AL MARUF
Long ago, forest goats freely wandered the hilly, mixed evergreen forests of the Chittagong and Sylhet divisions. Due to the rise in hunting and deforestation, their population became endangered, significantly decreasing in numbers. Approximately half of their habitat has been lost in the past three to four decades. In 2011, two forest goats were rescued from a private zoo in Moulvibazar and later housed at Dulahazra Safari Park. Upon receiving the news, I promptly visited the location on July 15th and captured some photographs. In 2006, I encountered and captured images of wild goats at the Royal Dusit Zoo in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital. In 2011, I had the opportunity to interact with a forest goat at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park in Dula Hazara, Cox’s Bazar, which allowed me to understand its wild nature. Ever since, I have been receiving updates about spotting them occasionally in Chittagong and Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The ‘Creative Conservation Alliance’ (CCA) is committed to enhancing the quality of life of the local Mro or Murang people in the remote Sangu-Matamuhuri valley of Bandarban while also working towards conserving wildlife and their habitats. In 2017, forest goats were initially observed in Bandarban through camera trapping. In 2020, para biologists from CCA explored the remote Yongnong neighbourhood of Matamuhuri Reserve Forest in Kurukpata Union of Alikadam Upazila. They discovered a rare herbivorous baby animal named ‘Niya’ tied up in Murong. Murongra was considering selling the child. The CCA members opposed this and turned to Chief Executive Officer Shahriar Caesar Rahman. They later managed to rescue the child with assistance from the forest department.
During August of this year, in the Rajkandi reserve forest of Moulvibazar, Snehaspad Muntasi Akash, an assistant professor of zoology at Dhaka University, used a camera trap to photograph forest goats with their babies. The research was conducted with the support of the Sufal Small Innovation Grant from the Bangladesh Forest Department.
December 26, 2023, saw BGB members collaborating with local residents to rescue a reddish-brown mammal from the Dhulara BGB camp area of Sakthiarkhala Bonbit of Biswambharpur Upazila of Sunamganj. The animal was then handed over to officials from the Sunamganj Forest Department. The Sunamganj Forest Department transported it by truck to the Sylhet divisional office. They were taken to the Jankichhara Wildlife Rescue Centre of Lauachhara National Park in Srimangal, Moulvibazar district, that night.
The following day, at noon, the animal was transported to the Rajkandi Reserve Forest in Kamalganj by the Moulvibazar Forest Division with assistance from members of ‘Stand for Our Endangered Wildlife (CU’), a wildlife rescue organisation in Srimangal. However, it was not left there and was brought back to Jankichara due to unavoidable circumstances. Many firmly believe an unseen force was attempting to relocate the rare animal to the safari park. Thanks to the dedication of CU members and Moulvibazar forest department officials, the leopard was successfully returned to the Rajkandi Reserve forest and released in the evening. I hope the animal will make it there.
The forest goat I mentioned earlier is a rare and endangered mammal species in this country. In English, they are also called the forest goats or mountain goats: serow, red serow, or Mainland serow. Capricornis rubidus (Capricornis rubidus) is the scientific name of the animal belonging to the Bovidae family. Forest goats are found in several South and Southeast Asian countries, including Bangladesh.
Forest goats are significantly larger than domestic goats in size and weight. The tall goat is characterised by its large head, elongated face, and thick neck. The erect and pointed ears resemble those of a donkey. It is 23 to 25 cm long and features two black backwards curved horns and a prominent front eye. Agabade displays a ring-like structure on the remainder of the horn. Powerful lower body Both genders appear very similar. It measures between 1.0 and 1.1 metres in length. The ideal weight range for males is between 70 and 75 kg, while for females, it is between 50 and 55 kg. The rough and long reddish-brown fur covers the body. The tail resembles that of the native goat but is covered in hair. The fur surrounding the eyes and the hooves is white. The hoofs are a deep shade of black.
They reside hidden away on steep, rocky hills blanketed with thick grass. Capable of thriving at altitudes of up to 2700 metres. Roams solo or in small clusters on the steep slopes of mountains. Their narrow passageways make it challenging for animals other than reptiles to move through. Similar to goats, they are herbivores and ruminants. Typically, it wanders during the early morning and evening hours. It typically consumes grass, young bamboo leaves, and algae found on rocks. He spends his days resting and eating beneath the large stones of the mountain peaks or inside caves. They sometimes perch on the hilltop to watch for any signs of danger.
Their breeding season occurs from October to November. Following 8 to 9 months of gestation, the wildebeest delivers a cub in a mountain cave or rock crevice. We do not have any details regarding their lifespan. At present, the exact count in this nation remains to be discovered. It’s easy to envision that the number is deficient. If appropriate actions are not implemented promptly for their preservation, there is a risk that the endangered animal will vanish shortly.
On December 27 last year, the forest goat was set free in the Rajkandi reserved forest area of Kamalganj upazila in Moulvibazar. Rajkandi is a protected area. However, there is an unrestricted movement of people within it.
There are gardens filled with betel leaves, lemon trees, and more. I strongly believe in the importance of conserving the entire forest. Craving for goat meat May the forest goat find its way. The government, forest department, and people must collaborate and work together. It is essential for the survival of wild goats and other animals in their natural habitat. Our environment will be enhanced, leading to our enrichment.