**4.2 Reptiles**

A total of 30 species of turtles and tortoises, 35 species of lizards, 80 species of snakes, 2 species of crocodiles, and 1 gharial species has been reported from Bangladesh [16]. Forests of the country harbor 110 species of reptiles, of which 98 species are exclusively restricted to the different types of forest. About 38% reptiles of the country are threatened under different categories (**Figure 5**). Marsh crocodile (*Crocodylus porosus*) has been extinct from the wild. Gharial (*Gavialis gangeticus*) is at the brink of extinction and has been categorized as "critically

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**Figure 5.**

*Forest Biodiversity and Deforestation in Bangladesh: The Latest Update*

of conservation threats and categorized as "endangered" [16].

*The latest threat status of amphibians in Bangladesh (percent value, N = 50).*

*Latest threat status of reptiles in Bangladesh (percent value, N = 147).*

endangered." Salt water crocodile (*Crocodylus palustris*) is also facing different kinds

About 87% turtle species are threatened, of which 14 species are "critically endangered" and 4 species are "endangered" and "vulnerable" each. Larger-sized turtles and tortoises are more vulnerable to local consumption for meat and are victim of illegal trade. Large snakes (e.g., pythons and boas) and venomous snakes (e.g., cobras) are also threatened due to illegal trade for skin and venom. Reticulated python (*Malayopython reticulatus*), Burmese python (*Python bivittatus*), monocled cobra (*Naja kaouthia*), spectacled cobra (*Naja naja*), and king cobra (*Ophiophagus hannah*) are frequently associated with illegal trade and are threatened with various

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86242*

categories [16].

**Figure 4.**

#### *Forest Biodiversity and Deforestation in Bangladesh: The Latest Update DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86242*

*Forest Degradation Around the World*

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**4.2 Reptiles**

**Figure 3.**

A total of 30 species of turtles and tortoises, 35 species of lizards, 80 species of snakes, 2 species of crocodiles, and 1 gharial species has been reported from Bangladesh [16]. Forests of the country harbor 110 species of reptiles, of which 98 species are exclusively restricted to the different types of forest. About 38% reptiles of the country are threatened under different categories (**Figure 5**). Marsh crocodile (*Crocodylus porosus*) has been extinct from the wild. Gharial (*Gavialis gangeticus*) is at the brink of extinction and has been categorized as "critically

*Major forest types of Bangladesh with distinct wildlife species (Source: [9]).*

endangered." Salt water crocodile (*Crocodylus palustris*) is also facing different kinds of conservation threats and categorized as "endangered" [16].

About 87% turtle species are threatened, of which 14 species are "critically endangered" and 4 species are "endangered" and "vulnerable" each. Larger-sized turtles and tortoises are more vulnerable to local consumption for meat and are victim of illegal trade. Large snakes (e.g., pythons and boas) and venomous snakes (e.g., cobras) are also threatened due to illegal trade for skin and venom. Reticulated python (*Malayopython reticulatus*), Burmese python (*Python bivittatus*), monocled cobra (*Naja kaouthia*), spectacled cobra (*Naja naja*), and king cobra (*Ophiophagus hannah*) are frequently associated with illegal trade and are threatened with various categories [16].

**Figure 4.** *The latest threat status of amphibians in Bangladesh (percent value, N = 50).*

**Figure 5.** *Latest threat status of reptiles in Bangladesh (percent value, N = 147).*

**Figure 6.** *The latest threat status of birds in Bangladesh (percent value, N = 566).*

#### **4.3 Birds**

Bangladesh harbors a total of 566 species of birds [16]. A large number of birds (19 species) have already been extinct from the country, and currently 68 species of birds are facing conservation threats of various kinds (**Figure 6**). Among the regionally extinct birds, seven species were forest dwellers, six species were from grasslands and bamboo tickets, and five species were wetland birds. Terrestrial birds are more likely to face greater threats of extinction. Size and weight were another important factor for their extinction. Among extinct birds, 11 species were large sized, e.g., spot-billed pelican (*Pelecanus philippensis*), greater adjutant (*Leptoptilos dubius*), sarus crane (*Antigone antigone*), white-bellied heron (*Ardea insignis*), Indian peafowl (*Pavo cristatus*), and green peafowl (*Pavo muticus*) [16].

Out of the 10 species of critically endangered birds of Bangladesh, eight species are migratory, and other two species are resident. Survival of migratory birds in Bangladesh mostly depends on the health status of the migratory bird habitats. Two species of critically endangered migratory birds, spoon-billed sandpiper (*Calidris pygmaea*) and Indian skimmer (*Rynchops albicollis*), are only found in two isolated coastal sites in southern Bangladesh, and their survival is greatly dependent on the habitat protection [16]. The causes of declining population of critically endangered white-rumped vulture (*Gyps bengalensis*) are mostly related to the use of a lethal veterinary drug "diclofenac" in Bangladesh [28].

#### **4.4 Mammals**

Bangladesh is the home of 127 species of mammals [16], 10 species of primates, 27 species of rodents, and 29 species of bats; the Asian elephant and the Bengal tiger are the most notable species. Forests of Bangladesh are the home of 86 species of mammals, of which 60 species are fully restricted to forests. Eleven species of mammals have already been extinct from the country. The extinct species are mostly large mammals, and principal causes of their extinction were uncontrolled hunting and habitat loss. The existing large mammals of Bangladesh are facing continuous pressure of extinction threats. About 40% mammals of the country are threatened, and 33% are data deficient (**Figure 7**). Nineteen species of mammals are "critically endangered," and many of them are at the brink of extinction, e.g., long-tailed macaque (*Macaca fascicularis*), hog

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*Forest Biodiversity and Deforestation in Bangladesh: The Latest Update*

deer (*Axis porcinus*), sambar deer (*Rusa unicolor*), gaur (*Bos gaurus*), Malayan sun bear (*Helarctos malayanus*), Eurasian otter (*Lutra lutra*), clouded leopard (*Neofelis nebulosa*),

Like most other developing countries, Bangladesh is facing different kinds of threats to the forest and its wildlife. With accelerating economic development and the growing population, it is easily understandable that many of these threats will intensify in future leaving a huge challenge for conservation professionals [5, 10, 29]. Some of the major threats are important to discuss which have been summarized below.

Hunting and poaching is one of the major threats for wildlife species in Bangladesh especially for the game species. Wild animals are hunted illegally either for local consumption for meat and trophies or for international trade. Poachers usually target animals that are in high demand in illegal market. Tigers are killed for the hide as well as other body parts to be used in traditional Chinese medicine. Other smaller cats are also poached for their hides. Deer are hunted for meat and skin, whereas elephants are killed for the ivory. Turtles and tortoises are poached for meat and demand in pet markets. Many birds like hill myna, parrots, and sunbirds have a great demand in illegal pet markets. Python skin and snake venom have also

Illegal wildlife trade is one of the most serious threats to wild animals in the region, and Bangladesh is no exception. For its geographic location, being

leopard (*Panthera pardus*), and Indian pangolin (*Manis crassicaudata*) [16].

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86242*

**5. Threats to the forest and wildlife**

*Threat status of mammals in Bangladesh (percent value, N = 127).*

high demand in illegal markets [4, 30, 31].

*5.1.2 Local and international trade*

**5.1 Direct threats**

**Figure 7.**

*5.1.1 Hunting and poaching*

*Forest Biodiversity and Deforestation in Bangladesh: The Latest Update DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86242*

**Figure 7.** *Threat status of mammals in Bangladesh (percent value, N = 127).*

deer (*Axis porcinus*), sambar deer (*Rusa unicolor*), gaur (*Bos gaurus*), Malayan sun bear (*Helarctos malayanus*), Eurasian otter (*Lutra lutra*), clouded leopard (*Neofelis nebulosa*), leopard (*Panthera pardus*), and Indian pangolin (*Manis crassicaudata*) [16].
