Photo : Messenger
World Animal Day will be observed in Bangladesh today as elsewhere across the globe. The day is observed to improve the condition of animals through their welfare in every part of the world. Observance of the Day started with the aim of raising awareness among people to protect the animals of the world. The role of animals is very important in sustaining the human food chain. Animals are a precious gift of God. The word 'animal' refers not only to animals, but to all living things including birds, insects, plants, fungi and even microscopic animals.
Animals are very important in maintaining a healthy ecological balance in this world. Each animal has a unique place in the food chain, which makes a special contribution to regulating the ecosystem. But now many animals and birds are endangered. Absence of any one animal in this earth's ecosystem can disrupt the entire ecosystem. Many believe that this may have an additional impact on people on Earth. So, we should give every animal a chance to grow up properly and roam free. Observing the World Animal Day started to spread this awareness.
> When is World Animal Day?
World Animal Day has been decided to be observed internationally by keeping in mind the right of all the animals on earth to grow and reproduce properly. To celebrate animal welfare and rights World Animal Day is celebrated on 4th October every year.
> History of World Animal Day and Different Wildlife:
World Animal Day was first published by a German writer and publisher named Heinrich Zimmermann in a magazine called Man and Dog. He first celebrated this day on March 24, 1925 at the Berlin Sport Palace in Germany. More than 5 thousand people participated there.
This day was observed for the first time in 1929 on October 4. At first, he only had followers on this day in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Czechoslovakia. Zimmerman has worked tirelessly to popularize World Animal Day. Finally, in 1931 at the International Animal Welfare Congress held in Florence, Italy, October 4 was recognised as the World Animal Day.
Today, World Animal Day has become a global event. The UK-based animal welfare charity has been leading and sponsoring the event since 2003. According to the official World Animal Day website, the day's mission is to improve the welfare of animals around the world. Celebrating World Animal Day unites the animal welfare movement, strengthening it internationally to make the world a better place for every living thing. The day is celebrated in different ways in different countries irrespective of caste, religion, creed or political ideology. Bangladesh is home to many species of animals and birds. According to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN-2000), the country has about 22 species of amphibians, 109 species of reptiles, 388 species of birds and 110 species of mammals.
According to a survey of the environmentalist organization “Sabuj Andolan”, at least 300 species of animals have disappeared in the last 200 years. 150 species of wild animals, 13 species of vertebrates, 47 species of native birds, 8 species of amphibians, 63 species of reptiles and 10 species of mammals have become extinct. Apart from this, there are 43 endangered species of mammals. These animals live in different parts of the country. Wildlife benefits humans in many ways. There are some wildlife in this country, which benefit the environment and humans. Some such animals are-
Earthworms: Earthworms usually live in burrows in the upper layer of soft and moist soil. They mainly feed on rotting leaves mixed with the soil, insect eggs, larvae, dead insect bodies and various organic elements. Earthworms excrete chemicals by excreting earthworms to create 'earthworm compost'. Since this fertilizer is eco-friendly and low in cost, its use is very positive for the environment.
Frogs: Frogs are very important in protecting the balance of the environment. Frogs increase crop production by eating harmful insects. Frogs are middle level animals in the food chain. Frogs control diseases such as dengue, smallpox, cholera, typhoid, anthrax and malaria by eating hundreds of disease-carrying insects. Frogs are also able to predict earthquakes. There are about 63 species of frogs in Bangladesh.
Sparrows: Sparrows mainly eat numerous insects. Especially insect larvae, mites or mealybugs, which disrupt crop production. Sparrows protect the crop from the harmful attacks of these insects and help in increasing its production.
Vulture: Vulture has a special identity. It is called nature's cleaner. Vultures protect us from diseases and germs by eating various kinds of rotten garbage. They are not birds of prey, but only eat dead animals. Day by day this useful bird is disappearing due to ignorance and negligence of people.
Bolta: Bolta is also called Vimrul. They destroy the eggs of harmful moths. Bollworms lay their eggs in the larvae of other insects, and the bollworms that hatch from those eggs feed on the larvae of other insects. Bolta helps a lot in controlling agricultural pests.
Bees: Bees are a well-known beneficial insect. They are basically small and industrious. We get wax and honey from bees. Bees are caged and farmed to produce honey, which contributes to our economic development.
Apart from making candles from wax, honey is used in the preparation of various medicines and cosmetics such as snow, cold cream, shaving cream. Bees increase the yield and quality of agricultural and forest plants by pollinating flowers and play an important role in conserving biodiversity.
At present, over-exploitation of natural resources, wildlife poaching, lack of adequate conservation, cyclones and climate change impacts are destroying wildlife habitats, resulting in many species becoming extinct.
According to the Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh, about half of the 1,600 species of vertebrates are threatened due to habitat destruction. Rhinoceros, nilgai, striped hyena, wild buffalo, peacock, hargila, water crocodile, water deer etc. are currently extinct animals in Bangladesh.
Also, Royal Bengal Tiger, Elephant, Vulture, Cheetah, Cheetah, Banrui, Bangaru, Striped Squirrel, Sambar Deer, Black Bear etc. are now endangered. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 30 to 40 percent of all wildlife species may become extinct in the next few decades if conservation efforts are not improved.
Finally, the day has a special significance in promoting the dignity and welfare of animals and above all in making the world a livable place for all animals. As more than 60 percent of the world's diseases are caused by animals, therefore it is possible to avoid these diseases by being aware of animals. And for this reason, we must be aware of animals and take initiatives to protect them. Everyone should do more to keep the animals in the right environment and take care of them and considering the climate and the overall environment. It is very important for Bangladesh to observe the day and to realize the greatness of the day and take various steps.
The writer, an author, columnist and researcher, is founder and chairman of Jatiya Rogi Kallyan Society
Messenger/Disha
