The high necks of pitchers shield them from rain, winds, heat and birds of prey and other predators. This was essential for raising them, with their parents feeding them with insects at the initial stage until they could fly and feed on their own.

Bulbul recalled teaching this technique to youths in Bogra years ago to supplement their efforts to maintain a bird sanctuary in a village there. That helped the chicks grow up protected. The increase in the number of birds also helped

farmers cut their costs in raising crops shielded from pest attacks. Birds feed on the insects and cut cost of crops without using much pesticides.  

Bulbul said the effort by the Nababganj administration would certainly bear fruit as the birds growing up there would feed on the insects around in the forest and croplands.

Md Mashiur Rahman, Nababganj upzila nirbahi officer (UNO), told The Indepent yesterday that he was happy to see his efforts are showing results by adding to the bird population in Salban. It is a national park with an area of about 13,500 acres, providing sanctuary to birds and other species.

The park is well protected by forest guards and inhabited only by tall Sal trees, birds and animals. So, the forest provides and ideal safe habitat for them, he added.